"Conversations with Your Candidates" Presented by Glynn Smith Chevy GMC

Conversaton with Candidates Presented by Glynn Smith Chevyrolet GMC in Opelika. Meet city council & mayoral candidates and hear their vision!

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:05):
Good evening. Welcome in here on Fox Sports nine ten
thirteen ten am. The Game Committee you to livee from
Opelaka Performing Arts Center. I'm Van Riggs. We are coming
to you tonight to bring you conversations with candidates and
earlier this evening in the lobby here the main street
area at Oplaca High School, the candidates have had an
opportunity to meet with all of the different folks are

(00:26):
in around town, coming in and giving a chance to
answer questions before tonight's conversation with candidates begins. Now the
format for tonight and first up all brought to you
by and presented to you tonight by Glen Smith, Chevrolet,
GMC and Opelika. Get ready to smile, Jerry Potter, the
entire team there, Glenn Smith, Chevrolet, GMC and Opelika want
to thank them for bringing you this Conversations with Candidate's

(00:47):
broadcast tonight EXGIT sixty two off I eighty five in Opelaika.
Get ready to smile and Opelacah Chamber has got everybody
set up here on stage. This will run till eight
o'clock tonight. Each candidate and have four minutes to speak.
There will be no live questions asked during this portion.
They have had questions submitted from folks around the community

(01:08):
and they can address those and address any other issues
that they'd like to during this fora But it'll start
with a welcome. Our MC tonight is Southern Union State
Community College Social Science Department Chair Jackson Bonner, and he'll
start out with a welcome, and then it'll be Ward one, two, three, four,
five the mayor candidates, and then the closing. But we're

(01:29):
just about ready to begin as the candidates have seated
here on stage at the OPAQ, and our EMC is
ready to begin. Ready MC, Jackson Bonn are waiting for
the official go aheads here. But again to think, Glenna Smith, Chevrolet,
GMC and Oplaika are presenting sponsor tonight. There is a

(01:53):
good contingency here on stage. Fifteen candidates in all, of course,
two for the mayor oral race Eddie Smith and Raven
Harvest and Ward two with a number as well.

Speaker 2 (02:13):
Good evening.

Speaker 3 (02:15):
Oh that was some feedback.

Speaker 2 (02:17):
Huh?

Speaker 3 (02:18):
All right, so my name is Jackson Bonner. What am
I doing here? Who is Jackson Bonner? He looks like
a candidate out there with that pretty blue suit on right,
I am not a candidate. I work across the street
at Southern Union, and I'm very grateful for another opportunity
to represent the Opalaka Chamber of Commerce. Truly, it is
my honor. Weirdly, I have a background in both rooms

(02:42):
of politics and education. I've worked for various campaigns throughout
the state, most notably Bob Riley and Gerald Dills campaigns.
I was also a candidate in the twenty twelve probate
judges election. That's in Clay County, a total population of
thirteen thousand. I know it sounds easy to get that

(03:02):
many votes, but the houses are very spaced out in
Clay County. You know what I mean. You got to
walk down a lot of dirt roads before you knock
on those doors. But after winning both the primary runoff
elections and earning the nomination, I was defeated by less
than one percent in the general election. After that, I
pursued a career in higher education and set my sights

(03:24):
on returning to my alma mater, Southern Union. I played
baseball there many many years ago for the legendary Jabo Jordin.
I eventually did make it and started off as an
adjunct instructor. Then I was hired as a full time instructor,
and about three weeks ago I was promoted to the
Department Chair of Social Science at Southern Union, which weirdly

(03:47):
represents political science, history, lots of different things, criminal justice.
Hopefully none of you are familiar with that, But again,
I am truly honored to serve as your moderator for
this evening. This event is presented by the Opahlaika Chamber
of Commerce and partnership with the League of Women Voters

(04:08):
of East Alabama, and is made possible by Energy Southeast
and the Lee Russell Council of Governments. For those listening
on the radio, special tanks to iHeartRadio for the live
coverage of the event, presented by Glenn Smith Chevrolet GMC
in Opalaika. We would also like to share a special
thank you to the Ophlaika City Schools for allowing us

(04:30):
to host an event in the Opalaika Center for the
Performing Arts. This forum is part of a non partisan
effort to inform and engage Opalaika voters and provide a
fair and respectful space for all candidates to share their
platforms ahead of the August twenty sixth municipal election.

Speaker 2 (04:50):
I'm going to have to move that bill.

