By Tyler Spivey

After November of next year, Pike County will see a change in leadership at the state level.

When legislative redistricting goes into effect post 2014 election, Sen. Bryan Taylor, R-Prattville, will no longer be the senator representing Pike County. But Taylor wants Pike County residents to know that he will still be in their corner.

Taylor, who was elected to represent District 30 of the Alabama Senate in November 2010, talked about his feelings on redistricting, his plans for Pike County during his remaining time as senator, and his hopes for Pike County after that time.

“Every part of my district is a little bit different, and every part of my district has its unique and special characteristics,” Taylor said. “I love Troy. I love Pike County. I love Brundidge. I’ve really enjoyed representing my constituents there.

“I don’t think you’ll find any other county that is a home to nicer people.”

Taylor said that it’s difficult to think that he won’t be with Pike County anymore. However, he said that he would be “just a phone call away” if he gets re-elected in his new district in 2014.

The senator said that he wants to make sure Pike County continues to be successful economically during the remainder of his term.

“I enjoy working with local officials who help recruit business and industry to Pike County,” Taylor said.

He also said that he hopes that the people of Pike County will keep its conservative philosophies.

“My hope is that Pike County will continue to grow, continue to prosper, and continue to elect good, conservative leaders that understand the importance of economic development and fiscal responsibility,” Taylor said.

According to the legislator, he will also be working on transportation issues, road and bridge repair, and new construction projects.

“Money for roads and bridges is a constant challenge,” Taylor said. “Pike County’s challenge is as great as any other county that I represent. And so, we need to focus on ways to ensure that we’re able to fund the necessary maintenance and upkeep of our roads to ensure that people are safe on the road and also to ensure that we can track industries.”

Taylor also expressed his concerns for local education.

“Education is always something that hits close to home with folks,” Taylor said. “We’ve got to improve the education system in this state.

“Pike County is fortunate enough to have pretty good schools. We can always do better, and I will continue to work with our school officials to find ways to give them the flexibility they need to be innovative and to improve student test scores and the student experience.”

Taylor is currently representing Autauga, Butler, Crenshaw, Elmore, Lowndes and Pike counties.

If he gets re-elected in 2014, he would represent Autauga County, Elmore County, Coosa County and part of southern Chilton County.

Pike County will be reassigned in November 2014 to District 31 that is made up of Covington, Dale, and Coffee counties.

Sen. Jimmy Holley, R-Elba, currently represents District 31. If he is re-elected in 2014, he will represent Pike County.

Holley expressed excitement about possibly representing Pike County. He said he is looking forward to working with the different community groups.

Holley also said he wants to find ways to improve U.S. Highway 231.

“Certainly 231 is a great asset to South Alabama,” Holley said. “We want to continue to see 231 improve, widen, and expand.”

Another of Holley’s goals is “complimenting the growth” of Troy University. He said Pike County is similar to the counties he’s already working with.

“We’ve just got a lot in common with Pike County (in this district),” Holley said. “They are our next-door neighbors.”

Troy University journalism student Tyler Spivey of Red Level wrote this story as part of a project partly funded by the Alabama Press Association Journalism Foundation.