The candidates for the Active Local Position on the ERS Board of Control are listed below, by position, in the order they will appear on the ballot. The order was determined in a random drawing by the ERS Election Committee. The statements below were provided by the candidates to give voters more information.

Mr. Ronald Byrd - "I am running for this position on the ERS Board of Control because I am very concerned about the growing shortfall of our retirement system. In 2000, the system was 102% funded. As of 2009, it was only 76% funded.  If this trend continues many state employees are going to find their retirement system in the same sad shape as Social Security.  Our retirement account has dwindled in part due to poor investment decisions by the current leadership of RSA.  Hundreds of millions of our retirement dollars have been lost investing in bankrupt airlines, bankrupt shipyards and troubled railcar manufacturing facilities that the economy simply will not support.

I am tired of seeing our retirement dollars being used to campaign for every tax increase that is proposed.  I am tired of RSA CEO Dr. David Bronner refusing to invest in communities unless they agree to raise taxes.  His job is to get the highest return on our financial investment possible not to use the RSA as some vehicle for cultural change.  I am not running to sit on a Board.  I am running to stand up for our financial future."

Mr. Steven W. Williams - "As a current board member of the RSA I know that the Retirement System is strong!  We are in a tough time of declining income and jobs and the cost of living seems to rise daily.  Fears for our future retirement are on our minds!  I know that we have a rough road ahead, but I believe that our economy will rebound with renewed energy in this great state of Alabama.  As a board member I want to help ensure each member that is a part of this Retirement System that they can feel secure in knowing that their retirement is well protected.  We have all known many regular citizens who rely on a weak Social Security system or thin 401k to provide for them in their retirement years.  We need a retirement system that continues to be strong and sound that provides good benefits without employees having to fear the possibility of reduced retirement income when they retire.  I promise that I will be a voice for the employees of the Retirement System of Alabama and I will be someone that any member can contact with concerns.  The dream of a good retirement is a reality with RSA!"