By Brett Johnson/Messenger Correspondent
State Representative Craig Ford was sworn in Monday for his fifth term representing District 28 in the Alabama House of Representatives. Etowah County Probate Judge Bobby Junkins administered the oath of office at Gadsden City Hall.
“One thing I want to tell you is we have to work together,” said Ford after thanking those in attendance. “We all have the same end result in mind; it’s just how we get there. And that’s what I try to do every day is to work with the other side of the aisle and my side of the aisle.”
Ford was first elected in a special election after his father Rep. Joe Ford passed away while in office in 2000. He was re-elected in 2002, 2006, 2010, and recently in the November 4th general election.
In 2011, the legislature redrew its districts after the 2010 census. Ford won his race in the newly drawn district with 65 percent of the vote. District 28 includes the cities of Gadsden, Attalla, and the surrounding areas and is the only district completely contained within Etowah County.
“That’s why I wanted to have it here today, at the Gadsden city council chambers,” said Ford. “I wanted to let you know I’m the new representative for a lot of the area of the City of Gadsden, and I want you to know I’m looking forward to working with you for the next four years.”
Judge Junkins shared his experience while serving in the Alabama legislature and reflected on the many sacrifices legislators and their families make. Junkins thanked Representative Ford and his family for their service to Etowah County.
“It takes someone with strong values,” said Judge Junkins. “You represent your state, you represent your county, and we thank you for stepping up.”
Ford has also been the minority leader for the Alabama House of Representatives since 2010 and was re-elected by his colleagues in 2012 and 2014. He says he plans to continue pursuing a Mega Sports Complex for Etowah County and advocating for a statewide education lottery.