MIKE CRISCILLIS AND ELKMONT LAST SUNDAY

I would like to thank the community of Elkmont for joining me last Sunday.  We  enjoyed great fellowship and snacks at the Meet & Greet.   Thanks for investing in me and in our community.  I look forward to seeing you at the polls on Tuesday, September 29th!  - Mike Criscillis

Here's a recap of the topics presented by the people of Elkmont and my responses to their questions:
 

·   Legalizing Medical Marijuana -I believe the medical marijuana issueshould be presented to the citizens of Alabama for a vote, based on the input of and recommendations from the medical profession.

·   Common Core – As a retired Command Sergeant Major in the U.S. Army, I look at this issue from a military perspective.  Let me explain:  a seventh grader with passing grades, who attends public school in Alabama should be able to transfer to Virginia without any penalty or deficiency in his/her coursework.  For example, if the student took Alabama history, he/she should not be held back or required to take Virginia history; passing Alabama history should fulfill the requirement.  The subjects covered in both states should be comparable and sufficient to allow the child to enter the eighth grade without having to take remedial courses. 
I think the state officials need to continue discussions at the state level (not the federal government), to ensure reciprocity for courses taught throughout the United States in our public schools. 
I also think we need additional training and communication with our parents, to assist them in working with students being taught by new methods and techniques.  We must make sure parents understand and can help children with their homework.

·    State Roads – Several of the main roads in northern Limestone County need to be repaired, re-lined and/or re-asphalted; however, to date, funding has not been made available to the area for these improvements.  As a legislator, I will review the allocation of funds among the County and its communities, to ensure that northern Limestone County and Elkmont receive their “fair share” of funding for road repairs.

·    Building Codes – Tornadoes and other types of storm damage place Limestone County residents at greater risk for “fly-by-night” contractors who perform substandard work and leave jobs unfinished.    As a legislator, I will work to require general and specialty contractors (electricians, plumbers and other tradesmen) working in the County to hold the same licenses, certifications and insurance coverage required for work performed inside city limits.

·    Economic Growth – Small businesses and tourist attractions in Elkmont are finding it difficult to thrive in Northern Limestone County.  As a legislator, I will work with city officials to formulate incentives to small businesses and large corporations, which will serve as a catalyst for economic development in the area.   I will also look for ways to fund enhancements to the bike trail and other natural attractions in the area, including benches, emergency phones and other security elements.

·    State Budget Issues – Fixed income and disabled residents are concerned about the potential loss of medical coverage and disability income due to state budgetary constraints.  As a legislator, I will work to ensure that state health care and disability income programs continue to receive the appropriations required to fund our obligations to these citizens.