Speaker 3 (04:56):
If you haven't already, we encourage you to stop by
the voter resource table on your way out. You'll find
helpful information about the upcoming election, including how to identify
your ward and locate your polling place. Here's how tonight's
event will work. The fun part right. We will begin
with Ward one candidates and move numerically through each ward,

(05:16):
concluding with the mayoral candidates. Within each group, candidates will
be called up in alphabetical order by last name. Each
candidate will have up to four minutes to speak. I'm
probably supposed to reiterate that four minutes to speak. The
timer will begin as soon as they start talking, and
they will be notified once their time is up. During
their time, candidates may share a bit about who they are,

(05:39):
their priorities if elected, and their vision for the ward
or the city of Opalaika. In the lead up to
the night's event, we invited the public to submit questions
through an online form. While there will be no live
audience questions this evening, all submissions were shared with the
candidates ahead of time. Candidates are welcome to address those
questions in the remots if they choose.

Speaker 2 (06:01):
Before we begin, we do want.

Speaker 3 (06:03):
To ensure all participants, both candidates and audience members included,
act with respect, professionalism, and fairness. For audience members, please
be courteous. Applauses welcome at appropriate moments, but interruptions, heckling,
or outbursts are not permitted. Please silence cell phones and
electronic devices during this event. I was so nervous, I

(06:26):
gave her my cell phone.

Speaker 2 (06:29):
I got every alarm off there is on the phone.
You know what I mean. I went into the hidden
settings and turned stuff off.

Speaker 3 (06:35):
Okay. For candidates, please adhere to the time limits. When
your four minutes are up, please return to your seat.
To ensure fairness, we don't want to have to play
you off the stage like you've just won an Academy award,
we ask that you commit to truthfulness. Candidates should strive
to provide accurate information and refrain from spreading faults or

(06:55):
misleading claims. We also ask that you avoid any personal
attacks and keep it's a discussion professional. This is the
time to let the public know who you are, what
your priorities are if you are elected, and the goals
or vision you have for your ward or the City
of Opalaika. Anyone who violates the Code of Conduct may
be asked to leave the event to preserve the integrity

(07:18):
of this event. Thank you in advance for your cooperation,
and with that we're excited to get started. We will
begin with our Ward one candidates, George Allen, Melvin Brooks
and Darryl Sistrum. George Allen, I invite you to the
podium now.

Speaker 1 (07:37):
All right, MC Jackson Bonner there introducing George Allen to
the stage.

Speaker 2 (07:49):
Good inning. My name is George Allen.

Speaker 4 (07:53):
I currently serve as Diggity Opalaikah City Councilor for Ward
one and I am running for re election. First, I
want to remind you of the many accomplishments I lobbied
for and received in Ward one. The resurfacing of streets
Tumor magazine, Trembull Vaughn First Avenue, Frederick Avenue, Morgan Avenue,

(08:19):
Baker Avenue, and Alton Cote sidewalks on Tuma, Long Cherot, Carver,
Clinton W mort and First Avenue. New exterior lighting system
at Coveton Center. The Flnor Aquatic Center supported the opening
up the Open Laka Senior Citizen Center, located also in

(08:42):
Ward one, secured funds for the restoration and preservation of
the GW.

Speaker 5 (08:48):
Carver Hall in the historic Darting House.

Speaker 4 (08:51):
Advocated for funds to support all local nonprofit organization, the
perpetuation of Coverton Preschool program. Work faithfully with the Mayor
and Counsel to make open Lika a great place to
live by launching projects and programs that improve lives, jobs, recreation, education, housing, safety,

(09:16):
and infrastructure. In a second term as your counsel Representative,
I will continue to lobby for additional ways to maintain
study growth and.

Speaker 2 (09:27):
Progress for our city.

Speaker 4 (09:29):
My main entest will remain and improve is safety, housing, education, jobs,
family oriented amenities, infrastructure, and community input. In order to
accomplish these, we must equip our police and find apartment
with superior equipment, training, and manpower. We must continue to

(09:52):
our partnership with Habitat for Humanity the Fuller Foundation in
a way to reduce our affordable housing crisis. We must
ensure that each child have a quality education, beginning with
a citywide pre K program. We will work closer with

(10:13):
Economic Development in their recruitment and new industries. We must
find ways to incentivize our small businesses. We must provide
competitive wages and benefits for our city employees. It is
imperative that we continue our investment in infrastructure, park and

(10:36):
recreation facilities, and we must continue to listen to and
respond to our constituents and closing, I must again mention infrastructure.
I will work hard to make sure that the potholes
are not filled with racism, prejudice and inequality, but they
are filled with equal opportunity and equity. I will work

(10:59):
hard to ensure and our sidewalks will be a path
to a better life for all this residents, Ward one
and Opalika.

