Andrew Hayden, state representative for District 72, wants to finish four-laning Highway 80. "I want to see it to fruition….That is one of the things I have talked to the governor about a whole lot," he said.

As Governor Don Siegelman makes his current listening stops around the state (he’ll be in Demopolis April 29), Hayden said he and other community leaders need to put an emphasis on finishing Highway 80. "Go ahead &045; let’s get it done."

Hayden of Uniontown is running for reelection to District 72 which includes Hale, Marengo, Perry and Tuscaloosa Counties.

He is optimistic that the new Hyundai plant south of Montgomery will bring satellite industries to the Black Belt area. However, he is concerned about the gaps in the four lane on Highway 80 east and west of Demopolis stalling progress.

He feels Siegelman is serious about improvements to Highway 80 as he has been with other improvements for the area. "He’s been very responsive to myself, and I suspect, to all others, particularly those (leaders) in the Black Belt area."

The governor came through with the construction of the new Naheola bridge, Hayden said. Over 25 years, "we’ve had several governors that came through, and they talked about it (the new bridge). But this guy came on and did it."

In addition, Hayden believes the North-South highway (which could include Highway 43) is more a possibility with another car manufacturer added to the mix. He is encouraged that Alabama is finally getting its share of needed industry.

In light of the Hyundai plant, he is also encouraging chambers of commerce and industrial boards throughout the Black Belt area to work to attract service companies.

Hayden wants to help keep the educated workers from leaving the Black Belt, however, young people must be given the job opportunites to allow them to make living or they will travel elsewhere.