Wouldn’t government be massively better if public officials would listen? If they would reflect about the actions they have taken and the effects of those actions? If they would acknowledge when constituents are against something they have done? If they would take action to correct a mistake?
That is essentially what State Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) has done.
Gudger sponsored SB322, enabling annexation of a large area into the City of Cullman. Yet the area annexed was miles from Cullman. That’s unusual.
Interestingly, the annexed area included a proposed development, and that development was the reason for the proposed annexation.
Gudger pushed the bill through to passage at a time when both representatives in the State House for Cullman County had resigned. Gudger was essentially a one-man delegation for Cullman County.
SB322 was widely unpopular. Social media posts and daily conversations were strongly against the bill. Yet Gudger got the bill passed in both houses of the legislature and signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey. It was a done deal.
This whole situation became an issue in a special election to fill a legislative seat – maybe THE issue.
Gudger listened. He heard the people.
It is a rare politician who listens to, hears and heeds those voices against something that he has done.
Gudger has announced something so rare in Alabama politics that I can’t remember when else it happened. Maybe it has, but if so, it's rare.
Gudger announced that he is pre-filing a bill for the 2026 regular legislative session to repeal SB322. He is trying to repeal his own bill.
“My decision could be summed up in four words — this whole issue, to me — and that is, ‘you spoke, and I listened’… I hope today shows you that even when I think I’m right, but you think I’m wrong, I’m going to be listening to you as the way that it is supposed to be,” Gudger said.
There was a popular TV ad in the 1970s: "When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen." A similar ad could be run in Cullman and Senate District 4: "When people talk, Garlan Gudger listens."
Jim ‘Zig’ Zeigler’s beat is the colorful and positive about Alabama -- her people, places, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at [email protected].
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please email your name and contact information to [email protected].
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