Speaker 2 (11:07):
A vote for me would be a vote for you.
Thank you, Opalaika. I will work hard to.

Speaker 4 (11:14):
Make sure that the new lead lights and our street
lights will illuminate a bright future for all Opalika, especially
our youth. In the second term is Ward one's counselman,
I will continue to work for its improvement and safety.

Speaker 2 (11:33):
So on August twenty six, cash.

Speaker 4 (11:35):
Your vote for to relect George Allen, Councilman for Ward one.

Speaker 1 (11:40):
Thank you very much, George Allen, Ward one. There again
our broadcast tonight presented by Glenn Smith, Chevrolet, GMC and
opal Like. As we continue with.

Speaker 3 (11:48):
Ward one, please welcome Melvin Brooks.

Speaker 1 (11:56):
Two more candidates to speak here for Ward one. Melvin
Brooks to the stage.

Speaker 6 (12:04):
First of all, giving honor to God, our Lord, the Savior,
Good evening, Ward one, and to the city Old Lika.
I am Melbourn Brooks Elects Canada elect City Council of
Ward one. I'm asking for your vote and your support
come August the twenty six, twenty twenty five, My fellow citizens.

(12:32):
I love Opelika, but I just love the people in
Ward one, where the old still embrace the young to
encourage them that you can be successful. It is an
integral part of our city where dreams, where dreamers dream big,

(12:53):
where stars are made, where quitters don't quit because there's
a brighter day ahead. It is an area where pride
is restored with integrity, dignity and stability. Yes one, an
area in which I was called to serve by God

(13:17):
and the people to bring a new vision, a new direction,
and a new leadership. Together we can make it happen.
I believe together we can make it happen. In conclusion,
I leave this quote by James Bowd, activist, writer and poet,

(13:41):
and our quote. Not everything that is faced can be changed,
but nothing can be changed until it is face.

Speaker 7 (13:55):
So Ward one, let's.

Speaker 2 (13:57):
Put our boots on the ground. Come all this.

Speaker 6 (14:00):
When this is twenty twenty five, Let's move open like
them and walk one forward for a better community. Elect
Melvin Brooks, ask your next city councilor Award one. Thank
you and God bless.

Speaker 1 (14:16):
And that's Melvin Brooks. Ward one.

Speaker 4 (14:18):
One.

Speaker 1 (14:18):
More candidate to go here for Ward one and that's
Darryl Sistrum. Daryl Sisdrump listening to conversation with candidates. You're
on Fox Sports nine ten thirteen ten am. The game
presented by Glenn Smith, Chevrolet GMC and Opelaika.

Speaker 2 (14:36):
Good Aning.

Speaker 1 (14:39):
My name is Darris Cis Trump and I'm.

Speaker 8 (14:41):
Running for City councilor Ward one. I am the candidate
for the future, and the future is now to Ward
one and the great citizens over like Alabama.

Speaker 2 (14:58):
This is our moment.

Speaker 8 (15:01):
To show the state of Alabama and the world that
the real American people. I'm gonna set us again that
the real American people is standing up for a change humanity, justice,
equality and peace.

Speaker 7 (15:22):
Ward one.

Speaker 8 (15:23):
Nobody would work as hard as me and get things
done day one.

Speaker 2 (15:32):
Now, it's been a long process.

Speaker 8 (15:36):
I listened to all the candidates. I heard we built
the school in Ward two, we're fixing the downtown area
and fixing the sewer problem. In Ward three, Ward four,
we're growing rapidly being the new communities as we speak.

Speaker 2 (16:00):
Ward five, we built a pickle.

Speaker 8 (16:03):
Ball court and we had a sports place, and they
also building rapidly new communities. But it's sad that no,
that not one candidate on the current administration said we

(16:24):
advocated for our spirheaded or we gave funds to Ward one.
Now I want y'all to just sit back and think
a moment. Do we continue on this path or do

(16:45):
you move it too the future with six Trump? And
I'm gonna cloth with that. Thank y'all for coming out.
May God bless you.

Speaker 3 (16:54):
All, and that a rapid r onto the War two candidates.
I would now like to introduce our War two candidates
of Nate Dunlap Junior, Jannatika, Hugh Lee Holmes, and Erica
ber Baker Norris and Ernie Brains. Nate Dunlap Junior, I

(17:17):
invite you to the podium now.

Speaker 1 (17:24):
And then this is Nate Dunlap Junior.

Speaker 2 (17:25):
Ward two.

Speaker 1 (17:34):
Good evening.

