Some Elected Officials Do Not Get It!

Over the last few years citizens in many states, including Alabama, have been fighting to remove pornographic literature from their libraries. In particular, this battle is focused on graphic sexual content in the children’s/minor’s section of public libraries. Unfortunately, some local Republican political leaders have proved indifferent to our cause.

Outraged parents, including me, engaged the Limestone County Commissioners and the Athens-Limestone County Public Library to ensure policies were in place to protect our children from age inappropriate, sexual literature. Sadly, this inappropriate literature is recommended for young children by the American Library Association and is found in many libraries and schools in Alabama. I soon discovered that the Limestone County Commissioners had abdicated all responsibility for the Athens-Limestone Public Library. This was surprising since the majority of the Limestone County Commissioners, including the chairman, claim to be Republicans concerned with family values and parental rights. After a lengthy effort by Limestone County residents, the County Commissioners reclaimed two of the five seats on the Athens-Limestone Library Board.

Concerned residents expected the County Commissioners to appoint informed, family values representatives to the library board. In one important instance this did not happen. One of the appointees is a prominent member of the Alabama GOP, sits on the state GOP committee, was previously the secretary of the Limestone County Republican Executive Committee (LCREC), and is currently LCREC’s treasurer. Sounds like a winner! But not everyone who talks like a conservative Republican is actually conservative, informed, and professional. This newly appointed library board member knew little about library operations or the issues that had been raging across the state. I offered to meet with her to discuss the issues but she couldn’t be bothered. In desperation, I asked for her email address so that I could send her some background on the issue.

She gave me her email address and I sent her an article called “Why We Fight” that included examples of some of the perverse, graphic, sexual content we were fighting to control.

Here is her response. “The disgusting pornographic material that you chose to send to me via email unsolicited is filth. Do not contact me via email, phone call or text, or in person again. Any communication from you will be considered harassment and I will be forced to involve the authorities.”

This response from a “public servant” is inexcusable! Her job is to listen to constituents, know the issues, and ensure that we have library policies in place that protect our children. It is an embarrassment to our County Commissioners that they appointed such an unprofessional and uninformed person to the library board. Local government boards greatly influence the culture of our communities.  Board members, in general, should be responsive to constituents and reflect the values of its community.  I have learned that boards do not change unless there is accountability from their appointing body. This is why I am running for Madison City Council. I will fight for free speech, parental rights, transparency and approachability.  Every voter needs to know enough about their candidate to ensure actions will mirror their “image.” There are far too many “family values conservatives” in office who do not know the issues and do not have the strength to do the right thing.

Signed,

Rachel Homolak—A concerned mother and Madison City Council candidate – District 4 For We the People

Rachel Homolak is a “Christ follower, wife, mother, educator, community volunteer and protector of families. For over three decades, Rachel has dedicated her life towards the protection and well-being of children and their parents. Her life experience and professional expertise brings a crucial perspective in the political landscape.‘

Homolak is a candidate for Madison City Council-District 4. She will face Michael McKay in the August 26 municipal election. For more information on the election, including the last dates to establish residency and to register to vote, see this link. For more information on Rachel Homolak, her positions and her campaign, follow her on social media or visit her campaign website, rachel4madison.com.

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