by Glynn Wilson

MONTGOMERY, Ala. — One of the few major contenders for governor promised “access” to the largest gathering of progressive environmental activists in the state on Sunday if he is elected, an indication that even in the conservative land of Alabama the cold war against science that dominated the Bush-Riley era may be on the verge of a serious thaw.

Glynn Wilson

Ron Sparks answers questions from the Alabama Rivers Alliance crowd Sunday in Montgomery

“When I become governor my door will be open to you,” Ron Sparks, the Fort Payne Democrat, pledged. “I will listen to you, rely on sound science and use common sense.”

More than 100 community organization leaders, citizen activists and concerned citizens held the first professional conference of its kind in the state this past weekend when the Alabama Rivers Alliance graduated from the annual nature field trip workshop to a full blown hotel and conference center affair in downtown Montgomery, a shot over the bow of Alabama’s entrenched corporate polluters.

Sparks also indicated to a luncheon audience from all over the state and region that he would work to move Alabama from the good old boy spoils system to the merit system when it comes to major appointments. He indicated he would not run the state like President George W. Bush ran the country for eight years, appointing the likes of unqualified FEMA director Michael “Brownie” Brown, or like Governor Bob Riley has run the state — appointing a two-time Oil Man of the Year to run the Department of Conservation, for example.

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