Speaker 9 (17:36):
My name is Nathaniel Dunlap Junior and a minor to
run for city council representative for War two. I currently
serve as executive director of the pr Offensititut, the position
I've held seventeen years, which is a national nonprofit organization
that serves communities around this country.

Speaker 10 (17:55):
My road to getting here.

Speaker 9 (17:56):
Has been anything but ordinary. The US Army at the
age of eighteen, served in war, came back, had a
successful career, worked as a government consultant for the US
government in a whole bunch of three letter agencies for
almost twenty years. My life was in a constant transition.

(18:18):
Where my family and I moved to Opalaika from the
outskirts of Lee County in twenty twenty. I discovered that
this is more than a place to live. It's a
place that my wife and I felt that.

Speaker 1 (18:30):
We can belong.

Speaker 9 (18:33):
Let me say here that the reason most of you
have not seen me at any public events is because
my wife has had brain surgery and I felt it
was necessary to be with my wife during that time.
And I also believed strongly that if I put anything
before my wife, then I cannot be a successful leader
for the city of Opealaika. We have a blended family

(18:54):
with three adult children, one lovely granddaughter, and I'm blessed
to have my mother living with us for the first time.
This is a place in thirty something years that I
can actually say I can call home. Through my work
at the PRF Institute, I've spent the last five years
listening to residents, partner with organizations, addressing real challenges, and

(19:16):
this is the time for courageous, consistent and committed leadership
that I can bring to this council or But like
us at a turning point, Yes, growth is happening, but
not everyone is growing with it. Especially in War two,
we face three major challenges divisiveness across socio economic lines,

(19:38):
divisiveness along racial lines, and poverty related systems and structures.
I will work to continue to dismantle these barriers by
expanding economic opportunities, fostering inclusive engagement, and ensuring every neighborhood
shares in the city's progress. My platform is simple, but
it's powerful. Number one economic opportunities. We must reduce poverty,

(20:03):
we must strengthen financial management as a norm, and we
must drive economic development for all, not just those who
are in the clique housing stability. I want to focus
on housing instability and make adjustments in where we are
focusing on making housing affordable, expanding housing solutions, and champion

(20:24):
fairness for tenants and for landlords alike. And the third
thing is community engagement. In order to serve the people,
you have to live among the people. You have to
listen to their concerns and understand some of the things
that they are going through, not just from your position,
but from their mouths and leading ways that benefit the

(20:45):
residents over politics. I will be very clear with you, Opalaika,
I do not care if I am only a one
term city councilman. As long as I can do the
things that I say I'm going to do standing up
before you right now, as long as as Opahlikah is
a better place we'd be leaving out of this office
than it was when I got into office. This commitment

(21:06):
is not just about talk. It's already what I do.
I brought over one hundred thousand dollars in rental and
emergency relief to this community, assisted twenty seven different landlords
and property management companies retain their tenants and not have
to force our neighbors into eviction. I've helped to protect
five point four million dollars of generational wealth in this

(21:26):
community through our Open Laka Financial Health Initiative since twenty
twenty one.

Speaker 1 (21:32):
And in the end, I bring.

Speaker 9 (21:34):
Decades of leadership through my nonprofit, through my military experience,
through my government experience, through my work as a pastor.

Speaker 1 (21:43):
Thank you. That's Ward two. Nate Dunlamp, Juniorica Hugley Holmes
and Janoniica Hugley Homes will take the stage now again,
presented by Glenn Smith, Chevy GMC and Opalanka.

Speaker 11 (21:59):
Tonight, Good Evening.

Speaker 12 (22:04):
I am Jenatica Hughley Holmes. I stand before you today
not just as a candidate for Opallaka City Council War two,
but as a neighbor, a servant, leader, and a woman
deeply committed to the future of Opelaika. I'm running because
I believe in a simple but powerful truth. When we

(22:25):
invest in people, we strengthen our entire community and real progress.
It only happens when no one is left behind.

Speaker 11 (22:34):
To our youth, you need support.

Speaker 12 (22:37):
And you need someone who will fight for you. You need
someone who will make sure your voices are heard not
just at school, but on the city council level as well.

Speaker 11 (22:47):
I will be that champion for our youth.

Speaker 12 (22:49):
To our young adults, you are the great majority of
our business owners, our teachers, and our leaders. You deserve
to know that your ideas matter.

Speaker 11 (23:00):
Our energy and creativity are the fuel for a brighter
open like them.

Speaker 12 (23:04):
I will work hard to connect our young adults with
the resources, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive right
here at home. And to our seniors, the backbone of
our community.

Speaker 11 (23:17):
You've built this city with your hands and with your hearts.

Speaker 12 (23:22):
You deserve more than thanks, our seniors, you deserve action.

