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Jefferson County key to state's economy
By Slade Blackwell
For more than two years, I have made it my personal goal to help identify a viable solution to resolve the ongoing Jefferson County sewer crisis. After thoroughly researching the possible plans and meeting with county commissioners and other business leaders, it became apparent that this problem could not be solved with bankruptcy.
In fact, bankruptcy is going to be detrimental to the county and the entire state of Alabama.
One of the major obstacles encountered as I advocated for a sustainable solution to the sewer debt crisis were the many misconceptions and a lack of education on the topic of bankruptcy. My fear is that no one really knows the extent of the negative ramifications that will accompany Chapter 9 bankruptcy. There were many elected leaders in Jefferson County and across the state that worked very hard to avoid such a stigma from being associated with Jefferson County and our state for years to come.
Unlike personal bankruptcy, filing Chapter 9 bankruptcy does not wipe away our debt or resolve us from any financial obligation. Jefferson County will be affected for years to come for not paying its debt and all of Alabama will be negatively affected as a result.
Bankruptcy will leave us with higher borrowing costs in the bond market damaging our reputation and making economic development in the state — in every community, including Auburn — increasingly difficult for many years. These higher borrowing costs will be extremely expensive for all taxpayers and create significant challenges when recruiting new industry to the state. Alabama cannot afford to forgo development or the addition of new jobs.
I am working to finalize legislation that will ensure that we are never put in this situation again. My bill will create a non-political, independent group of professionals to manage the sewer system, therefore, removing the opportunity for politics and corruption to influence the system in the future.
I believe this will lead to a sewer system that is run more efficiently and effectively, something that the residents of Jefferson County have deserved for a long time and will ensure that we protect Alabama’s economic viability.
As a member of the Alabama Legislature, it is my job to work with other senators, representatives and state leaders to do what is right for the state by making tough decisions in the best interest of the residents of this state. Although the Jefferson County Commissioners voted to move forward with a Chapter 9 bankruptcy filing, I believe we can still reach a solution and the bankruptcy can be withdrawn.
The time is as important as ever for the members of the Jefferson County legislative delegation, as well as members of the full legislative body, to work together to resolve Jefferson County’s sewer debt crisis once and for all. We must all come to the table with a clear understanding of the issue at hand, the negative ramifications of inaction and bankruptcy, and work together to find the best solution for the residents of Jefferson County and the state of Alabama.
Slade Blackwell is a state senator representing Alabama’s District 15.
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