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Cynthia Almond is an excellent selection for PSC president, says Steve Flowers.

Governor Kay Ivey’s legacy shines through in her wise appointments for critical judicial and governmental roles. Over her decade in office, she has consistently demonstrated solid leadership.

In June, she made another noteworthy appointment, selecting state legislator Cynthia Lee Almond as the new president of the Alabama Public Service Commission. This position became available after longtime PSC commissioner Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh transitioned to a role with the Trump administration, overseeing the USDA’s Rural Development Bureau alongside Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Cavanaugh has long been a standout politician in Alabama, having chaired the Public Service Committee since 2012 and becoming the first elected vice-chair in 2010. Her legacy includes earning the highest number of votes for a presidential candidate in Alabama history back in 2020. Plus, she was notably young when she led the state Republican Party.

Governor Ivey expressed enthusiasm over Almond’s appointment, noting her strong personality, integrity, and experience. “Cynthia is a successful lawyer and lawmaker,” she remarked.

Raised in Tuscaloosa, Almond comes from a family with a legal background; her father was a lawyer and state legislator, setting a path she would follow. After obtaining her law degree from the University of Alabama, she practiced in her hometown, specializing in real estate planning and business law.

Before her legislative career, Almond served a four-year term on the Tuscaloosa City Council, later winning a seat in the Republican State Capitol that also represents her city. During her time, she became known as one of the state’s leading lawmakers.

Almond held various leadership roles, including chairing the Tuscaloosa County legislative delegation. She was on important committees, such as the Judiciary and Rules Committees, and worked closely with Governor Ivey on several legislative priorities.

This particular House seat has historically been significant, representing affluent areas of Tuscaloosa. Bill Poole occupied it for a decade prior to Almond, during which time he became a key figure in crafting the state’s education budget as chair of the House Ways and Means Committee.

Poole now serves as Governor Ivey’s state finance director, a role viewed as vital within the Cabinet. This seat has also seen notable figures like Dr. Robert Bentley, a well-known dermatologist from Tuscaloosa, who moved to the governor’s mansion from his position.

Before Bentley, Tim Parker Jr., a successful businessman, held the seat. His father also had a similar role, and Tim Parker Jr. was recently inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

Looking ahead to upcoming special elections, Tuscaloosa City Councilman Norman Crowe, who represents the council seat Almond vacated, is expected to succeed her. He seems well-suited for the role.

There are several other changes happening within the state legislature this year. Representative Matt Woods (R-Jasper) has moved to the Senate, taking over from Senator Greg Reid, who now heads the new Department of Workforce Development.

In Kalman County, two seats are open. Heath Allbright will take over the vacancy left by veteran representative Randall Shedd, while Cindy Millex achieved a significant victory in a competitive district, succeeding retired representative Corey Harbison. Debbie Wood’s recent departure from her Chambers County seat is expected to lead to Christine Nelson, the current Republican chairman in the county, who is the spouse of a popular sheriff.

See you next week.

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