Meet PHILLIP ENSLER and SHEILA MCNEIL Thursday, Aug 20. Listen to them, ask them questions, then VOTE for them!
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
Meet Phillip Ensler, candidate for LT Governor and Sheila McNeil,
Public Service Commission Place 2
Phillip Ensler's background is filled with impressive accomplishments - specially for such a young man. And though degrees and commendations are always nice - Ensler's background speaks to what he has done and continues to do for the people in his community and state. The more I dig for something to say about him - the more I see that his actions speak louder than any words I could come up with.
FIRST, come and meet Ensler yourself - Thursday, August 20th, 6 pm, Calhoun County Democratic HQ, the Jim & Shirley Justice Center. We will enjoy a pot luck pitch in dinner and then Ensler will speak and take questions. Bring a friend. Bring an 'undecided' friend.
“All Alabamians deserve quality education, affordable healthcare, safe communities, and more money in their pockets.”
"I am running to make sure all Alabamians have enough money to make ends meet."
"Alabama's healthcare is in critical condition. For too long, politicians have put partisan politics over people's basic healthcare needs. It is long past time to prioritize the health of Alabamians."
"As a former public school teacher, I know firsthand that a quality education is the foundation of opportunity — and every child in Alabama deserves one."
"Every Alabamian — regardless of their zip code — deserves to feel safe in their home, their neighborhood, and their community."
"Alabama is one of the most beautiful and biologically diverse states in the country. We owe it to ourselves and future generations to protect what makes it special."
"Alabama's biggest obstacle to progress isn't a lack of resources — it's a lack of accountability. I will fight every day to ensure that government works for the people, not the powerful."
"Politicians shouldn't choose their voters. The voters should choose the politicians."
Public Service
›Elected in November 2022 to represent District 74 in the Alabama House of Representatives
›Former Senior Policy Advisor at the City of Montgomery
›White House intern under President Obama as an undergraduate at George Washington University
›Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Central Alabama
Fighting Corruption & Injustice
›Former Policy Counsel at Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice
›Led criminal justice reform efforts, fighting for the rights of Alabamians who lacked representation
›2017 graduate of Cardozo School of Law and member of the Alabama Bar
Education & Community
›Teach for America corps member — taught social studies at Lee High School in Montgomery
MEET SHEILA MCNEIL, Candidate for Public Service Commission PL 2
This is a state with extraordinary potential. We rank 14th in national energy production, yet too many families struggle to keep the lights on. We build the rockets that carry America into space, yet our schools rank 44th.
Again, as I searched for information about our candidates, there was a lot to choose from. This article by Sheila McNeil is a great introduction and background. Come THURSDAY, August 20 to hear and talk to McNeil.
Guest Opinion by Sheila McNeil, Candidate for Alabama PSC Place 2
Alabama stands at a crossroads. Like much of America, we are living through a moment defined by rising costs, political dysfunction, and a growing sense that the systems meant to protect us are no longer working.
The Alabama Public Service Commission is one of the clearest examples of how our state has drifted toward crisis and how urgently we need a course correction.
This is a state with extraordinary potential. We rank 14th in national energy production, yet too many families struggle to keep the lights on. We build the rockets that carry America into space, yet our schools rank 44th.
We attract billion-dollar industries, yet our economy ranks 36th, and our healthcare system ranks 40th. These contradictions are not the result of a lack of talent, resources, or hard work. They reflect leadership that has not consistently put the people of Alabama first.
Even Alabama’s own elected officials have acknowledged the seriousness of the problem. Senator Katie Britt recently stated, “Our electrical rates are the highest in the southeast.” Independent national data shows that Alabama’s electricity rates are the third-highest in the entire country. For a state that produces so much energy, this reality is difficult to justify.
Meanwhile, our neighbors in Georgia have shown what happens when voters demand accountability.
In 2025, Georgia’s Public Service Commission underwent a historic transformation. After years of public frustration over rising utility bills, opaque rate cases, and the ballooning costs of major projects like Plant Vogtle, Georgians pushed for change. The result was a Commission more responsive to public concerns about transparency, affordability, and oversight. Georgia did not get there overnight. It happened because residents refused to accept a system that was not working for them.
Alabama, however, is moving in the opposite direction.
In 2026, our legislature passed HB 475, a sweeping restructuring of the Public Service Commission. Instead of expanding public access or strengthening oversight, HB 475 consolidated authority, reduced transparency requirements, and altered internal PSC processes in ways that critics argue make it harder for the public to understand or influence decisions. The bill moved quickly, with limited public debate, despite its enormous implications for how utility regulation will function for years to come. At a time when Alabamians are already paying some of the highest electricity bills in the country, HB 475 makes it even harder for the public to see how decisions are made or to hold regulators accountable.
That is why I filed a federal lawsuit challenging HB 475. When a law restructures an entire regulatory body in the middle of an active election, after candidates have qualified, paid their fees, and begun campaigning, it raises serious constitutional concerns. My lawsuit argues that HB 475 disrupts the electoral process, undermines equal protection, and threatens the voting rights of Alabamians who deserve a stable, transparent, and fair system of utility oversight. This is not just a legal fight. It is a fight for every family struggling with high bills, every community demanding accountability, and every voter who expects the rules of an election to remain consistent from start to finish. HB 475 is more than a policy disagreement. It is a fundamental question of whether Alabama’s government will operate in the sunlight or behind closed doors.
These are serious times, and serious times demand serious leadership. Not excuses. Not distractions. Not more of the same. We must ask ourselves:
Is your life better? Are your utility bills lower? Are your children receiving the education they deserve? Are you more hopeful about Alabama’s future?
If the answer is no, then it is time to stop settling.
Many Alabamians have already seen cuts to SNAP and Medicaid. Families are struggling under rising utility costs. Seniors are worried about threats to Social Security and Medicare. Veterans, farmers, and small businesses are navigating economic pressures without the support they need.
When is enough enough?
Alabama cannot afford the status quo. Our state has waited long enough for leadership that reflects the full strength, diversity, and potential of its people. Real change is not about protecting entrenched interests or maintaining old power structures. Real change is about making life better for every Alabamian, including working families, seniors, veterans, farmers, small business owners, and young people who deserve a future right here at home.
Our diversity of experience, geography, background, and perspective is one of our greatest strengths. When Alabama embraces that diversity, we win. History proves it. Alabama football did not become a national powerhouse until it opened its doors to every athlete capable of contributing to excellence. When we include more voices, we build stronger teams, stronger institutions, and a stronger state.
Alabama has everything it needs to lead. What we’ve lacked is leadership willing to put the people first. It is time to stop accepting less than we deserve. It is time to move forward with policies rooted in transparency, accountability, and fairness. It is time for a fresh new voice committed to building a better Alabama that works for all of us.
Sheila McNeil is the Democratic nominee for Alabama Public Service Commission Place 2 in the 2026 election. In her campaign for the Public Service Commission, McNeil has emphasized fair utility rates, reliable service, transparency, and accountability in utility regulation. She says her goal is to ensure Alabama consumers have a stronger voice in decisions affecting utility services across the state.
For more information on McNeil and her campaign, visit https://mcneilforpsc2.com.
Opinions do not reflect the views and opinions of ALPolitics.com. ALPolitics.com makes no claims nor assumes any responsibility for the information and opinions expressed above.
See ya'll Thursday at 6 pm to meet these two great candidates :) Lets turn out an overflow crowd to show these candidates how grateful we are for their selfless efforts to make life better for all of us.
Beverly Williams, Web Manager
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