Speaker 11 (23:27):
I will ensure your needs are prioritized.

Speaker 12 (23:29):
From health care, access to safe transportation, and services that
support aging with dignity.

Speaker 11 (23:37):
I value your wisdom and your knowledge. Seniors.

Speaker 12 (23:40):
I will lean on you for your knowledge and your
understanding to inspire a shared.

Speaker 11 (23:44):
Vision of what you would like to.

Speaker 12 (23:46):
See for your community. You will never be forgotten on
my watch. And lastly, but not least, to my hard
working families in War two, I understand the pressure of
trying to make ends meet it in between rent and groceries,
or working multiple jobs just to survive. I will fight
for affordable and subsidized housing, working to bring in development

(24:10):
and developers that put people over profit, but friends. As
we talk about progress, we must also talk about safety,
because no one should fear walking down their own streets.
We need safe streets, walkable sidewalks, walkable neighborhoods.

Speaker 11 (24:27):
And well lived roadways.

Speaker 12 (24:30):
Our children deserve safe routes to school, Our seniors deserve
sidewalks that they can trust. Our entire community deserves streets
free of crime and dangerous driving. That's why I will
prioritize infrastructure improvements, not just paving rods, but improving drainage systems,
street lighting, and ensuring that every neighborhood has access to

(24:52):
safe and reliable public spaces. Infrastructure is not just concrete
and asphalt.

Speaker 11 (24:58):
It's about dignitcy.

Speaker 12 (25:00):
It's about making sure every resident in Ward two feel seen, heard, safe,
and support it. Ward two is home to a beautifully
diverse population with the wide range of.

Speaker 11 (25:12):
Perspectives and needs.

Speaker 12 (25:15):
And while those challenges may vary from neighborhood to neighborhood,
I'm committed. My commitment remains the same. I will be
a leader for all people. I will fight for every family,
every senior, every child, every dream. I'm not running to
hold a title. I'm running to do the work, to listen,
to act, and to find the yes when others say no.

(25:38):
Because War two deserves leadership that doesn't just continue to
talk about what we need more of, but leadership that
will deliver action. I am serving leader, Janatica hug Lely Holmes.
I'm ready to serve you. With your vote, we will
move open like a Ward two, up with and fod together.
So August to twenty six, check the ballot box for

(25:59):
Janatica Hugo Homes.

Speaker 11 (26:01):
I will do the work.

Speaker 7 (26:02):
Put me to work.

Speaker 11 (26:03):
I will get the job done.

Speaker 1 (26:05):
Thank you, Jernonica Hughgley Holmes. There in Ward two. As
we continue with our candidate forum.

Speaker 3 (26:14):
Here, okay, next is Ernie Rains. It's kind of kind
of weird. It's on one of my lists as Ernie
Rains here.

Speaker 2 (26:25):
Should be who.

Speaker 5 (26:28):
Say say that for me?

Speaker 2 (26:29):
I can't hear that.

Speaker 3 (26:30):
Good that it's actually going to be eric.

Speaker 1 (26:37):
The incumbent here.

Speaker 7 (26:39):
Good evening.

Speaker 13 (26:40):
I'm the current City council representative for Opalhlaka's War two
community and President pro Tem of the City Council, and
that is Erica Baker Norris.

Speaker 11 (26:48):
I was born and raised.

Speaker 13 (26:49):
In the city of Opelakah, specifically opah Like A War
two and I'm the proud mother of three children. I
have always had a passion for politics, and this was
very evident early on am I growing up in the like.
I was the Opahaka High School representative for Student Government Association,
and I also chose a political science at the University
of Alabama in TUSCALOOSOM. I volunteered at the South View

(27:13):
for JELLYB. Phil Day read across America. I was the
PTO president at one time and a homeroom mom. My
professional background is in the field of human resources and
special education. In a nutshell, I serve people, and I'm
asking you to help me continue to do exactly that.
I'm the most qualified candidate running for Ward iiO because

(27:37):
I'm the only candidate with experience as an elected official,
experience with county and city government, experience allocating a city
budget of over one hundred and ninety million dollars, and
the only candidate with a designation as a Certified Municipal
Official OPA like a citizens experience doesn't matter. When I

(27:58):
first ran for Ward to city camp counsel, I committed
to being a voice for the people, and I outlined
my platform based upon what you told me that you needed.
You elected me. I represented you, and I stood own business.
I did not go alone just to get along. I
represented what you told me that you wanted me to do.

(28:19):
Even if I had to stand alone, everything I hope
to accomplish, I accomplished that with you. We now have
more ways to engage our diverse population.

