You might say he's the glue that "bonds and holds" things together in the Alabama Legislature. One of Cherokee County's own, Rep. Richard Lindsey, was honored recently after being selected to a key position in the Alabama House of Representatives. The Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce hosted a special reception in honor of Rep. Lindsey and for his dedication and hard work. A huge crowd of local citizens, including family and friends and also state and local dignitaries gathered for the reception held in the council chambers of Centre City Hall. Rep. Lindsey has been serving as Cherokee and Cleburne County representative for 17 years and was recently selected to serve as chairman of the powerful Education Ways and Means Committee. In this new position, Rep. Lindsey will determine how to divide the $4.3 billion education budget. Rep. Lindsey sought the chairmanship position after Rep. Howard Hawk of Arab resigned to accept a judicial appointment in Marshall County. Mel Williams, executive director, Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, read a letter from Gov. Don Siegelman, who was unable to attend the reception. "Congratulations," said Gov. Siegelman in the letter. "As governor, I want to share with you my great delight at your recent appointment as chairman of the ways and means committee for education. This is a richly deserved honor and Alabama is proud of you. Your work to improve educational opportunities is exemplary and I challenge you to continue your excellent efforts in the future. Again, congratulations. On behalf of Alabamians, I want to thank you for your dedicated service to our great state." On hand for the ceremonies was House Speaker Seth Hammett who appointed Rep. Lindsey to the post