Jay Neal on Saturday officially kicked off his campaign for the state House District 1 seat currently held by Democrat Mike Snow.

“The issues that the people in Walker County want addressed are straight-forward,” Neal, a Republican, told a crowd of more than 100 people at his campaign kickoff on the steps of the Walker County Courthouse.

“The time has come for common-sense education reform,” said Neal, a LaFayette resident. “We must have tax relief. We must say no the ‘good old boys network’ and yes to responsible leadership.

“I will fight to enact common-sense education reform,” Neal said. “We must place decision-making at a local level where it belongs. Trust parents, educators and school boards to make the best decisions for their children on a local level and focus on basic education — math, science and reading. We must cut through the red tape and enable our teachers to teach.

“We must revive the economy by allowing working people to keep more of their hard-earned income. Return the budget surplus to the people instead of using it for pork barrel projects. It’s not the government’s money. It’s your money.”

Among those attending the event to show support for Neal were state Sen. Jeff Mullis, R-Chickamauga; state Rep. Brian Joyce, R-Lookout Mountain; state Rep. Lynn Westmoreland, a Republican and House minority leader.

Neal, who lives at 813 Windy Trail in LaFayette, has been married to the former Gretchen Banther of Rock Spring for 18 years. They have two daughters, Jessica, 17, and Brittney, 14. For the last 13 years, the Neals have lived in LaFayette.

Since 1989, Neal has served as pastor of Gordon Lake Wesleyan Church. He is also currently employed as a pharmaceutical courier for Express Courier. He has served as an employee of the Walker County school system and a member of the System Quality Improvement Council.

He was educated at The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and received his degree in theology at Emmanuel Bible College.

He a co-sponsor of Undivided, a non-denominational faith-based group and an active member of the Northwest Georgia Coalition for Homelessness, Georgia Right to Life, and other charitable and social organizations