By Staff
Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Former state auditor and Morgan County native Susan Parker of Rogersville has announced her candidacy for the Alabama Public Service Commission, Place Two, subject to the 2006 Democratic Primary.
Parker, a former Athens State University administrator, served as state auditor from 1998 to 2002. She went on to make history in Alabama politics by becoming the first woman candidate for the U.S. Senate. She was defeated in the 2004 general election by the incumbent, Jeff Sessions.
Place Two on the PSC is currently held by George Wallace Jr. who has opted not to seek reelection in favor of running for lieutenant governor.
A native of Eva and a former resident of Hartselle, Parker is president of Parker Plus, a consulting and public speaking firm focusing on team building, leadership development, financial management, fundraising and effective communications. Parker is currently working throughout North Alabama as a consultant for the Greater Birmingham Ministries to promote the need for a new constitution in Alabama.
"The decisions made by the PSC impact Alabamians every day," Parker stated. "Citizens need a strong advocate who understands what it's like to make the trailer payment, the truck payment and pay the utility bill all at the same time. I've been there and I know. No one will work harder to see that Alabamians get a fair shake."
While serving as state auditor, Parker instituted new technology and brought the office current with audits for the first time in 10 years. She also began auditing no-bid contracts and to ensure that work the state contracted for was completed satisfactorily.
"I will bring the same skills and knowledge to this position as I did to the state auditor's office. I have a record of honesty and integrity the people can trust," Parker said.
Parker holds four college degrees including a Ph.D. in higher education administration from The University of Alabama.
All her degrees were earned by attending college at night while working full-time during the day.
She was the first woman from Alabama to be named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans by the U.S. Jaycees.
She and her husband, Paul, attend First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Rogersville where Susan is a Sunday school teacher.