VALLEY — County Commissioner and local small business owner Debbie Wood recently announced her candidacy for Alabama House of Representatives, District 38. This seat became available when Representative Isaac Whorton announced that he would run for circuit judge. District 38 covers parts of Chambers and Lee counties.

“I graduated as salutatorian from Beulah High School in 1984 and have lived in Chambers County since 1992,” Wood says. “I have deep roots in both counties, and I am thrilled to have this opportunity to serve.”

In 2000, Wood opened a real estate office and today Century 21 Wood Real Estate continues to grow and provide services from rentals to home ownership. “I love being an integral part of my community,” she says. “Owning our company has provided us the chance to sponsor little league teams, local charities, and to participate in community events. Citizens have supported our company and we do our best to give back.”

In 2002 while speaking on her real estate radio show on WJCM, Debbie was caught off guard when a caller phoned in to ask her a political question. “ I cannot remember what the question was, but I know that day changed the direction of my life.” she says.

After answering that question, there was another and by the time she made the short commute from West Point to her office it was decided that Wood would run for County Commission.

“In 2002 I took office and am currently serving my fourth term,” she says.

Debbie Wood is the first female to be elected by her peers to serve as Commission chair. In 2013 Wood was elected as president of the Association of County Commissions for the State of Alabama, the second female in the history of the organization. Wood currently serves on the National Association of Counties in Washington, D.C.

“County government has been a part of my life for over 15 years and I am equipped to move on to a leadership role in Montgomery,” she says.

It wasn’t a decision that was made in haste.  In 2015 Wood had a life changing event. She was diagnosed with breast cancer. “At first I was scared because I did not know what the outcome would be,” she says. “After surgery I returned home, and a new fire began to build in me. I knew that there was definitely a plan for my life, and I wanted to make every second count!”

Wood’s current commission term expires in November, She’s giving up the seat to run for state representative. “I do not want our communities to lose their voice, so I have qualified to run,” she says. “My pledge to the citizens are as follows; Wise decisions, Open minded, Outspoken but respectful, Dedicated.”

(She used the letters in her name to assimilate that pledge.) “My issues are jobs, roads and bridges, and a skilled workforce for all employment areas,” she says “I look forward to traveling throughout District 38 and talking about issues and how we can build a better community. I need your vote and prayers for this new journey in my life.”