— Name: Richard Lauderdale

Age: 62

Personal: Married to Dianne Heidt Lauderdale; one daughter, Nicole.

Civic or volunteer affiliations: Co-founder of Alliance for Limited Government, a conservative grass roots organization that has sponsored a number of public candidate forums in the past. Hosted several semi-public meetings with various state senators and representatives in order to provide opportunities for citizens to voice their concerns to those legislators about issues affecting their lives.

Educational background: Attended Tanner High School, Calhoun Trade School and Anderson Business College.

• What do you see as the biggest challenge facing District 2 and what plans do you have to address the issue?

The most important issue facing elected officials at any level is serving the people they represent. Whether it is working on roads and infrastructure or protecting private property rights, government’s first priority should be serving the public, and protecting every person’s God-given freedoms.

Another important challenge facing District 2 right now is working on new infrastructure during these economically troubling times. District 2 is a growing community and we need conservative leadership that will work to make the right decisions.

As a lifelong resident of Limestone County, I am familiar with the infrastructure upgrades that may require consideration and I am dedicated to helping our community prosper and flourish in the years to come. I will also do my best to serve the people of Limestone County and I will always make myself available to anyone who has questions or needs help.

• The upkeep of Limestone County’s roads and bridges is obviously an important part of being a county commissioner. What will you do to ensure taxpayer money is efficiently spent on projects?

As a business owner, I know how important frugality and wise spending are. We need a more practical approach in government at all levels. I will use my business experience to cut wasteful spending and as your county commissioner, I will work to ensure that county government makes wise use of every tax dollar.

I will also work to tailor county services to existing funds so we can avoid any new taxes or going into debt. County government should not make a habit of spending more money than is provided by current revenue sources.

• All taxpayer money spent by the commission is open to public scrutiny. What specific ideas do you have regarding government transparency and what steps would you take to ensure the public is aware of how taxpayer dollars are spent?

I will always work to make county spending as transparent as possible. I understand that “public” money is your money, and that the people have the right to know how it is spent. I would support making the county budget, financial information and voting schedule available to the public on the county website. I will also work to promote transparency by encouraging the commission to hold at least some of the meetings in the evenings so citizens who want to participate in county government will have an opportunity to attend without missing any work hours.

• Two large-scale projects being undertaken by the commission include the renovation of the courthouse and expansion of the jail. The county has also committed funds to building a new library on South Jefferson Street. As commissioner, what steps will you take to ensure these projects are completed within budget parameters and in a timely manner?

As a painting contractor, I have 36 years of experience in bidding and contracting and I will use that experience to help make sure that county government makes appropriate decisions when working with contractors. As a professional, I am accustomed to meeting deadline mandates and will do my best to help all county projects move forward on schedule. I feel anyone who contracts to do work for the county should be held to the agreed upon budget.



• Though the county declared an end to tornado debris cleanup operations, debris remains an issue in waterways and the county’s skyline is riddled with jagged, broken trees. What steps will you take to help return Limestone County to its pre-April 27 state?

I will do everything I can to clear any remaining debris from county waterways and roadways. But, the sad truth is that it is impossible for Limestone County to return to a pre-April 27 state. Some of the damage that was done was irreparable and the lives that were lost can never be brought back.

I was proud of the way the people of Limestone County rallied to support the areas that were devastated by the storms and I will work to encourage continued community involvement.

One other area that I would make a priority is our storm warning systems, and I look forward to working with EMA to help keep Limestone County residents as safe as possible.