Corey Harbison / Tribune file photo
CULLMAN – As we near the June 5 primary election, The Tribune is sitting down with all of the candidates voters will see of their ballots. In this installment, we hear from Rep. Corey Harbison, R-Good Hope, who serves District 12. Harbison is a Good Hope native who, after attending Wallace State and graduating from Athens State, returned to serve as mayor of that city. He is completing his first term in the State House of Representatives. Harbison is being challenged in the primary election by Alex Chaney.
What led you to Montgomery in the first place?
“I have always enjoyed public service. I graduated from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Academy and served the people of Cullman County as a deputy sheriff for several years. I also served as the mayor of Good Hope for six years.
“I was taught the value of hard work from a very young age. I started mowing grass for the public when I was around 13 years old. While most of my friends took their graduation money and went on a senior trip, I took mine and purchased a new mower to expand my business. I have a drive to make our community and our state a better place to live.”
What do people need to know about your current term in office, and what do you hope to accomplish in the next?
“I learned very quick that my job is not to go to Montgomery and pass new legislation. I believe it’s very important to work against all of the bad legislation. I believe we pass too many laws in the state. I have worked my hardest to be a conservative voice. I have been ranked one of the most conservative lawmakers in Alabama by the American Conservative Union. I plan to keep fight for low taxes and conservative values.”
In 2016, the most recent year for which statistics are available, the American Conservative Union gave Harbison an 83 out of 100, the highest score of any Cullman County legislator.
What do you consider to be the big differences between you and your opponent?
“I believe that one of the biggest differences is at a young age I started working with law enforcement to keep Cullman a safe place. We worked to put criminals in jail and get them off the street. As a criminal lawyer (Alex Chaney) is on the other of the spectrum. I have supported legislation to strengthen our criminal laws. I believe it’s important to keep hardened criminals off of the street.”
If you could boil your message down to a concise statement, what would you want people to know about you?
“I have the experience at both the local and state level of government to get the job done. I love our community. My wife and I are expecting our first child in July. I want to do all I can to ensure a bright future for all Alabamians. I have made myself available and been transparent. I believe it’s very important for elected officials to stay in contact with their constituents. After all, we are there to serve you!”
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/coreyforstatehouse/.
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