Lt Gov Candidate Pat Bishop Speaks to the Cullman Board of Education About His Platform on Education
(Left to Right) Dr. Susan Patrick, Alabama Lt Gov Candidate Pat Bishop, CCBOE Member Larry Duke
(Left to Right) Alabama Lt Gov Candidate Pat Bishop, CCBOE Member Larry Duke
CCBOE Member Larry Duke
Bishop, 53, a product the Kingston area and of the Birmingham City School System as a Ramsay High graduate, has a Criminal Justice Administration degree & MBA from Columbia Southern University. Pat Bishop served 26 years in the United States Army, most of which as a paratrooper, and worked for several years in law enforcement, where he now serves as a school resource officer for the Cullman County Sheriff's Office. He is also an ordained minister of the Gospel.
“Because I am not a politician, I did not see myself as a candidate, but education is very important to me,” Bishop said. “I know what it's like to not have the resources that are needed in a classroom, but yet the teachers and administrators go to great lengths to ensure you have enough to succeed and are able to compete in the job market.”
Bishop describes the other candidates as amazing people for even entering the race, but felt he needed to join the race to do what is right and to make Alabama better.
“God is in charge of the final vote count,” he said.
“People always ask what my strengths are. My biggest strength is probably honesty. It's also my weakness. My honesty has earned me praise on some days, it has also gotten me called on the carpet several times in both uniforms, because I refuse to play the game. In the end, when I rest for the night, I rest peacefully. Only thieves and liars have issues when it comes to speaking with people because they can't remember what lie they told.” Bishop said about why Alabama voters should choose him on May 19th. “When it comes to anything that has to do with the education of our children, you have to hear students, hear parents’, hear teachers concerns.”
About issues in education, Bishop said getting parents involved and keeping them involved is paramount.
“My Make Alabama Better (MAB) campaign is based on common sense. Schools have students only seven to eight hours a day, parents must also be accountable stakeholders. I don't need law makers to tell me that.” he said.
“Yes, as it has been said before, Alabama parents have rights, but they also have responsibilities! We have got to back to the basics of parenting! It's just common sense. Only then will we make Alabama Better” he said.