Reception honors field representative for Rep. Bachus
Published 1:58 pm Monday, December 9, 2013
A retirement reception honoring Betty Bennett, field representative for U.S. Spencer Bachus, was held Friday at the Jemison Municipal Complex.
A retirement reception honoring Betty Bennett, field representative for U.S. Rep. Spencer Bachus, was held Friday at the Jemison Municipal Complex.
Bennett, 66, will retire at the end of December after working with Bachus for 11 years.
Bennett previously worked for Gov. Bob Riley for six years and has been involved in political work for 45 years.
“I am going to miss all of the friends I have met over the years,” Bennett said. “I have met some truly fabulous people.”
Bennett said she has known Bachus for many years and first worked with him when he was running for Alabama Attorney General in 1990.
Since then, she has worked for Bachus in Chilton County, keeping Bachus informed on issues or developments in Chilton County while attending events alongside Bachus or on his behalf.
Colleagues, city and county officials, friends and family gathered on Friday to honor Bennett’s work in the community.
Bennett was honored by colleagues, city and county officials, friends and family who gathered on for the reception on Friday.
“We want to make this a happy occasion but we are sad to see Betty go,” Jemison Mayor Eddie Reed said. “Today, we want to show you our appreciation.”
Bachus read a proclamation signed by the U.S. Congress honoring Bennett.
Bachus read the proclamation that thanked Bennett for “listening to the concerns of constituents.”
“Betty has worked with me for more than a decade in the Sixth Congressional District,” Bachus said. “Her legacy of service will be honored.”
Riley’s daughter, Minda Riley Campbell, thanked Bennett for the work she has done for her district.
“A lot of lives have been immeasurably changed because of you,” Campbell said.
Chilton County Attorney John Hollis Jackson shared memories of Bennett describing her as “fiercely loyal.”
“Betty has been a close friend of my family for many, many years,” Jackson said. “The one thing about Betty is she supports someone because she believes in them.”
Bennett said one of the hardest parts of her job involved having to say no to constituents.
“It was very hard to say we want to help you but we can’t,” Bennett said. “Overall though, my job has been a lot of fun and I have gotten to meet so many wonderful people.”
