Moore among few freshmen selected for leadership role

Local state Rep. Barry Moore has been selected by Alabama Speaker of the House Mike Hubbard to serve as vice chairman of the House Commerce and Small Business Committee.

Moore is one of the few freshman legislators appointed to leadership positions before the Legislature convenes on Feb. 5.

Legislation affecting small businesses will be assigned to and reviewed by the Commerce and Small Business Committee before making its way to the House.

Moore said the committee acts as a "gatekeeper" for potential legislation affecting small business issues.

This will be familiar work for Moore, who has served on the committee for two sessions.

Moore also has experience with small businesses as a small business owner himself.

It's an area Moore said he's passionate about.

"It's one of the things that's near and dear to my heart because of my experience," Moore said. "I'm passionate about doing the right thing for jobs and small businesses in Alabama and whatever I can to to help create jobs and impact commerce positively, I'm all about that."

Moore said he's excited about the opportunity.

"It was certainly an honor and I was surprised," Moore said.

The appointment doesn't come without a little anxiety, he said, adding he is one of three freshmen out of 105 to be selected to serve as vice-chairman of committees.

"Representative Moore's experience as a small business owner gives him the perspective and know-how needed to serve in this leadership role on the Commerce Committee," Hubbard said.

Another representative selected for a leadership role is state Rep. Lynn Greer, of Rogersville, a lawmaker who retired before returning to the House with the 2010 freshman class. Greer will replace state Rep. Mac McCutcheon, of Huntsville, as chairman of the Transportation, Utilities and Infrastructure Committee. McCutcheon was recently tapped to serve as the Rules Committee chairman.

Other representatives selected for leadership are state Rep. Allen Farley, of McCall, who will serve as vice chairman of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Committee; and state Rep. Bill Roberts, of Jasper, who will serve as vice-chairman of the Committee on Boards, Agencies and Commissions.

"I am confident that this group of legislators will help lead our fight to protect the rights and values that Alabamians hold dear," Hubbard said. "The backgrounds, the talents and the conservative ideologies of each of these individuals has made them uniquely qualified to fill these posts, and I look forward to working with them in this session, and for many years to come."