By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — The Alabama Farmers Federation is endorsing Trussville businessman Shay Shelnutt in his bid for election to the Alabama State Senate in District 17.
The Jefferson County branch of the Alabama Farmers Federation earlier this year endorsed Shelnutt.
“Shay Shelnutt is a businessman who will work hard for farmers and the people of our district at home and in Montgomery,” said Jefferson County Farmers Federation President Randy Gilmore. “He understands our needs and will represent us well.”
Shelnutt is running for the seat being vacated by State Sen. Scott Beason, R-Gardendale.
Shay Shelnutt
file photo by Ron Burkett
Others running for the District 17 seat are Pinson City Councilman Joe Cochran, Gayle Gear, Brett King, Jim Murphree, Adam Ritch and Jim Roberts. Candidates last week participated in an Alabama Education Association Alabama State Senate District 17 education forum in Gardendale. Roberts didn’t participate, citing a large contribution from AEA made to Gear’s campaign.
Shelnutt, a Palmerdale native, is a small business owner in District 17, which includes part of Blount, Jefferson, St. Clair and Talladega counties.
“I am grateful the Farmers Federation chose to endorse me from such a broad slate of candidates,” Shelnutt said. “I’ve grown up with farming all my life. I’ve often told people our farmers are part of our national defense, because we cannot become dependent on other countries, and we must fight to sustain our own food production.”
Shelnutt said the Alabama Farmers Federation has for years fought for lower taxes, championed conservative family values legislation and opposed gambling.
“I am honored to have the Farmers Federation as my partner pressing for continued conservative leadership for District 17,” Shelnutt said.
The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with more than 365,000 members.
The primary election is Tuesday, June 3.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.
