Dr. Will Boyd, Democrat for Gov. of Alabama, on HB392/SB268

From the Boyd for Governor campaign

Statement from Dr. Will Boyd, Democratic Candidate for Governor of Alabama on HB 392 and SB 268

After spending time at the State House listening to the PSC hearing, I left thinking less about political maneuvering and more about the temperature of our democracy. Talking with constituents at length, I have concluded that Alabama is living through a volatile and uncertain time. Families are stretched. Trust in institutions is fragile. People want stability, transparency, and leadership that listens carefully before acting boldly. When significant structural changes like altering how we select Public Service Commissioners move forward quickly, it raises a simple but serious question.

Are we moving with the people, or ahead of them?

As a voter and as a candidate for governor, I will be honest. This moment gives me pause.

I am not in the rooms where every conversation happens, and I do not pretend to know what is said behind closed doors. But when decisions feel swift and sweeping, when constituents feel surprised rather than informed, that signals a disconnect.

This is bigger than one bill in Montgomery. It is about the health of our representative democracy. Legislators are elected to reflect the voices of their communities. When those voices are not clearly heard, whether because of time pressure, limited access, political dynamics, or breakdowns in communication, we all feel the consequences.

Town halls, community forums, and intentional public dialogue are not ceremonial traditions. They are instruments of trust.

If elected governor, strengthening the bridge between lawmakers and the people they serve will not be a talking point for me. It will be a governing principle.

We cannot afford to move major legislation without adequate consultation, expert input, and meaningful public engagement. Too many measures in recent years have felt disconnected from the everyday realities of taxpayers, leaving citizens wondering whose interests are truly being served.

Regarding the proposal to remove the electoral process for Public Service Commissioners, I do not support transferring that authority from voters to gubernatorial appointments. Public service should remain directly accountable to the people. If reform is needed, it should expand participation, not limit it.

More than anything, this moment underscores the work ahead. We must rebuild trust. We must slow down enough to listen. We must create space for disagreement without dismissing it. Representation must be substantive, not symbolic.

This is not about criticizing individuals. It is about strengthening the system.

Alabama deserves leadership that is steady, thoughtful, and grounded in dialogue. That is the leadership I am committed to offering.

 Dr. Will Boyd,

Democratic Candidate for Governor of Alabama

For more information on Dr. Boyd and his campaign for Governor, visit https://drwillboyd.com or follow him on social media.