John Northrop

John Northrop was born in Andalusia, Alabama. He earned a high school diploma from Andalusia High School. He earned a bachelor's degree from Birmingham-Southern College in 1972. He earned a graduate degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Education in 1994.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Community activist, retired educator, former journalist. Husband, father. Photographer. Citizen.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

FAIR RATES: We all need dependable, affordable utilities. At the same time, utility stockholders are due sensible returns. Striking an effective balance requires open ears, open minds, solid analysis, and good judgment.SMART ENERGY: Smart energy means reliability, redundancy, interoperability, and greater use of sustainable, low-carbon energy resources. We need to adapt our energy systems to encourage and align with sustainable sources in Alabama and beyond. One vital concern: We need to ensure an up-to-date electrical grid in step with national grid improvements.OPEN GOVERNMENT: The people of Alabama deserve open, transparent PSC processes and decision-making. Open government ensures accountability, both by the PSC and its regulated utilities. But beyond that, truly open government invites collaborative problem-solving. It builds public understanding, confidence, and support when change is necessary. Above all else, I pledge to insist on PSC openness to the full extent permitted by law.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Building consensus for the most rapid transition possible from carbon fuels to more sustainable energy use.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

So many: Jimmy Carter, Carl Sagan, E. O. Wilson (from Alabama), Eleanor Roosevelt, Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Bill McKibben, Martin Luther King Jr., Barack Obama, Jackie Robinson, Pete Seeger, etc.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity and honest, heartfelt commitment to the public good.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Providing independent oversight of Alabama's public utilities.

What legacy would you like to leave?

A more wholesome, sustainable energy system in Alabama.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

Launch of Sputnik. I was about 10.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

For two summers during high school, serving as recreation leader for elementary children.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Yes.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Experience in building consensus goals and strategies.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

Good.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

Two sons who are honest, decent people.