Chris Countryman in 2018 AL Governor's race

On Budget & Economy: Prepare financially for new, or expanding, state programs

In recent years, Alabama has gained a tarnished image in the eyes of the nation, as well as the citizens within the state. Gone are the memories of songs that flaunt the beauty of the our state. These are now replaced with vivid reminders that our current state administration has abused their power and authority for personal gain, advancement of propaganda, and irresponsible financial decisions that directly affect each and every tax paying citizen. Because of this many citizens have questioned whether or not Alabama can once again become a state of progress, or if it is doomed to continue impacting citizens in a negative way, and eventually leading to the complete bankruptcy of the state. Because of these real and valid concerns, Christopher A. Countryman, is committed to balancing the state budget, creating a surplus in the states general fund, adequately funding current programs, and preparing financially for new, or expanding, state programs. Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018" Mar 15, 2017

On Civil Rights: No discrimination based on orientation or gender identity

Countryman is in favor of:

In favor of expanded hate crime laws protecting individuals based on their actual or perceived race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
In favor of laws that prohibit students in public schools from participating in any form of discrimination or harassment against fellow students on the basis of their sexual orientation. This also includes harassment and discrimination based on a fellow student's gender or gender identity.
In favor of laws that prohibit discrimination or harassment in the workplace against workers on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. This includes laws prohibiting discrimination and harassment towards individuals on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity during the application and hiring process.
In favor of laws that prohibit adoption discrimination against individuals on the basis of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or marital status.

Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018" Mar 15, 2017

On Civil Rights: Ok to refuse church services to gay couples

[On gender identity rights], Christopher A. Countryman is in favor of:

In favor of laws that allow clergy and churches the right to refuse services to those who do not adhere to their religious beliefs or who are not members of their church or religious group. This only applies within their churches and places of worship.
In favor of laws ensuring that churches, religious institutions, or other places of worship remain protected under the first amendment. This protection would extend to all religious institutions as long as they refrain from any and all threats or acts of violence against those who they might oppose based on their religious beliefs.
In favor of laws that prohibit discrimination and harassment against any other federally recognized group or individual.
In favor of laws that prohibit retaliation against anyone who opposes conduct that is considered unlawful under expanded discrimination and harassment laws.

Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018" Mar 15, 2017

On Crime: Creative and cost effective ways to deter crime

One of the biggest problems in the state is the increase in both violent and non-violent crime. The solution to crime related issues within the state is not taking away the rights of citizens, but rather finding creative and cost effective ways to deter the possibilities of crimes taking place. For Alabama to stay a safe and enjoyable state for citizens to live involves the effort of every branch of state Government. Because of this this important issue is probably one area that is constantly expanding and changing, in an attempt to stay one step ahead of the game. Together we can protect a citizens rights while protecting them and their families. Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018" Mar 15, 2017

On Education: Cutting the education budget is never a solution

Alabama has struggled over the years to provide quality educational resources to students in our public schools. Currently Alabama has a graduation rate of 72%. Many politicians continue to propose cutting the state education budget in order to make room for many non-essential programs. Cutting the education budget in Alabama is never a solution when it comes to the education of students within the state. Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018" Mar 15, 2017

On Education: Provide funding for college outside of sports scholarhips

Our educational system has failed to provide our high school graduates with affordable tuition costs once entering college. Countless state colleges offer expensive sport scholarships to High school sports stars but are ignoring many students who have great potential, but are unable to pay for college or secure a college funding opportunity. Our students cannot be expected to compete in today's challenging job market if they are not provided with the resources that give them the tools to succeed. Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018" Mar 15, 2017

On Health Care: Quality affordable care available to everyone

Health care has turned into big business for insurance companies and health care providers. Unfortunately today's changing economic landscape make it difficult for many people to get the health care services that they need. Quality and essential health care is becoming something that is only available for the wealthy, and for those who have jobs that provide health care coverage. This is completely unacceptable. Quality and affordable health care is something that should be available to everyone. Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018" Mar 15, 2017

On Jobs: Current minimum wage barely meets worker needs

Alabama citizens all across the state are struggling financially due to wages that are completely unacceptable for today's working class citizens. The current minimum wage barely meets the needs of the average worker and must become a living wage. It is essential that the minimum wage is gradually increased over the next several years so that Alabama citizens can survive and contribute to the economic recovery within the state. Source: 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website "testtrac2018" Mar 15, 2017

On Civil Rights: Repeatedly sought same-sex marriage license

Chris Countryman, who repeatedly sought a marriage license in Houston County earlier this year along with his same-sex partner, has announced plans to seek the Democratic nomination for governor. Countryman and partner Bruce Munger Countryman eventually received a marriage license in Coffee County before Houston County announced it would begin issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Countryman and Munger were together for more than three years before initially seeking a marriage license. Source: Dothan Eagle on 2018 Alabama gubernatorial race Sep 21, 2015

On Gun Control: Favors greater ability to track gun purchases

According to Countryman's website, he supports increased funding for math and science in K-12 as well as incentivizing teachers and administrators whose students and schools perform well. He said he supports second amendment rights, but also favors greater ability to track gun purchases. Source: Dothan Eagle on 2018 Alabama gubernatorial race Sep 21, 2015

On Principles & Values: Protect churches but not in non-religious public services

Countryman said he would push legislation prohibiting discrimination in a public setting. "We need to start implementing legislation that would protect churches and religious leaders within the confines of their respective homes and churches while still ensuring that any citizen is not discriminated against in a public setting or where non-religious public services are rendered," Countryman said. Source: Dothan Eagle on 2018 Alabama gubernatorial race Sep 21, 2015

On Tax Reform: Supports targeted spending cuts and tax cuts

In favor of fixing tax loopholes that benefit the super wealthy and enforce legislation that requires them to pay their fair share in taxes. Big business, and the banking and loan industry, have been taking advantage of the working class citizens for way to long. Since the super-rich don't pay their fair share of taxes there is a lack of funding for some of the vital programs within the state. Countryman said he supports targeted spending cuts and tax cuts. "Attempt to evaluate which programs can have funding cuts in order to balance the state budget in order to provide funding for new tax cuts, infrastructure programs, job creation programs and educational programs," Countryman said. Source: Dothan Eagle on 2018 Alabama gubernatorial race Sep 21, 2015

The above quotations are from 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage. Click here for other excerpts from 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial race: debates and news coverage. Click here for other excerpts by Chris Countryman. Click here for other excerpts by other Governors.
Please consider a donation to OnTheIssues.org! Click for details -- or send donations to: 1770 Mass Ave. #630, Cambridge MA 02140 E-mail: submit@OnTheIssues.org (We rely on your support!)

Page last updated: Nov 30, 2021