FROM STAFF REPORTS

State Representative Mary Sue McClurkin, R-Indian Springs, has been recognized as the 2007 House of Representatives Leader of the Year by the Alabama Association of Resource, Conservation and Development (RC&).

The award is given to one state representative each year for showing leadership in the promotion of conservation in Alabama.

McClurkin, who represents Jefferson and Shelby counties in the 43rd District of the state legislature, passed House Resolution 181 during the 2007 legislative session requesting Congress to level funding for the RC& and Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

The final version of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee has the RC& program at level funding for fiscal year 2008.

Rep. McClurkin has sponsored projects in her district such as the Helena Kiwanis playground, Shelby and Jefferson County water festivals, Aldridge Gardens and Veterans Park.

McClurkin has believed for many years that Alabamians must take ownership in conserving natural resources in their local community for future generations.

“We can’t wait for a drought or a catastrophic event to occur before we see the importance of conservation,” said McClurkin. “The time is now to volunteer and take care of this state’s beautiful resources.”

Robert Harbison, RC& Association chairman, feels no one deserves the award more than McClurkin and is thankful she is a strong advocate of promoting conservation.

“Rep. McClurkin has been a strong supporter of RC&,” said Harbison, “She is a great leader in our state.