West Alabama Celebrates The Life Of Alan Harper This Afternoon
A celebration of Life Service is set for 1:00 this afternoon at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home North on Highway 69 North for former state Rep. Alan Harper. The 68-year-old passed away December 18th.
Harper was a Republican who served in the Alabama House of Representatives from 2006 to 2018, representing District 61, which included parts of Tuscaloosa, Pickens, and Greene Counties. He was an active community leader and an economic developer, credited with playing a key role in numerous successful projects in West Alabama, including efforts to support the Mercedes-Benz facility in Tuscaloosa County.
Gov. Ivey has authorized flags be flown at half-staff all day today on the grounds of the Alabama State Capitol Complex in Montgomery, and in the cities of Northport and Tuscaloosa, and throughout Pickens and Tuscaloosa counties to honor the life and service of Harper. The authorization states, "Representative Alan Harper’s legacy in public service is profound, and he will be long remembered."
Like many political leaders of his era, Harper was first elected as a Democrat before switching to the Republican Party in 2012. He said at the time he felt he could do a better job of bringing jobs into his district in West Alabama as a Republican.
At the time of his passing, current State Rep. Ron Bolton paid tribute, "Allen was a personal friend and advisor and a mentor from early on. He was directly involved in my running for office."
Harper's number one goal was economic development in his district. He played a significant role in landing the Aliceville Women's Prison, which has been a major economic development for Aliceville and Pickens County.
"He always wanted to make sure the job got done and its result benefited his constituents," Bolton added.
The Northport native's dedication to economic development was reflected in his service on the Tuscaloosa County Industrial Development Authority and as chair of the Alabama House Economic Development and Tourism Committee.
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