Barnes “Extremely Disappointed” at Attempts to Limit Access to Hadrian Event

From the Barnes campaign

Greetings U.S. Congress District 4 constituents,

March 20 was a great day for our community.  Officials from Hadrien hosted a ribbon cutting to celebrate their choice of the Barton Plant for building essential naval components.  I’m hopeful it only marks the beginning of other companies making similar, transformational decisions throughout District 4.  From the Sheriff and various law enforcement agencies in providing our security, to the contributions our local IBEW and volunteer fire departments offered in helping make the event a success, our community clearly demonstrated why Hadrien and other companies would be wise to come here.

Beyond the ceremonial aspects of the day, the event also importantly created an excellent opportunity for local elected officials to form meaningful relationships with Hadrien officials and guests from Washington.  I was able to meet and socialize with various attendees, including friends, investors, and other local officials, as Hadrien extended invitations to all elected officials in Colbert County. While nothing could overshadow the significance of what that day marked for the future of Colbert County, I was extremely disappointed in the decision one or a few made in trying to limit my access at the event.

Without getting into too many details, I was abruptly asked to leave by two security guards while I was speaking with others at the event, despite informing them that I was a County Commissioner.  Upon questioning them, it was clearly determined that Kreg Kennedy, a field representative for Congressman Robert Aderholt, was the individual behind the request.  Ultimately, once I told them I was a guest of Hadrian and also a candidate running against Congressman Aderholt, the security agents allowed me to stay. As a result, I was able to speak with a range of individuals, from Senator Tuberville to Hadrian leadership and Navy personnel. All these conversations were productive for future area growth.

Although I don’t know if Kreg Kennedy was directed to do this or made the decision on his own, the entire ordeal was uncalled for and petty. Unfortunately, I am not surprised. Entitlement is rampant in D.C., which clearly carries over when they are back home with their constituents. This is the same Kreg Kennedy who brags about the greatness of the seniority system that has placed us close to 40 trillion dollars in debt and failed to solve any of the chronic issues that continue to plague or nation. But beyond experience that day, I mainly left wondering if he and his staff thought it was acceptable to treat me that way, how little do they think of most of you I hope to represent with honor and humility?  More importantly, do they even think of many of us at all when they are clearly in a bubble of unaccountability which somehow tells them that they are better than those they represent?

Hadrien's event was no place for this type of selfish, self-serving politics.  Maybe if Rep. Aderholt’s staff was just as committed to solving major issues facing our country to that of trying to embarrass and delegitimatize anyone who has the audacity to run against him for the position apparently he and his staff fill entitled to, we see some real progress for our district and country. No one is above reproach, nor do they own a position. I believe all elected officials serve at the will of the people and should exhibit the highest of standards of honor and integrity.  At the very least, I would hope there is an apology forthcoming and some internal discipline measures taken within Congressman Aderholt’s office.

Respectfully,

Tommy Barnes
Candidate for United States Congress
Alabama District 4

Barnes is a longtime public servant and Republican elected official from Northwest Alabama. He serves as the District 1 County Commissioner in Colbert County, where he has spent more than a decade working on local infrastructure, economic development, and utilities issues. He will face incumbent Robert Aderholt in the May 19 primary election.

For more information on Tommy Barnes, follow his campaign on Facebook.