Bentley Names Members of Advisory Council on Gaming
Gov. Robert Bentley on Friday announced the appointments for his newly-created Alabama Advisory Council on Gaming. The Council will assess the current state and local laws on gambling, as well as the taxes generated from it.
“I am looking forward to the recommendations presented by this 11 person Advisory Council,” Bentley said in a news release.
“In recent years, a considerable amount of time and resources have been spent debating gaming in Alabama; however I am hopeful this group will present some new ideas or solutions that can help resolve this ongoing dispute and provide a clear direction going forward,” he said.
In our area, electronic bingo machines at VictoryLand in Macon County and at locations in Lowndes County and Greene County have come under fire by critics who say they represent illegal gambling. Supporters say voters at the local level approved the games and therefore they should continue.
The Governor has selected Finance Director Clinton Carter as chairman of the council. The appointments are as follows:
Governor’s appointments:
- Jim Byard, Jr., Director of Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs
- Clinton Carter, Director of Finance Department
- Curtis Stewart, Deputy Commissioner of Alabama Department of Revenue
- Carrie McCollum, General Counsel for Alabama Credit Union Administration
- Connie Rowe, State Representative
Pro Tem’s appointments:
- Bobby Singleton, State Senator
- Greg Albritton, State Senator
Speaker’s appointments:
- Jim Carns, State Representative
- Craig Ford, State Representative
District Attorneys Association:
- Barry Matson, Deputy Director
Sheriffs Association:
- Bobby Timmons, Executive Director
All appointments are effective immediately. The council will present findings and recommendations on gaming to the Governor, the President Pro Tem of the Senate and the Speaker of the House by January 31, 2017.
