Former Selma Police Chief Robert W. Green chose the Songs of Selma Park Monday to announce his candidacy for the Alabama Senate District 23 in 2010.

“I am the ideal candidate for District 23. My major focus will be education and economic development in the district,” he said.”

Green listed four additional platform focus areas:

Proposing At-Risk Legislation to reduce the abysmal high school dropout rate in District 23.

Leading the charge to consolidate the current economic development entities in the District in order to better recruit industry to the region.

Working diligently with high schools and community colleges in the District to develop skill development institutes at strategic locations to improve the quality of the workforce.

To be a strong advocate for law enforcement and criminal justice initiative because the safety of our citizens is of paramount importance.

Green is chief of the Northport Police Department, a position he has filled for almost four years. Previously, he served 24 years with the Selma Police Department, nine years as assistant chief and almost three as chief.

“I now feel it is time to go on the other side, making law instead of enforcing it. At present our state is in a legislative stalemate.”

Green’s educational and employment background includes 10 years as an educator at the collegiate level, and directing the Selma City Schools federally funded STARS Program (Surfacing Talents of At-Risk Students – 1988-1993).

An FBI National Academy graduate, he also holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Alabama A&M University and Masters of Science Degree from Auburn University Montgomery. He also attended Jones School of Law.

A military veteran, Green is a Veteran Law Enforcement Executive.

His wife, Elizabeth Johnson Green, is a 27-year law enforcement veteran, at present serving in Communications with Alabama State Troopers. The Greens are parents of three children: Robert is a graduate student at the University of Wisconsin in Madison; Vanessa is a registered nurse with the Selma City Schools; and Ashley is an engineering student at the University of Alabama, where she is also a basketball stand-out.

At the conclusion of his candidacy announcement Green said, “I am very excited and enthusiastic about representing the citizens of District 23. I will work very hard to make this goal, this calling, a reality.”