Bentley seeks to distinguish self from Republican field

Republican gubernatorial candidate Robert Bentley said it is not very important if the Wiregrass knows who he is and what he stands for on July 1.

The advantage of a year-long campaign, says Bentley, is that he has plenty of time to introduce himself to Southeast Alabama.

Bentley began that process this week by speaking to local Republicans. The state representative and retired dermatologist said that while there are many things about which Alabama should be proud, there are some blemishes that need to be removed.

Bentley said his work in the Legislature and in private business as a doctor gives him the experience to know what works in Montgomery and what does not.

“I understand how people think. I understand families and their needs,” Bentley said.

Bentley is part of a crowded field of Republicans running for governor. He joins former chancellor of the 2-year college system Bradley Byrne, State Treasury Secretary Kay Ivey, businessman Tim James, Ex-State Supreme Court Justice Roy Moore and former director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs Bill Johnson.

Bentley said the economy, education and health care are the three most important issues facing Alabama.

Economy
— Bentley said he believes small business investment is the quickest way to turn around the economy. He said he would create an Office of Small Business, whose director would report to the governor. He said he would offer incentives to existing small businesses that seek to expand, as well as other special incentives to small businesses if they rehire laid-off workers.

Education
—  Bentley serves on the Education Appropriations Committee in the Alabama Legislature.
“I know some of the waste that goes on, and I know some of the good things,” Bentley said.
As governor, Bentley said he would propose the implementation of pilot programs, including one that would provide performance-based bonuses to teachers whose students show improvement from the beginning of the school year to the end. He does not favor comparisons to performance in other classrooms, however.

Health Care
— Bentley said he would be in favor of expanding employee health savings accounts that are connected to their health insurance. He said he would address a lack of primary care physicians in certain parts of the state by “setting aside” medical school slots and providing scholarships to those who qualify if they agree to serve their first four years of medical practice in a defined area of need. He said he would also provide incentives to address the lack of nursing school teachers in Alabama.

Bentley said he personally opposes gambling, but said the Legislature refuses to address the issue and would propose a statewide yes or no vote.

If the state votes yes, Bentley said, then he would propose taxing revenue up to 50 percent with 40 percent to the state, 5 percent to gambling addiction programs and 5 percent to local communities to deal with “problems” associated with having establishments in the community. If the state votes no, he said he would shut down all existing gambling establishments in Alabama, including all dog tracks and electronic bingo centers not operated by Indians in accordance with federal law.