Q&A: Pastor, Lawyer Rounds Out GOP Field In House District 16 Race

Editor's Note: This is the final installment of our question-and-answer series with the candidates who have qualified to appear on the ballot for the special election in House District 16, which covers parts of Fayette, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties.

TUSCALOOSA, AL — Republican Mike Simpson, who ran unsuccessfully for the House District 16 seat in 2018, is one of six candidates vying for the GOP nomination in the upcoming party primary on Sept. 26.

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Simpson secured 29% of the vote in District 16 during his last run at office and was defeated by former state Rep. Kyle South, a Republican from Fayette.

As Patch previously reported, South stepped down at the end of the last regular legislative session to become the next president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

House District 16 covers parts of Fayette, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties.

The winner of the Jan. 9, 2024, General Election will serve out the remainder of South's unexpired term, which will be up for election again in November 2026.

Ahead of the special election primary this fall, Patch caught up with each of the candidates to learn more about their platform issues.

Mike Simpson

Biographical information

Age: 52

Professional Experience: Current pastor of Smithville Baptist Church and has a law practice in Hueytown, Alabama. Simpson has also worked with Career Tech Education programs through the Jefferson County Board of Education. Additionally, Simpson has worked in law enforcement at the municipal and state level, while serving two judges through the Alabama Administrative Office of Courts.

Education: B.S. University of Alabama at Birmingham Juris Doctor Birmingham School of Law

Q: Why did you decide to run for office?

"To sum it up in one word: justice. Justice, where people are treated fairly, properly and reasonably; without partiality.

"He has showed thee, Oh man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee but to do justly, to love mercy and walk humbly with thy God"

- Micah 6:8

My decision was influenced largely by the conversations that I have had with citizens and
leadership throughout District 16. Conversations that would illuminate concern, vision and needs
within District 16. Local government leaders, community leaders, and citizens alike share a
common desire: that their Representative will represent District 16 accurately, that one would give
personal attention to important issues, make themselves accessible and serve equitably; therefore
serving all areas of District 16 fairly, both large and small with a passionate effort and the
appropriate resources at their disposal."

Q: What, in your view, makes you qualified to serve?

"Anyone can prioritize personal qualifications. Being raised in a family whose income was driven by coal, along with many others; we realized early in life the importance of dad having a job.

Myself, doing work for the coal mine industry, it quickly became apparent how many other businesses provide products and services supporting such industry thereby maintaining and creating good paying jobs. I have personally been involved in the contracts for some of those small businesses with industry, successfully negotiating terms that did create and maintain those jobs that support families.

In our area, the coal, gas and steel industries are large developers of profitable district resources; however, our most precious resource to develop is our children. Coaching little league sports for eight years was a continuous classroom for me. I learned just how important the growth and development of each child is; supported through our community ballfields, parks, etc.. Funding for the building, maintenance and support of these community park and recreation facilities was always an issue and somewhat lacking. Funding of these parks and facilities is important to our children and their families’ future. I have watched some of those children graduate high school, go to work for industry and business within our district and now raise their families here. That most-precious resource, a little boy or girl that has grown and developed into a productive member of society, and I am honored just to have been a small part of that.

I watched some of those boys and girls utilize the vocational and career technical programs of the
schools in the district to their benefit. The choice not to attend college, and pursue the trades, is a
vital part for a successful career plan after high school for many students. My time with career tech gives me first-hand knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses to address; which will allow more resources, promote student participation and retain knowledgeable instructors. The retention of teachers throughout our district is a priority and it is time to have that discussion.

Living in the communities of District 16, which are far more similar than different; I have waded
through the devastation of tornadoes that ripped through several communities; separating families, destroying homes; and heard the cry for all available resources, for every medic, firefighter, police officer, rescue vehicle, emergency vehicle, stretcher, down to the last blanket and bandage, and have seen the brave men and women of public safety; who protect our communities, use the only equipment they had at the time to answer the cry. I don’t have to wait for someone to tell me they must be fully equipped and supported. We need them.

I have already had the necessary first hand observations, conversations and discussions with many different people in the district at various levels. Whether it’s keeping bad legislation out or creating new, I have the education, training and experience to keep what we have from being taken, while bringing new opportunities and resources into the district. I will undergird our conservative values and support our cities, towns and communities. I can speak to the immediate and future needs of industry, agriculture, commercial and small business which are vital to District 16. I have the working knowledge, hands on experience and personal commitment necessary to represent District 16 at every level. I stand ready now and will remain accessible to answer questions or have the important conversations concerning representation of District 16 with any citizen, member of the legislature, mayor, commissioner, business owner or other person having an interest in or seeking to do business involving Alabama House District 16.

Whether it's business or industry for employment, education issues with our children, the parks where they play, a public safety concern or natural disaster; in good times or bad I will stand my post and represent the people of District 16 humbly and with great honor."

Q: What is the biggest individual issue facing House District 16?

"District 16 faces several prominent issues, one being; setting public expectations in the areas of
community development and the support of new and existing industry and business.

