Shelby County GOP

Please read through the May 2013 edition of The Shelby Delegate, the quarterly newsletter of the Shelby County Republican Party! This edition includes proposed changes to our party's bylaws (a MUST-READ!), great updates from our affiliate groups and legislators, as well as a superb article on Common Core by SCGOP Steering Committee Member Melody Warbington. We look forward to continuing to bring you interesting articles and information and thank you for taking the time to read our newsletter.

Pursuant to the bylaws of the Shelby County Republican Party, notice is hereby given that the changes to the SCGOP bylaws outlined in the document below will be up for discussion/vote at the next Executive Committee meeting to be held May 14, 2013 at 7pm at the County Services Building in Pelham.

SHELBY COUNTY, ALABAMA – The Alabama Policy Institute and Yellowhammerpolitics.com recently released a study ranking the 50 largest cities in Alabama according to their “business friendliness”, and three Shelby County cities all ranked near the top of the list.

Alabaster was ranked 26^th with a score of 55.98, scoring exceptionally well in “Economic Vitality”. Alabaster has grown over 65% over the past ten years, and boasts a well-educated workforce, explosive job growth, and low tax and utility rates.

Pelham ranked 24^th, with a score of 56.01, and excelled in” Transportation Infrastructure”. Three major roadways converge in Pelham, I-65, Hwy 31, and Hwy 119, and the city also boasts quick access to major rail and waterways. Pelham has a favorable tax climate for business and has recently refocused efforts to recruit new industries to the area to maximize the city’s proximity to transportation infrastructure.

Helena ranked highest among Shelby County cities, receiving a score of 59.79, to garner the 13^th position in Alabama. Ranking 6^th in the state in “Community Allure”, Helena has a young, educated work force, low crime rate and cost of living, great public schools, and has twice been ranked in the “Top 100 Places to Live” by Money Magazine.

“Conservative leadership dedicated to creating a pro-business climate is a key success factor for Shelby County”, said Shelby County GOP Chairman Freddy Ard.  “When I learned that API and Yellowhammer.com were teaming up for this survey, I was confident Shelby County municipalities would be prominently placed among those most business-friendly in the state,” Ard continued.

“This survey again reflects the favorable results of having strong, conservative leaders in elected office, giving attention to an environment that fosters, encourages and, most importantly, ensures that government establishes no undue obstacles, interference, or obstruction to a thriving economy,” said Ard.

Scores were calculated using the following formula:

Economic Vitality (35% of overall score):
• Recent job growth (50% of Economic Vitality category)
• Residential population growth from 2010 to 2011(12.5%)
• Population growth from 2000 to 2010, divided by 10 (12.5%)
• Median per capita income (25%)

Business Tax Burden (30% of overall score):
• Business property taxes (70% of Business Tax Burden category)
• Local sales tax (30%)

Community Allure (20% of overall score):
• Cost of living index (35% of Community Allure category)
• Per capita violent crime rate (35%)
• Percent of adults age 25 or older with at least a high school diploma (15%)
• Average SAT 10 scores for 8th grade math and reading (15%)

Transportation Infrastructure (15% of overall score):
• Distance to primary commercial service airport (25% of Transportation Infrastructure category)
• Distance to commercial rail service (25%)
• Distance to port capable of handling container shipping (25%)
• Distance to Interstate Highway System (25%)

Shelby County is the premier Republican county in Alabama, with all thirty-six county offices with jurisdiction (excluding municipal officials elected non-partisan) held by Republicans. Shelby County is also ranked as the fastest-growing county in Alabama and the fourth most conservative county in America by The Daily Caller.

The Greater Birmingham Area Teenage Republicans (GBTARS) will help build a house for Habitat for Humanity on April 6th from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm. Participants must be at least 14 years, and all 11 remaining spots for that date have been reserved for the group to participate.

 “I am very excited that the membership of the Greater Birmingham Teen Age Republicans has voted to participate in this project,” said GBTARS President Read Mills of Hoover. “Not only will our participation galvanize the members’ commitment to positively impact the Birmingham area, but this will also serve as the first major volunteer project we have undertaken since the group formed last year,” Mills continued.

“Our mission is to educate teens about Republican ideas and values through participation in social gatherings, meetings, campaigns and community service,” said GBTARS Education & Promotion Committee Chairperson Luke Boyett, also of Hoover. “This is a great way for us to put our mission in action,” Boyett continued.

Shelby County Republican Party Chairman Freddy Ard said, “Political activity can be a long, arduous process. While we want our younger Republicans involved in the customary political activities, the Habitat for Humanity project offers an opportunity to band together for a common activity and witness some immediate results”. Ard continued, “I commend the GBTAR leadership for initiating this effort, and look forward to seeing their work make a difference in the community.”

One of the three official auxiliaries of the Republican Party, the Teen Age Republicans (TARS) is a national, youth-based organization challenging, training, and assisting teens to become involved in their local, state, and national political processes. The Greater Birmingham chapter of TARS is run by its members, under the advisement of the club sponsor and with the help of parents. Monthly meetings are held at various locations throughout the Birmingham/Shelby County area with speakers and events that appeal to a variety of interests, and address educating area teens about political processes and issues.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the Greater Birmingham Teenage Republicans and would like more information or updates, please email club advisor, Jason DeLuca at GreaterBirminghamTR@gmail.com or visit the GBTARS website at www.greaterbirminghamtr.com.

Article from AL.com

SHELBY COUNTY, ALABAMA – A new chapter of the Shelby County Young Republicans (SCYR) has recently formed. At the first meeting, the following officers were elected:

Andrew Plaster, Chairman
Matt Fridy, Vice Chairman
April DeLuca, Secreatary
Ben Fridy, Trasurer
Jason DeLuca, State Committeeman
Amy Johnson, State Committeewoman

The Young Republicans (YRs) are the oldest political youth organization in the United States. Important to the growth of the Republican Party, the YRs reach out to registered Republicans, 18 to 40 years of age, and provide them with better political knowledge and understanding of the issues of the day. Since its creation, the Young Republican National Federation has established itself as the premier Republican grassroots organization in the nation, providing essential grassroots support for Republican candidates and conservative issues on the local, state and national levels. The Young Republicans provide a unique opportunity for individuals 18-40 to develop their leadership skills, meet key public figures, impact elections and meet like-minded individuals at home and across the nation.

“I am very excited to have a Young Republicans organization for Shelby County, one of the most Republican counties in Alabama,” said SCYR Chairman Plaster. “We are currently looking to build our membership base, and get more young adults involved in Republican issues,” Plaster continued.

Shelby County Republicans interested in joining SCYR are encouraged to contact Andrew Plaster at acplaster@gmail.com or via phone at 205-368-7249for more information.

Shelby County Republican Party Chairman Freddy Ard added, “The new YR chapter in Shelby County is exciting and long overdue, especially considering our county’s impact in advancing the Republican cause in Alabama.  The charter members are already impact players within the county party mainstream, providing an experienced and dynamic core to expand our outreach in this critical demographic."

Shelby County Reporter Article

Click HERE to view the February 2013 issue of The Shelby Delegate online.