By Deanna Hurley
People often wonder whether politicians are the same behind closed doors as they are at campaign events and in public forums. For six years, from his first day in office, I worked alongside Al Higginbotham, and I can assure you, what you see is what you get. He is as sincere, ethical and kind as you see on the campaign trail.
Here are some things I learned about Al while working in the District 4 County Commission office.
• He has overcome great adversity and still has a smile on his face.
• In 1995, Al suffered a spinal-cord injury, leaving him paralyzed. His life was turned upside down as he fought to live, then fought to walk. Yet, he is the first to tell you that these events in life can make you bitter or you can use them to change the world around you.
• He really does care about your money. When Al was first elected, his office was empty. He was told he had an allowance to buy new furniture, yet he knew this “allowance” came from tax dollars. He asked for the location of the county’s surplus warehouse, which shocked longtime county employees. Not surprisingly, he was able to furnish his entire office from the surplus warehouse and still has the furniture in his office today.
• He remembers what he was elected to do. One day, Al was invited to breakfast with Charlie Daniels. I don’t know how it happened, but the invitation was extended. He declined. Why? Because he had a County Commission meeting that day. He knows he was elected to represent the people of District 4 and that representation occurs first in those meetings. The commission makes decisions that affect zoning, land use, parks, law enforcement, environmental protection … the list goes on. He understands the impact those decisions have on our lives and he put his commitment first.
• He doesn’t shy from the hard choices and tough situations. When Al opposed the tax for light rail transit in 2010, it was a tough position. He was on the opposite side of several large organizations, but he had done the research and knew the proposal was not right. It lacked detail and information, and was not fully vetted. The final vote showed that Hillsborough voters agreed with him, but the months leading up to the vote proved to be difficult. Yet he stood firm in his convictions and did not shy away from the discussion.
• He doesn’t care who gets the credit. Former President Ronald Reagan said, “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit.” Al embodied that quote. Repeatedly, he gave the credit away to other commissioners, to county staff or whoever needed the credit and praise, if that’s what it took to make the success happen.
When I left Al’s office in 2013 to expand my skills, I felt like I was leaving family. Al made it difficult for me to choose a job, because I wouldn’t work for just anyone after working with him.
I am proud to have my name associated with Al Higginbotham. I am incredibly grateful to have learned from him. He is no longer my boss, but he is my county commissioner and always my first example of a true leader. It is my firm belief, having known him as well as I do, that he is the best choice for County Commissioner, District 7.
Please visit vote4al.com to learn more about Al’s positions.
Deanna Hurley is a former aide who worked for County Commissioner Al Higginbotham’s office.