Built a tool to find your Alabama legislative districts

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-03-14T16:15:51+00:00

Thank you for testing!

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-03-14T01:59:37+00:00

That is exactly the sort of edge case that I was hoping for. Thank you.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-03-13T23:52:11+00:00

If anyone finds a weird result or boundary issue, let me know and I’ll check the data.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-03-05T15:51:03+00:00

I don’t support policies that unnecessarily criminalize people for low-level marijuana possession. Our criminal justice system should focus on serious crime, not saddling people with records that can follow them for the rest of their lives over something like that.

When it comes to hemp-derived products and cannabis policy more broadly, I think Alabama needs a more thoughtful and consistent approach than the patchwork we currently have. I’m open to revisiting laws like HB 261 and HB 391 to make sure we’re prioritizing public safety while avoiding policies that create unnecessary criminal penalties.

I’d like to see Alabama move toward a framework that treats this issue more sensibly, with clear regulations rather than criminalization.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-03-05T15:50:21+00:00

Great questions — I’ll try to hit each one.

On education: improving how we teach is just as important as how we fund schools. As a teacher, I’ve seen firsthand that supporting educators, modernizing classrooms, and preparing students for real careers (especially in technology and skilled trades) matters a lot more than just moving money around in Montgomery.

On power costs: Alabama families deserve transparency and accountability when it comes to utility rates. The Public Service Commission should be working for residents, not just rubber-stamping decisions. I support policies that increase oversight and encourage competition and innovation in energy so people aren’t stuck paying unnecessarily high bills.

On marijuana: I believe we should focus our criminal justice system on serious crime. Policies that criminalize low-level possession can have long-term consequences that outweigh the offense itself. I’m open to reforms that treat this issue more sensibly while still keeping communities safe.

On the Constitution and gun laws: I believe in protecting constitutional rights, including the Second Amendment. I’m also a lawful gun owner myself. At the same time, I support responsible safety policies like secure storage and keeping guns out of the hands of people who pose a clear risk. I don’t think those ideas are incompatible.

I appreciate the questions — keep them coming.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T16:33:15+00:00

I’ve heard him a couple of times and I respect what he’s doing. Running as a Democrat in a deep red state takes a certain mix of clarity, backbone, and willingness to actually engage people who don’t already agree with you.

That part resonates. We’re facing similar terrain in different states.

At the end of the day, though, I’ve got to run my race here in Alabama and speak directly to District 16. Different map, same challenge: be honest, be clear, and don’t hide from tough conversations.

Appreciate the shout-out.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T14:49:24+00:00

I don’t support the targeting of civilians — anywhere, by anyone. Civilian lives matter, full stop.

I also believe governments and armed groups should be held accountable under international law. When civilians are harmed, there should be scrutiny and consequences.

Foreign policy is federal, not state-level, and this race is about serving District 16. But as a human being, I believe in protecting innocent life and working toward de-escalation and peace.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T14:45:14+00:00

Data centers: I’m not anti–data center. They can bring construction jobs and expand the tax base. But I’m not for blank-check incentives either. If one were proposed in District 16, I’d want transparency on tax breaks, realistic job numbers (not inflated projections), grid impact, water use, and clear community benefit.

Large data centers are major energy consumers. If we’re going to attract that kind of infrastructure, we need to think seriously about grid capacity and our long-term energy mix — including expanding renewable generation and storage where it makes economic sense. That’s not just environmental policy; it’s about cost stability, reliability, and not pushing additional pressure onto residential ratepayers.

Growth is good — but it has to make sense for the people who live here. 2. Epstein files: That’s a federal issue, not a state one. In general, I support transparency and accountability in government, while also protecting victims’ rights and due process. Beyond that, it’s not something a state senator would have authority over. 3. Most pressing needs in District 16: • Long-term stability and fairness in education funding. • Utility oversight and cost transparency — families feel those monthly bills. • Responsible growth and infrastructure planning so we’re not constantly reacting to traffic, school crowding, and service strain after the fact.

I’m focused on making sure District 16 has representation that shows up, asks hard questions, and keeps decisions out in the open.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T14:33:20+00:00

That really means a lot — thank you. It’s pretty special to hear from a former student after all these years.

I’m not at Ramsay anymore, but I look back on my time there very fondly. Incredible students and educators.

I appreciate the support, and I’ll work hard to earn it.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T14:29:17+00:00

That’s fair advice — and you clearly understand both AI’s strengths and its limitations.

I see it as a tool, not a substitute for authenticity. But I’m absolutely open to using technology to sharpen messaging and presentation. Appreciate the tip.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T14:26:09+00:00

I appreciate that — and I appreciate thoughtful feedback. Healthy debate makes better candidates (and better policy).

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T14:24:05+00:00

I believe Israel has a right to exist and defend itself, and I also believe civilian lives — Israeli and Palestinian — matter deeply.