District 16 is a large area in acres, with a few densely populated areas in each of the counties. It is
absolutely true that the infrastructure development of any county is important. When decisions are made by leadership for development of roads and bridges to accommodate more traffic, and traffic according to the public is not currently an issue, that has to be taken into account. Paving and maintaining roads is necessary to promote good travel routes. The infrastructure project may, in fact, be necessary to the future needs of a particular area; but that has to be conveyed to the people.

If the project's purpose and expected time of completion is not conveyed to the people, the lack of
information will frustrate the public and they will lose faith in leadership. Good roads and
industrial parks are fine, but in order to evaluate longevity and growth of an area, one should also
determine whether there are enough people to sustain that business or industry. I often hear about needing more industry and business because that creates jobs and revenue thats good for the employee, customer, town, city and county. There is a need to focus as much attention and effort on existing industry and business as we do attracting new. What I don’t hear much talk about in rural areas is development of homes or helping people acquire those homes where they will put down roots to live.

This is a vital part of success for the development of an area, because people who live in the area are largely the ones who support the businesses and industry as patrons and employees.

The existing business or industry located in District 16 wants to remain profitable and new ones strive to succeed and grow. For that to happen, it will take a certain population of people to make it sustainable. Many communities celebrate at the announcement of a new store or restaurant coming to town. If that business does not have the customers or employees sufficient to maintain it will be short-lived. You then have a large vacant store or building that sits empty in the community contributing to a blight and if not corrected, ultimately, a need for revitalization in the community.

I hear people talk about soliciting industry and business into the district to promote growth and at first glance that seems good, but it really depends on whether it is sustainable and is matched to the community by size and population."

Q: What will be the first thing you will do once in office?

"I will address any old or unfinished business or obligations from the past legislative session or year that involves District 16. I will continue having the regular discussions and necessary meetings with community leaders, citizens and local government to assess the”unfinished” business within the district. I will make great effort to identify any projects, plans, commitments, etc. that have been previously discussed, confirmed or initiated by this office. I will then evaluate each and take the necessary action to promote the best interest of District 16."

Q: What is something in House District 16 that you are proud of?

"Many good things to be proud of in District 16 but one stands out to me because it doesn’t change
with the times. That is the strong unapologetic sense of God, Family, and Country here.

District 16 and it’s communities each have common places to regularly gather, the most common
being the Church. This foundational body of faith responds to the Glory of God, bringing hope in
times of disaster and grief, and celebrates the arrival of a newborn to the community. Men and
women throughout the district, regularly work long hours for their families, to give them a good life keeping them safe and together, always standing ready to defend the family against all comers.

Patriotism is overwhelming, shown by the powerful majority, who love their country and are willing to stand up and defend it at all costs. I am so very proud of the hard-working people who take up God, Family, and Country daily. All development for better cities or towns is only for the good of the people, let us not forget the order of importance."

Q: What is the most common concern you’ve heard from constituents on the campaign trail?

"Talking with people throughout the district, never is there only a single concern. It’s just according to where you are in the district. Most often the concern is that the State Representative will not be available or accessible in their particular area of the district. That concern, when corrected will allow communication from the problem to a source of solution. In some areas, citizens are more concerned about losing their family land to development, other areas are concerned that education and vocational training needs are not addressed and are paramount, then others have been looking for a promised storm shelter project to begin for years.

The citizens desiring to be heard by this office on different issues that are important in their particular area of the district have to be addressed. This will allow whatever the issue is to be discussed, evaluated and then, if merited, formulate an action plan to help with the issue."

Q: If, elected, how will you approach working with the local legislative delegation?

"Working with members of the delegation that have I previously met, have addressed community
issues with or worked alongside during community rebuild efforts, will be the same as the ones that I have not yet had the privilege to meet. As a member of each delegation, it will be my priority to foster a working relationship, one built on character and integrity, one they can count on and trust when District 16 is involved."

Q: How do you plan to work with the municipalities and different governmental bodies in House District 16?

"The conversations I have had, whether commissioners, mayors, council members or other governmental agents, many have prioritized the need to reach the Representative within a reasonable time. I believe that reasonable expectations and assurances are needed in many areas of the district now and to be able to reach the representative when needed is certainly reasonable.

There is no way to work with the leadership of these towns, cities, etc. unless you have established proper channels of communication. The best way to communicate information depends on resources available to the parties, but one should be agreed upon as best. With those channels established, you can set up regular updates, process requests or address issues that are occurring.

Additionally, I would request a short status report from the cities, towns and county governments outlining any and all requests made to this office within the last 2 years, any ongoing projects where funding was provided by this office, and any requests for funding or assistance not approved or not funded by this office. With amendments and additions to this status report being expected, the initial request would stimulate the working relationship between this office and each town, city and county government official located in District 16."

Here's our Q&As with the other candidates running for House District 16

• Q&A: Democrat Secures Party Nomination For House District 16 Race
• Q&A: Attorney Brinyark Vying For House District 16 GOP Nomination
• Q&A: Fayette County Commissioner Seeks GOP Nod For House District 16
• Q&A: Veterans Advocate Seeks GOP Nomination In House District 16 Race
• Q&A: Musician, Lifelong Conservative Vying For GOP Nod In District 16
• Q&A: Fayette Pastor Seeks To Stand Out In Crowded GOP Field
• House District 16 Special Election Candidates Raised $45K In July
• Crowded Field For House District 16 Race As Qualifying Closes

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