McClurkin is new leader of Shelby delegation

Shelby County's only female legislator is now the first woman to chair the county's delegation.

State Rep. Mary Sue McClurkin, R-Indian Springs Village, took over Thursday from state Rep. Mike Hill, R-Columbiana. The Shelby County legislative delegation elected her after Hill found himself with too many legislative responsibilities.

"With all of the work on the Joint Highway Committee taking so much of my time, I just felt like we needed someone else to take on this leadership role, and I cannot think of anyone better than Rep. McClurkin," Hill said before stepping down.

Saying she was "honored to take on this position of guiding our legislative delegation," McClurkin left no doubt that she shares Hill's skepticism about the advisability of giving the Shelby County Commission taxing authority.