Speaker 5 (28:30):
The city of.

Speaker 13 (28:31):
Opalaika has new home construction records for the last two years,
and so that helps our tax base. But we still
need more housing that is based on mixed income so
that everybody has an opportunity for home ownership that desires that.

Speaker 11 (28:47):
We also need more senior homes.

Speaker 13 (28:49):
We need more temporary and transitional homes as well.

Speaker 7 (28:52):
We need more.

Speaker 13 (28:53):
Utility assistance, and we need more rental assistance. And I
have ideas to make sure that happens. I was alysts
that reignited the conversation on alcohol sales that helped small,
medium and large businesses bring in revenue. I also was
a catalyst for the financial literacy program spoke about earlier.

Speaker 11 (29:14):
It was birth out of my sin and.

Speaker 13 (29:16):
Need to better prepare our citizens for home ownership opencap
We must make a substantial investment in our downtown businesses.

Speaker 11 (29:24):
We need community centers in the Jeter area.

Speaker 13 (29:27):
We also need a resolution to the flooding in the
city and major upgrades to west Ridge Park. We need
to continue with a proven leader. Over the last five years,
while I've serve, millions have been approved in fundings for
fire and police department. Upgrades have been made in parts
in community spaces. More tax dollars have been invested in
women led organizations. Our first class pre K program has

(29:51):
been expanded, Affordable housing has been constructed in history was
made when we reduced taxes by six million.

Speaker 5 (29:57):
Dollars a year.

Speaker 13 (29:58):
We have made great strikes together over the last five years,
but there's still more work to be done. War two
does not need to continue to have turnover every election.
We need consistent leadership, We need continuous stability, and we
need a proven leader. And she is me and I
am her, and I'm asking you to re elect Erica
Baker Norris as your ward to City Council representative.

Speaker 1 (30:21):
Thank you and coming there for War two. Erica Baker
Norris Candidate Forum presented by Glenn Smith's Chevy GMC.

Speaker 2 (30:30):
Yeah ope like oh well.

Speaker 1 (30:33):
And now we will get Ernie Rains to the stage
a final candidate here in ward two.

Speaker 7 (30:38):
Good evening.

Speaker 14 (30:39):
I've seen a lot of familiar faces out there, and
you might know me from rock and roll pinball. Well,
let me start with this question, why, Opalhlaika, are you
making it hard for me and my staff to serve
your community, our community while you stuff your coffers with

(31:01):
ninety million dollars? All right, I'll get to the rest
of that in a minute. Let me ask also, what
makes me uniquely qualified to serve you? As the only
child of a Japanese American family, I'm pretty sure I'm
the only person running that was the top ranked school

(31:22):
patrol boy in his city in sixth grade and student
body president of my high school, and started a book
exchange program in college because the bookstore flipped used books
for an eight hundred percent profit, and as a master

(31:44):
sergeant in the Air Force, told the President Clinton appointee
how my dream software development and toolset would behave and
it resulted in a six hundred and seventy million dollar
contract supporting all brands of the military.

Speaker 7 (32:01):
It's called I Case.

Speaker 14 (32:02):
You can google it and work for the Alabama Department
of transportation from nineteen ninety six to twenty twenty. I
know how to how al dot functions, how to get answers,
and how to motivate someone in charge of a project. Hint,
you give them some time and then you go to

(32:23):
the director. Okay, and started a successful business in the
middle of the pandemic known as Rock and Roll, Pinball and.

Speaker 7 (32:32):
The Jail House.

Speaker 14 (32:34):
And my wife and I fell in love with Opalaika
when we moved here five years ago.

Speaker 7 (32:40):
What kind of leader am I? What kind of leader
am I going to be?

Speaker 14 (32:44):
First, let me talk about the difference between leadership and management.
Leaders anticipate problems and work smartly.

Speaker 7 (32:53):
To mitigate risks. Managers react to problems.

Speaker 14 (32:58):
Leaders get people motivated by understanding the goal, become invested
in it, and work with other team members effectively. Managers
monitor results and often wonder why they aren't better. Leaders
set the example and are often hands on. Managers usually

(33:18):
separate themselves.

Speaker 7 (33:19):
From the work and the team.

Speaker 14 (33:22):
I am a leader, not a manager, and I believe
the City Council has for too long been in management mode.

Speaker 7 (33:31):
Rather than leadership mode.

Speaker 14 (33:34):
I promise you we, as a city council team will
work effectively to improve Opalaika with Mayor Harvest or Mayor
Smith to help make the rent. I took an empty
storeroom and turned it into a music venue and bar,
and after paying the city over four thousand dollars to

(33:58):
get started, I went to the mayor to ask why
is your license four times higher than the state and
over seven times higher than the county.

