The following questionnaire was sent to Republican State Senate candidates who qualified to appear on the June 5 primary ballot. The News Courier sent questionnaires to all candidates who have opposition in the primary and will run candidates’ responses each Wednesday and Saturday leading up to the primary. Responses have been checked for spelling, but they otherwise appear as we received them. Campaign finance reports for those candidates will also be published as space allows.

• Name: Tom Butler

• Current city of residence: Madison

• Occupation: Pharmacist

• Education: High School, S.R. Butler High; college, University of Alabama and Auburn University

• Personal: Married to Karen Butler; children. Robin Butler King, Jill Butler Lares (deceased 2010); grandchildren, Tommy (15), Aliyah (11); Ben (6); Judah (4)

• Seat seeking: State Senate, District 2, Limestone/Madison counties

• Previous political experience: State House of Representatives (Limestone/Madison); State Senate (Limestone, Madison, Morgan Counties)

• What do you see as the three biggest challenges facing the state Legislature? Please state how you, as a state senator, could help the Legislature overcome those challenges. Please be concise, but specific:

The 3 biggest challenges I see the State Legislature facing is: Budgets, Road Funding, and Education. I have had 28 years dealing with State Budgets. I have a plan to help with infrastructure funding with the President’s Infrastructure Bill. We have a thousands of jobs coming into our region. We need to increase career tech investments to train workers. We need to take care of roads and bridges. I have the experience and dedication to work on these issues.

• Please explain what relevant experience you have in terms of the elected position you are seeking. Please give specific examples of how that relevant experience would make you the ideal person for the job:

I have served for 16 years in the Senate on both the General Fund Budget and the Education Trust Fund Budget. New schools, road improvements, and support for local/regional entities have come from my service. I led efforts for our Veterans – building Veteran Nursing Homes, new schools, helping funding with a unique BRAC School bill. There is no better qualification than effective and productive experience in this district than my experience, dedication, and commitment to represent ALL the district as our State Senator.

• As a lawmaker, you will be approached by numerous lobbyists and special interest groups willing to offer special favors in exchange for your vote. What steps will you take to ensure transparency and compliance with existing ethics laws?

I have dealt with lobbyists and special interest groups in Montgomery for a long time. I always keep my district in mind and follow our ethics laws by the spirit and the letter of the law. I fully support sunshine laws and have passed transparency legislation.

• As a member of Limestone County’s legislative delegation, what assurances can you give voters that our needs will always be a priority in Montgomery?

As a member of the Limestone County Legislative Delegation I will do as I have done before in representing Limestone County, represent the WHOLE district as I have done before. I have represented Limestone County and been involved with Limestone County even after I left office. I follow Micah 6:8 as a guide post in dealing with people and communities.

• Please explain whether you will be willing to work with lawmakers who do not share your political party affiliation or political views. Will you place a higher value on political ideals or the desires of your constituents?

In a General Election, you are voted in by all the people to represent all the people. I have worked across party lines to get a job done. Constituents are paramount.

• Please explain why voters should consider you over your opponents:

I have a solid record with Limestone County. I have represented the WHOLE of Limestone County for years. My record is one of concern and service for each community in ALL of Limestone County. My pledge is to represent ALL of the District 2 Senate Seat. Limestone County’s people, communities, and their needs will be represented fairly as I did before. I will demonstrate engaged leadership working hard for people, projects, economic development, and education for Limestone County. My experience will give Limestone County fair representation. I am ready to go to work, and be effective and productive for Limestone County.