Lieutenant Governor candidate Nicole Jones Wadsworth addresses Etowah Republicans

February 28 - RAINBOW CITY, Ala. – Republican candidate for Lieutenant Governor Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth spoke to the Etowah County Republican Breakfast group about her campaign.

Wadsworth is a commercial realtor and professional economic developer. She is a native of Huntsville, Ala.

"If you know anything about the Lieutenant Governor's office the legislature stripped it much of its powers by the Legislature in 2003," said Dr. Wadsworth.

She said that in addition to performing the duties of the Lt. Gov. and presiding over the Senate she would use her skills as an economic developer "Keeping projects in Alabama."

Wadsworth said that she was also committed to partnering with the private sector.

"To put Alabamians on a pathway to employment."

Wadsworth emphasized keeping Alabama students in the state after graduation, "Whether they have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, or a Ph.D. that they have a job in Alabama."

Wadsworth said that with the right economic plan the state can retain its young people and bring those who have left, "Back to Alabama where they belong."

Wadsworth said that she recently was at the Port of Mobile with former Senator Richard Shelby (R-Alabama) and other state leaders, "Celebrating the 50 foot channel depth of the" state's shipping channel – which has recently been dredged to be deeper and wider to accommodate bigger container ships.

Wadsworth said that the Port of Mobile affects the entire state because, "All of those industries flow through the Port of Mobile."

"When we invest in ourselves we have longterm benefit for the entire state," Wadsworth said of the port improvements.

She also emphasized the importance of the ongoing broadband expansion in Alabama.

"Broadband is so critical not only to our industru but also our education system and our healthcare system," explained Wadsworth.

Wadsworth said that one of her economic development clients was a doctor who located in rural Alabama that purchased a van so that he could transport his patients to his office.

Wadsworth explained that adequate healthcare is needed in rural areas to help patients recover and get them "back into the work force."

Wadsworth explained that broadband improvements are also part of a solution to the state's mental health crisis.

"They can dial in on a computer of a phone to talk to," their counselor explained Wadsworth.

"At some point in your life you are going to need access to a police officer, a firemen, the military or an EMT," Wadsworth said of the importance of first responders.

Wadsworth said that she has spent her career in the private sector and is not a professional politician.

"I have traveled to all 67 counties at my own expense."

"I am pro-life, pro faith, and pro second amendment," said Wadsworth. "I am a board member of the Alabama Federation of Republican Women. I volunteered for Donald Trump in all three of his campaigns."

Jones is married to State Representative Tim Wadsworth (R-Arley). She has two children.

"We need a Lieutenant Governor who understands our economy," said Wadsworth. "Together we can build a better Alabama."

The Etowah Republican Breakfast meets regularly at the Western Sizzlin Restaurant in Rainbow City for a breakfast buffet at 8:00 a.m. on the third Saturday of each month.

Wadsworth faces a crowded Republican field that includes: former Republican Party Chairman John Wahl, Army Major (retired) Patrick Bishop, Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Rick Pate, and Secretary of State Wes Allen.

The Republican primary is on May 19.

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