What line of work would provide a good vantage point to see daily what is going on in a city? Which job would provide hands-on knowledge of the town, her people and her problems?
If you look at the professions of elected officials in Alabama, the job of choice of the voters has changed over the years.
For years, mostly lawyers were elected to office. Not as much anymore.
Then, many schoolteachers and other educators were elected. Not so much now.
Right now, there is a scattering of job descriptions among Alabama's elected officials. Lawyers, business owners, Realtors, bankers and finance, accountants, educators, pharmacists, doctors and other medical professionals.
When thinking of the day jobs of elected officials, you might not think of school bus drivers. That might be an oversight, with emphasis on "sight." Daily, a bus driver sees and drives through:
Road conditions – potholes, traffic problems.
Dilapidated houses and businesses and unkempt lots.
Areas that appear unsafe.
Playgrounds and parks with various states of need.
Areas of residential growth and new businesses.
Gang activity.
Immigration.
Generally, what is going on in town.
The school bus driver also hears what is going on from children, their parents and school staff.
That's the way that Robin Roden looked at it -- for years -- daily. She is a school bus driver for the Albertville City Schools. Now, she is also a candidate for Place One on the Albertville City Council in the August 26 city election.
Here is how Roden explained in her announcement on Facebook.
ANNOUNCEMENT!!
My name is Robin Roden, and I have made the decision to run for the city council of Albertville in Place 1. I am a 1983 graduate of Albertville High School, and I have lived in Albertville my whole life. I have been considering this for a couple of years, I have prayed about it and I think the time is right. The past and present council members have done an outstanding job moving Albertville forward. However, I feel it is time for change. I want to represent you, the people of Albertville, and help your concerns be heard. I am currently employed by the Albertville City School System as a bus driver. I see things throughout our city daily that seem to have been forgotten or neglected i.e. houses, streets and businesses. I pledge to work diligently to improve code enforcement, address immigration concerns, and improve the school system all while maintaining the integrity of our great city. Growth and advancements are necessary, however, growing faster than our ability to maintain is not. I would greatly appreciate your vote and support. But the greater message remains “JUST VOTE”. If you would like to donate to the Committee to Elect Robin Roden or would like a yard sign, please let us know. Feel free to contact me with your questions or concerns.
REMEMBER: WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER!!
Donations can be made to: The Committee to Elect Robin Roden
Robin Roden
106 E. Sims Ave. Albertville, Al 35950
256-506-5013
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/15hv3jeDrK/
"School Bus Drivers Are The People Who Transport Children To Their Future."
Roden also sells real estate, so she actually fits into two categories of work now seeking public office.
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].
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