Why Am I Running?

Everyone I’ve asked about running for city council congratulates me, thanks me for my willingness to serve, and enthusiastically offers support. Close friends, though, ask “Why in the world would you want to do that again?”

The easy answer: I love Sylacauga too much to sit on the sidelines as only a native, resident, and business owner. I believe I have much more to give and can help make a short-term and long-term difference. It’s the right thing to do.

The real power in Sylacauga is in the city council -- not just in one council member but in all five working as a team. As the legislative branch of local government, a city council has authority over finances and property, establishes policies, passes ordinances, sets tax rates, and determines what services the municipality will offer.

To make real progress, there must be a collective passion and focus, backed by solid community support and a careful look at finances. Teamwork among the five council members and with the executive branch led by the mayor, grounded in ongoing reality checks and persistence of vision, is key to maximizing our city’s potential and building a sustainable future for the generations to follow.

It may sound corny, but everything I’ve accomplished is rooted in the values, education, and experiences of growing up in our great city. Finding ways to give back to the hometown that gave and still gives me so much is my duty. My personal promise, as always: to work as hard as I can to push for sustainable progress, fiscal responsibility, accountability, efficiency, and transparency.