PELL CITY — Since taking the job as Attorney General for the state of Alabama, Luther Strange’s office has dealt with the BP oil spill, gambling operations around the state, the state’s new illegal immigration policy and a challenge to the new federal health care law.

And Strange has only been on the job since January 2011.

“I don’t know of one person that’s faced more in his first term,” District Attorney Richard Minor said Tuesday. “At least in my lifetime, and maybe in the history of the office.

“I think, as Attorney General, I don’t think we could have anybody better – a man of character and integrity.”

Strange spoke Tuesday to the St. Clair County Mayor’s Association at the offices of the county Economic Development Council. He said that his highest priority as AG is economic development.

“I am continuing to do everything I can possibly do to make sure that Alabama has a legal climate where people want to come here and start businesses,” Strange said. “My goal is to do everything I can – what I’ve done is, surround myself with first-class people, who have an understanding of the real world. We look at things from that angle.”

Strange has roots in St. Clair County — his aunt, Nancy Crews, retired to the county and the family still owns property in the Odenville area. He commended county leaders for the economic state of the area.

“The reason this county is doing so well, the reason people want to live here, are moving here, is because of the leadership in this room,” Strange said. “It’s what makes all the difference in the world. When you travel the state, and you see a city that has great potential, and it’s just withering on the vine; and you see a place with the same assets, the difference is leadership. When you’re successful, it’s always due to the leadership in the community.

“You’ve got great mayors, great county commissioners. All I can tell you is, I’m going to work hand-in-glove with you. Anything I can do to help bring industry here, I will do it.”

Strange’s office is currently involved in multiple high-profile cases, and was involved in the Supreme Court’s decision on the federal health care overhaul. The attorney general was critical Tuesday of federal policies that he believes are hampering the state’s economy.

“On the national front, there’s been a lot of stuff that’s come out of Washington that has been detrimental to our economy,” he said. “Men and women with our (congressional) delegation have been working to fight that, but we have a serious problem, I would say. I was involved in probably a dozen lawsuits against government agencies.

“I think there’s no more important time in this country’s history to be in the position that I have, because of all the things that are happening nationally, and all the things that are happening locally.”

After he spoke, Strange received a key to the city from Pell City Mayor Bill Hereford, and a book, “Uniquely St. Clair,” from St. Clair County Commission Chairman Stan Batemon.

“You’ve brought a real dignity to your office,” Hereford told Strange. “We’re all so proud of you and you mean so much to all of us.”

Contact Will Heath at wheath@thestclairtimes.com.