November 10, 2023
For Immediate Release:
Subject: Ollie Rhys Declares Candidacy for Madison County Commission, District 4
Dear Madison County,
I am very excited to announce my campaign for the office of County Commission, District 5 in Madison County, Alabama, for the Libertarian Party. District 5 covers most of South Huntsville, including parts of Redstone Arsenal. I am the only qualified candidate for District 5, so I will be running in the general election next November, rather than the Primary this March. As an ardent supporter of individual liberty, reducing government’s encroachment in our private lives, and freedom of choice, I am committed to ensuring that Madison County will return to the American roots of Life, Liberty, and Justice for all.
Huntsville, and Madison County as a whole, holds a special place in my heart. Unfortunately, over the past several years, we’ve seen it decay from a once highly unique place. What once was a vibrant and passionate location for innovation in space travel, unique music, talented writers, and artists, and those who would seek for freedom to pursue whatever fascinating ideas they may come up with, is starting to become an expensive, crowded, and stifling place to live.
I place the blame for this decay at the feet of an increasingly burdensome, bureaucratic, and business-hostile local government. A large part of this can be found at the County Commission, who have been able to choose winners and losers in what should a free market. We’ve seen taxes increase, services diminish in both quality and quantity, and an expanding book of county ordinances. I aim to stop this, before it can destroy what the citizens of Madison County have build for decades.
My three largest priorities are as follows:
Rapid Reduction in County Taxes: Property tax, Sales tax, and Licenses in Madison County have grown to some of the highest in the state, making it increasingly difficult for small businesses to even remain in operation, let alone grow and expand to new customers. To stop this, we wouldn’t need to simply halt the growth of new fees and taxes, but quickly reverse their course. I would comb through the existing taxes and fees, and attempt to reduce as many as possible while keeping Madison County away from taking on debt. This would also require…
Stop the Needless Spending: The Madison County budget has grown exponentially over the last decade, having over doubled since 2013. Some of this growth is explained by inflation, growth of population, and change of prices, but with a looming budget of over a quarter of a billion dollars for 2024, Madison County is increasingly having to take out loans to keep it’s excessive spending going. If Madison County has to take on debt, perhaps we shouldn’t be spending so much money in the first place? Perhaps we should reduce budget items? Such as the enforcement of…
Eliminate Unethical Licenses and Regulations: Madison County unfortunately falls victim to the extremely common problem of local governments deciding that the best way to raise more funds is to start licensing businesses and people that have no need to be licensed. When pointed out, people will often point to the obvious ones that no-one would argue with, Doctors, Veterinarians, Lawyers, and other such providers of services that can have people’s lives in the palms of their hands. But do we really need to license hairdressers? Or Pet stores? Or house painters? These license systems make it harder and harder for people to earn an honest living, and those who find them too economically punishing must either decide to operate in the dark, or close their doors. Other systems, like certificate of need, end up vastly increasing the costs of critical services such healthcare, making people spend more and more for services that often diminish in quality due to lack of competition.
While these are my top issues, I have many others that I care about, often very passionately. To get involved, start volunteering, donate, or ask me more questions, please contact me at my FACEBOOK
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I am confident that my dedication, tenacity, and stern sense of honor make me the right candidate to lead our unique county towards the brighter future it deserves. I look forward to the opportunity to earn your support and work with you, the citizens of Madison County, Alabama.
Yours in Liberty,
Noah Oliver “Ollie” Rhŷs II
for Madison County Commission, District 5
Libertarian Party Madison County, Alabama