Alabama House's youngest legislator picked for important committee assignments
By Jim Cox

Keahey

Newly elected state legislator Marc Keahey was named to two important committees during the Alabama House of Representatives' organizational session.

House Speaker Seth Hammett, D-Andalusia, appointed Keahey, D-Grove Hill, to the Judiciary Committee and the Agriculture and Forestry Committee.

The Judiciary Committee is one of the most powerful committees in the House, responsible for reviewing all bills pertaining to changes in civil and criminal law and establishing penalties for violations of the law.

An attorney, Keahey said, "Making sure that we have a fair system of laws is one of the most i m p o r t a n t things that we can do as legislators. Ensuring that violators of the law are appropriately punished is also vital to the safety of our state."

Keahey was named vice chairman of the newly created Children's Issues Subcommittee for the Judiciary Committee.

Keahey explained that the committee would focus on issues and advocacy needs of the state's youngest citizens.

Keahey said he was also fortunate to be named to the Agriculture and Forestry Committee.

"The timber industry is very important for many folks in District 65. I plan to be an advocate for those back home whose livelihood depends on the timber industry," he said.

Rep. Thomas Jackson, DThomasville, chairs the Agriculture and Forestry Committee.

The committee examines bills, which control petroleum and waterways, hunting and fishing and agribusiness.

He was also named to two interim committees, the Joint Study Committee on Mental Health Capital Outlay Oversight Commission and the National/Regional NCSL Law and Criminal Justice Committee.

Speaker Hammett said, "Rep. Keahey will undoubtedly be a tremendous asset to both the Judiciary and Agriculture committees. I am confident that he will work tirelessly for the people of this state."

Keahey holds the distinction of being the youngest House member at the age of 26. He said he did not think his age would be a liability and that he looked forward to working for Alabamians of all ages, young and old.

Keahey said the House was organized with no controversy, unlike the State Senate that saw a bitter fight for control of the upper chamber between Democrats and Republicans. The House is predominantly Democratic and the Senate is too but the majority there is much thinner.

Keahey said he attended some of the inaugural events for Lt. Gov. Jim Folsom and Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, both Democrats, last weekend and Jan. 15 he watched the inaugural parade in downtown Montgomery.

"I waved at the band members from Jackson High School and Fruitdale High School who participated in the parade," he said.

Keahey was elected in the Nov. 7 general election, defeating Republican incumbent Nick Williams.

Keahey holds a bachelor degree from the University of Alabama and earned his law degree at Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He and his wife, Lara, are the parents of a son, Marc II.

"I'm looking forward to a productive session and a productive quadrennium. I'm ready to get to work," he said.

Keahey's District 65 includes all of Washington County and portions of Choctaw and Clarke.

The regular session starts Tuesday, March 6.

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