State gubernatorial candidate speaks at CBA luncheon

CHELSEA – Members of the local business community met with Democratic Gubernatorial candidate and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox at the Chelsea Business Alliance’s monthly luncheon on Wednesday, March 14.

At the meeting, Maddox gave a speech that urged Alabama citizens to put aside party politics to improve the quality of life in the state and invest in the future.

“People in the end, regardless of their political party, want results,” Maddox said. “The next generation of Alabamians deserve better than what we inherited.”

According to Maddox, the state of Alabama is facing a health care crisis. Maddox said Alabama ranks 48th in overall health care, 50th in premature births and 49th in prenatal care. Maddox also noted that the closings of several hospitals in rural areas have contributed to the issue.

“In 54 counties, mostly rural, our life expectancy is six months less than in the other counties,” Maddox said.

Maddox also said Alabama is facing issues with infrastructure, mental health, and its corrections department.

“I want to show you that we can be the candidate that can change things,” Maddox said. “No one else is talking about this, and they won’t. What I just outlined to you are very real problems, and I (haven’t) even touched on education.”