Speaker 7 (34:10):
I hoped you would say something.

Speaker 14 (34:12):
Like, hey, you know you're putting drunks on the street
and we need to patrol more effectively.

Speaker 7 (34:20):
That's not what he said.

Speaker 14 (34:20):
He said that is to keep everyone from becoming your competition. Well,
that makes no sense because the coffee shop doesn't want
a cagerator and the gift shop doesn't want to mix drinks.

Speaker 7 (34:32):
Before I go, I want to thank.

Speaker 14 (34:35):
Councilman Todd Ralph for his help guiding me, and I
really truly believe he and his wife are a blessing
to Opelika.

Speaker 7 (34:45):
Thank you.

Speaker 1 (34:48):
And is earning rain. He's a final candidate speaking ninth
for Ward two.

Speaker 3 (34:52):
Okay, I would now like to introduce our Ward three candidates,
Tim Asia and Lee Wattley. Tim Asia, I invite you
to the podium.

Speaker 1 (35:01):
Now I'm moving on to Ward number four my number
three that is with Tim Asia.

Speaker 15 (35:12):
Good evening, and first thank you to all who work
to put on tonight's forum. I am Tim Major, Yourward
three city councilman, and I'm running for reelection. I've spent
the last four years advocating for residents Award three and
delivering on the campaign promises I made in twenty twenty one.
I have priorities for a second term, but before I
get to them, I was asked a very direct question
worth covering. The question was what differentiates you from your opponent.

(35:37):
Given the time limits of this forum, I will provide
a truncated version of what I told her. Bottom line
up front, we have differentiating definitions of what responsible growth
is based on our voting records, and each of us
chooses a different decision making process when it comes to
our differing visions for responsible growth. The Tailor Apartment Complex
provides a great example. Over the last fifteen years, Auburn

(36:00):
has embraced being a college town and their downtown is
now made of large, modern apartment complexes that are the
visual landscape. I love Auburn, but opal Like is not Auburn,
and I don't believe we should follow them.

Speaker 10 (36:12):
Down that path.

Speaker 15 (36:13):
In my view, Opallec's treasure is our historical charm and
we need to protect that.

Speaker 10 (36:19):
My view is echoed by many.

Speaker 15 (36:20):
During the debate over allowing the Tailor apartment complex, many
residents from Ward three and across Opelika reached out to
express our opposition to the project in our downtown over
concerns that our city would be heading in a direction
that we could end up in a place we don't
want to be. I agreed, and I voted against all
the rezonings and voted against any subsequent city funding towards

(36:41):
that project.

Speaker 10 (36:42):
According to the Planning Commission.

Speaker 15 (36:44):
Meeting minutes from twenty five January twenty twenty two, my
opponent voted in favor of all three agenda items concerning
the Tailor. When it comes to decision making processes, an
example of our differentiating views is the renfro House bed
and breakfast debate.

Speaker 10 (36:58):
Since January twenty twenty.

Speaker 15 (36:59):
Five four, I have heard many people in oppositions state
that they heard that this will be used strictly as
an event center.

Speaker 10 (37:06):
Two weeks ago.

Speaker 15 (37:07):
At THEAACP candidate forum, my opponents stated, and I quote,
they are lying to you. The city council is lying
when they say this won't be an event center.

Speaker 10 (37:16):
End quote.

Speaker 15 (37:17):
I do believe it useful to set the record straight
as you are voting for the candidate you believe will
make decisions in the best interest of the city. Mine
in the city Council's vote on May twentieth was to
deny the passing of legislation that targeted one business in Oblaika.
In making that decision, information was gathered from more than
just the rumor mill. Alison Kovec, one of the proprietors,
laid out their actual business plans. She composed a letter

(37:40):
that was read for the record, and I do encourage
anybody interested to listen to that YouTube recording for the
whole letter, but here are a few key lines.

Speaker 1 (37:48):
Quote.

Speaker 15 (37:49):
Our primary use includes five luxury suites for short term
overnight stays. We want to emphasize this is not a
frat house, This is not a party house, this is
not an event rental hall. Outdoor events would occur sparingly
and under thoughtful oversight. Our funding projections show only ten
percent of our revenue coming from interior events and one
point three seven percent outdoor events over an entire year.

Speaker 10 (38:11):
End quote.

