By By Lisa Tindell
news editor
Guest speaker U.S. Rep. Jo Bonner highlighted the Escambia County GOP committee’s monthly meeting Monday evening at the Hourglass in downtown Brewton.
Bonner, R-Mobile, who serves the first district of Alabama, spoke to more than 40 Republican supporters attending the meeting.
Bonner focused on the importance of the upcoming election and the election in 2012, urging Republicans to run for office and vote for Republicans when given an opportunity.
Bonner said Americans have an opportunity to change the fate of the country by electing Republicans to office in upcoming elections.
Bonner’s address was followed by an introduction of Republican candidate for Escambia County sheriff, Heath Jackson.
Jackson talked about his experience in law enforcement, citing work with the Brewton Police Department, the 21st Judicial Drug Task Force, and other agencies from Montgomery to Mobile including work with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Jackson said if elected to the office of sheriff he hopes to implement new programs including Crimestoppers and to have a better presence in area schools.
Republic Lloyd Albritton is also on the ballot for the office of Escambia County Sheriff. Albritton and Jackson are facing incumbent Grover Smith, who is on the Democrat ticket.
Other Republicans introduced during Monday’s meeting were Buster Crapps, candidate for County Commission, district 3; Don “Viking” Ellestad, candidate for County Commission, district 5; Cindy Jackson and Monica Shockley, candidates for Escambia County School Board, district 4; Sherry Digmon, candidate for Escambia County School Board, district 6; Danny Joyner and Jeff Peacock, candidates for State Senate, district 22; Harry Shiver (unopposed), candidate for State House, district 64; Alan Baker (unopposed), candidate for State House, district 66; and Mike Jones and Greg White, candidates for State House, district 92.