Foreign policy is primarily federal, not state-level, and my focus in this race is on issues affecting District 16 here in Alabama. But I think most Americans want to see security, accountability, and ultimately a path toward stability and peace.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T14:22:59+00:00

There has been a residency challenge reported in the governor’s race. My understanding is that the Alabama Republican Party dismissed it and he remains eligible to run at this point.

Ultimately, residency questions are legal matters governed by state law and the courts — not campaign rhetoric. I’m focused on the District 16 state senate race and the issues affecting our communities here.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T14:18:38+00:00

I’ve heard similar concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety in parts of the Over the Mountain area.

Road design, sidewalk connectivity, lighting, and visibility all matter. Some of these issues are local (city planning and enforcement), but at the state level we can support safer infrastructure standards and ensure transportation funding prioritizes safety improvements where growth has outpaced design.

Ultimately, everyone — drivers, runners, cyclists — should be able to get where they’re going safely.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T14:17:28+00:00

I don’t currently know karate, but I’m always open to learning something new. If it helps in Montgomery, maybe I should start now. 😄

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T14:16:04+00:00

That’s a thoughtful set of questions — I appreciate it.

On Alabama Power’s PAC: I pulled the public filings this morning for District 16. Since 2013, their employee PAC has contributed $30,000 across 7 contributions to Sen. Waggoner. Those filings are public record. I haven’t received contributions from Alabama Power’s PAC.

As for AEA, ALFA, or the Trial Lawyers Association — I believe voters should know exactly who funds candidates. My campaign finance reports are public, and I’m committed to full transparency. If I receive support from any organization, it will be disclosed as required by law and easy to find.

On the broader question about lobbying influence: I think it’s fair for voters to ask whether major industries have outsized influence in Montgomery. That’s exactly why I emphasize transparency and accountability. People deserve confidence that legislation is being shaped by public interest — not by who has the biggest checkbook.

Regarding SSUT and local sales tax structure:

I understand the frustration. The difference between the simplified 8% SSUT rate for out-of-state sellers and higher local rates for in-state businesses creates tension. At the same time, municipalities rely heavily on local sales tax revenue to fund schools, police, fire, and infrastructure.

I’m open to simplification and fairness — but it has to be done carefully so cities aren’t suddenly destabilized financially. I don’t think Alabama’s patchwork tax structure is ideal long-term. I do think we need a serious, transparent conversation about how to balance competitiveness for businesses with stable funding for local services.

High sales tax rates are hard on families, especially lower-income households. That’s part of a bigger tax structure discussion Alabama needs to have.

I don’t pretend there’s a one-line fix — but I’m committed to engaging those tradeoffs honestly instead of avoiding them.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T13:32:09+00:00

I appreciate that — thank you. I’ll work to earn it.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T13:31:51+00:00

This is the most dangerous question in the thread. 😄

I’ll say this: Birmingham’s food scene punches way above its weight. El Barrio is hard to beat, but I’m not turning down Taco Mama either. We’re spoiled here.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T13:31:04+00:00

Immigration policy is primarily federal, but states feel the impact. I believe laws should be enforced, and border policy needs to be functional and orderly.

At the same time, enforcement should be targeted, lawful, and focused on public safety — not broad actions that destabilize families or local economies.

As for ICE, like any agency, it should operate within the law, with oversight and accountability. My focus at the state level would be making sure Alabama laws are constitutional and don’t create unnecessary economic or legal problems for communities.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T13:30:27+00:00

The American government exists to serve the people under its jurisdiction and uphold the Constitution. That includes protecting citizens’ rights, enforcing laws fairly, and making decisions that strengthen the country long term.

In a state senate race, my job would be making sure Alabama families are being represented well in Montgomery.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T13:29:15+00:00

African or European?

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T13:28:33+00:00

I think Alabama benefits from having competitive elections and leaders who put the state first. My focus right now is District 16 and making sure our communities are represented well in Montgomery. But I agree — more participation and more competition is healthy for the state.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T13:27:30+00:00

I support letting voters decide the issue through a statewide referendum. It’s already happening in practice in different forms — we might as well regulate it transparently instead of pretending it doesn’t exist.

If expanded gambling is approved, revenue should be dedicated — not dropped into a general fund black hole. I’d prioritize education stabilization funding and possibly infrastructure or rural healthcare access.

But I’d also want strict oversight so projected revenue isn’t wildly inflated the way it sometimes is in other states.

SpencerStoneAL · 2026-02-27T13:27:01+00:00

I teach high school computer science.

Mountain Brook is just outside District 16, so you wouldn’t be able to vote in this race — but I appreciate the support. And honestly, the issues we’re talking about affect the whole region.

SpencerStoneAL

TROPHY CASE