Cedric Coley was born in Las Vegas, NV, in 1990. At the age of 2 years old, Cedric and his mother relocated to her native state of Alabama. Growing up in the Tri-County (Autauga, Elmore, Montgomery) area, Cedric Coley was taught values and the importance of an education by a single mother working two jobs while helping close relatives. The work ethic and morality of Cedric’s mother shaped his world view of being thankful and giving back when possible! He graduated from Morningview Elementary School in Montgomery, AL, in 2002 and Stanhope Elmore High School in Millbrook, AL, in 2008. Cedric became very active in his community throughout high school by being apart of JROTC, canned food drives, nursing home visits, and fundraising for local charity organizations.

Cedric Coley realized at an early age that responsibility for yourself and your community does not begin when a person reaches “adulthood”. It begins the moment you understand you have something to contribute to society! He let’s his young life of community service speak for itself with the dozens of medals, trophies, personal awards, and appearances on local television and radio to discuss solutions. In 2008, Cedric was accepted into Jacksonville State University in Jacksonville, AL, to study Political Science. In 2010, he transferred to Faulkner University in Montgomery, AL, to study Theology and pursue a career in the military as a U.S. Army Chaplain.

Cedric Coley has always had a principled, moral compass and a strong patriotism. It is not typical for a young person in their early 20’s to seek public office, but, Cedric knows the problems plaguing our communities cannot wait. He has been apart of numerous forums on violence, education, and economic growth. He is willing to reach out to anyone and have a conversation about how we all can be the solution! Cedric knows everyone has a role to play in building a better community and country. Regardless of political views, Cedric Coley believes we can improve tomorrow by working together one issue, one step, one day at a time.

Cedric took the time to speak with us. Here is what he had to share!

What areas does your district cover?

Alabama House District 69 emcompasses all of Lowndes County, all of Wilcox County, half of Autauga County but mainly west of Highway 82, and west Montgomery County.

Describe to us the events that led up to your decision to run for office.

I’m concerned about the direction of the state. Therefore, I’m running because I see the urgency of now. Our schools need new life, our infrastructure is becoming more dangerous and obsolete everyday, and Alabama has to unleash it’s unlimited potential by investing in it’s human capital. I believe the People of District 69 have settled for below average for long enough. In this pivotal election, we have to meet our challenges face to face without faltering and without excuse.

You are a young individual. Why do you think it is important to have more younger individuals in the legislature?

I think most young people have been conditioned by society to aim for low and safe goals in life. It has become common place to hear negative stories about the youth of today. However, young people have no idea how powerful they are. As a individual and a unified generation, it is important for visionaries to stand up, speak out and stay informed about how to build a better future. If more young people were involved in every level of government, then we would see more understanding and more change for the better.

What changes do you plan to implement in your district?

I believe my platform is a roadmap for progress and a path to prosperity for House District 69 as well as the state of Alabama. Tax Reform- I support repealing the grocery tax. I support providing more access to tax credits, special depreciation allowances and tax holidays for small businesses. Reform Judicial/Penal System- With prisons over 190% capacity, the economic toll of not having penal reform is felt by every Alabamian. Education Vitalization- I believe every child deserves the best education our state can provide. I will work to modernize schools. First Responders Pay Raise- First Responders are a vital part of law and order. I support and believe they deserve a pay raise. Pay Elected Officials the Minimum Wage- One way to give first responders a pay raise is to lower the wages and benefits of elected officials state-wide. I oppose allowing the bureaucracy to have royal benefits while those we depend on to keep us safe and healthy struggle to
make ends meet. Neighborhood Watch and Community Policing- I will work to strengthen and encourage partnerships between local businesses, faith organizations and law enforcement agencies to ensure community safety. Infrastructure Restoration and Expansion- I oppose continuing to defer maintenance of our infrastructure and I believe we have to face this challenge with strategic planning. Storm Shelters for Mobile Home Communities- I believe building a better Alabama includes preparing for extreme weather events with widespread storm shelters for mobile home communities.

Where do you see your district in 10 years? What will it take to get
there?

I see the establishment of a 21st Century Alabama and District 69. An Alabama that creates economic opportunity by restoring and expanding upon the local infrastructure. An Alabama that reinforces the importance of an education as a way to better ourselves and our world around us. And a District 69 that embraces its unique role in helping Alabama leave a long-lasting impression on this new century. I firmly believe we can improve our way of life and leave a steadfast foundation for future generations to build upon. To achieve this we have to come together to renew our future through restoration, education and innovation. The urgency of now dictates that we be of one mindset and allow one consensus to govern us. That is the belief that we have it within our power to set a new standard for this new century.

We are approaching the 50 year anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. What has changed? What is still the same?

Since the 1960’s, great leaps of progress have been made to unite America across racial and generational lines. Yet, the enemy of the people has remained and adapted. Our enemy is ignorance. It comes in many forms but it’s mission is the same: to conquer by dividing. Nevertheless, we the people are the solution. We can combat all forms of ignorance in education, economics and civil liberties with informed activism rooted in a independent mindset!

Cedric Coley can be contacted via:
facebook.com/cedriccoley
[email protected]
alabamaindependenceparty.com
P.O. Box 250813, Montgomery, AL 36125