FOLEY, Ala. — Former U.S. Congressman Jo Bonner launched the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Leadership Lunch Series Monday.

“This is probably the first time I’ve had the opportunity to speak to you face to face since I announced I was leaving Congress,” the keynote speaker said.

Bonner shared the motivation behind his acceptance of the vice chancellor for government relations and economic development position with the University of Alabama System.

“Leaving Congress in the middle of my term is not something I thought I would ever do,” he said. “In fact, when Joe Scarborough announced the samething, at the time I was pretty critical.”

However, Bonner said that leaving in August enabled him to assist residents of all 67 Alabama counties, instead of focusing on Congressional District 1. He explained that part of his focus is to tie the schools in the Alabama university system together to assist with economic issues.

“That’s what we intend to do,” Bonner said. “We’re going to be taking the talents, the passion and knowledge we have at UAB (University of Alabama Birmingham), UAH (University of Alabama Huntsville) and University of South Alabama to bring economic development to the state of Alabama.”

As an example, he explained that efforts are underway to help a north Alabama community that recently lost an industry.

As part of Monday’s program, Bonner answered questions from the audience, including his forecast for November’s upcoming elections.

“I don’t put a lot of emphasis on special elections,” he said.

Bonner also gave his views on his own party.

“The Republican Party is going to have to extend its tent,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a Republican candidate today who could defeat the presumptive Democrat candidate, (Hillary Clinton).”

Bonner closed with thanking voters for his 10 ½ years of service as Congressman.

“Y’all gave me the opportunity of a lifetime,” he said.