Jim Carns

Jim Carns (born September 21, 1940 in Blount County) represents District 5 in the Jefferson County Commission.

Carns is a graduate of Woodlawn High School. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Engineering from the University of Alabama in 1962. From 1993 to 2004 he owned American Metal Technology, a stainless steel tube manufacturing plant in Birmingham. He resides in Mountain Brook. He and his wife, Judy, have three adult children (Christa, Jase and Matt) and four grandchildren. He is a member and Elder at Briarwood Presbyterian Church.

Carns served four terms from 1990 to 2004 in the Alabama House of Representatives, representing District 48. He was the House minority leader and served as co-chairman of the Jefferson County Legislative Delegation.

In the legislature, Carns earned high grades from the Eagle Forum, Christian Coalition, and National Rifle Association. In 1996, he headed up Governor Fob James's Welfare Reform Commission. In 2003, he sponsored the Voter ID Act.

In 2006, Carns put his name on the ballot to challenge Gary White in the Republican primary for Jefferson County Commission District 5. He easily defeated White and faced no opposition in the general election. He was sworn in to his commission seat on Tuesday, November 14, 2006.