Former Secretary of State Merrill visits Chambers County

BY JOHN BRICE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN

CHAMBERS COUNTY  — Alabama’s 53rd Secretary of State, John Merrill, attended the October meeting of the Chambers County Republican Club on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Chambers County Development Authority conference room at the Lanett Municipal Airport.

Merrill, who served as secretary of state from 2015 to 2023, previously represented District 62 in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2010 to 2014.

A native of Wedowee in neighboring Randolph County, Merrill said he has visited Chambers County many times over the years. During his time as secretary of state, he made a point to visit all 67 counties and their municipalities to gain a full appreciation of the state and its people.

Merrill emphasized the importance of elected officials visiting their constituents where they live, to better understand their concerns, rather than only meeting them at large events or in Montgomery. He encouraged voters to consider which candidates take the time to visit local communities when deciding whom to support.

While acknowledging the Southern tradition of hospitality toward visiting candidates, Merrill said it is still vital for citizens to ask hard questions about important issues.

“Voters should remind candidates that they knew them before they were elected,” he said.

Looking to the future, Merrill expressed hope that Tommy Tuberville will become one of the most transformational governors in Alabama history if elected in November 2026.

Turning to local issues, Merrill discussed the condition of Chambers County’s water system infrastructure, noting that while some portions function well, others are in serious need of repair. He said it is imperative that long-standing promises — some made as far back as 50 to 75 years ago — be fulfilled to improve the system.

Merrill identified cooperation among local, state and federal officials as key to addressing these challenges. He said Alabama has “the best people in the entire nation,” but that too many local leaders are narrowly focused on immediate concerns, hindering the broader unity needed to solve statewide problems

“The best way to meet these challenges,” Merrill said, “is for local and county leaders to work together and reach out to state and federal officials for the resources needed to serve their citizens.”