Speaker 15 (38:13):
From the beginning, there's been little openness to actually hearing
from the proprietors and learning their true plans. The narrative
that took off was the spreading of fear and accusation.
Much like the inflammatory accusation, the city Council is lying
no basis in reality and zero evidence to support. When
I'm making decisions, I will continue to vote based on

(38:34):
evidence and based on gathering information from all sides of
a topic. Looking forward now to the second term, my
priorities are one, further investment into Opalika's infrastructure, specifically stormwater management,
as many residents in Ward three are seeing their yards collapse,
flood and foundations eroad.

Speaker 10 (38:54):
Number two.

Speaker 15 (38:54):
A comprehensive review of Opalikas boards and commissions to ensure
we have efficiency and best practice.

Speaker 10 (39:00):
Is being used throughout Number three.

Speaker 15 (39:03):
Work with Opelaka City Schools to implement a water safety
program so that we can prevent children from drowning in
the future. Number four continue to advocate for the residents
of Opelaika's Ward three.

Speaker 10 (39:15):
Thank you for your time and please vote for me.
On twenty six.

Speaker 16 (39:19):
August, WZMG PEPPERO WPH Westboy, Fox Sports nine ten thirteen
ten am the Gag broadcasting from the Orthopedic Clinic studios.

Speaker 1 (39:30):
Now we continue with Ward three, and this is Lee Wantley.

Speaker 11 (39:35):
I'm Lee Wattley.

Speaker 17 (39:36):
I attended Auburn University, where I earned a bachelor's degree
in Early Childhood at Education and then taught second grade.
I've been married to Barry Watley for thirty three years
and we have raised our four children here in Opelikah's
historic district. Twenty five years ago, we move back to Opelika.
We were questioned why aren't we moving to Auburn. Opelika
was not booming and many felt it had little to offer.

(39:59):
But our heart was Opalaika, and we purchased a historic
home which the owners had struggled to sell. The historic
district was not a heavily sought neighborhood, but we saw
future in Oblaika. My husband and I were some of
the first to support Mayor Gary Fuller. My husband was
his game pay manager and I was active in his
campaign every election cycle. As a result of these events,

(40:21):
I've been involved in ople like a first hand for
over twenty five years.

Speaker 10 (40:25):
I have been involved.

Speaker 17 (40:27):
I'm sorry to become a thriving town again under.

Speaker 10 (40:30):
The great leadership and Mayor Fuller.

Speaker 17 (40:32):
I've been fortunate to serve on the Historic Preservation Committee
for ten years and I'm currently serving five years on
the Planning Commission. As a result, I feel that it
has helped me prepare my city for my future role
as a city council member. I listened to the citizens
who are affected by my vote, and you will see
that by my voting record. I feel that simply voting

(40:53):
for or against.

Speaker 10 (40:54):
Something is not enough.

Speaker 17 (40:55):
As a city council representative, I will be paid passionate
and will deal fight for what I believe is best
and desired by the citizens. I believe that public input
has not been taken seriously or respected, and I plan
to make sure that I treat all citizens with respect,
diligently listen and consider all issues. I've witnessed the Historic

(41:17):
District becomes sought after, with home values tripling since I
moved here. It's the heart of word three and with
the catalyst for the Victorian Ports Tour and the Christmas
and Railroad Town. These events have been very successful to
Opalaika and have brought opal Laikah national attention. I want
to protect the Historic district. It's charm and heritage. I

(41:37):
believe as well that all neighborhoods need to be cohesive
and consistent. We do not need commercialization in our neighborhoods.
We talk about growth in our city, and it's easy
to think only in terms of square footage and construction.

Speaker 10 (41:51):
But growth is more than numbers.

Speaker 17 (41:54):
It's about people, history, and the places that give our
neighborhoods their character. I believe we can welcome to development
without losing what makes our community special. That means making
sure new buildings and homes of the character which we
built over generations. When we protect this identity, we protect
the very reason people want to live here in the
first place. I will fight for development that works for

(42:15):
our neighborhoods and not against them. I have all also
witnessed tremendous industrial and commercial growth in Opalaika. I think
Mayor Fuller has paid a successful path for this growth,
and we.

Speaker 2 (42:26):
Must continue this path.

Speaker 17 (42:28):
We must continue to work with our city leaders to
recruit and retain these industries. We must not forget the
days of West Point, Pepper, impact divers by products, and
other industries that are no longer with us. We must
always be working on the next company for opal Aika.
Our downtown needs are need support as well as City
council Member President Eddie Smith stated recently, we need upgrades

(42:51):
to our storm water and sewer systems. I'm not sure
why our current city council has not acted on this,
but I plan to push this agenda. We need to
be create native in ways to motivate our empty building
owners to pursue occupants for their buildings. A vision of
Alaikea was a citizen driven organization which was a catalyst
for our current sportsplex with a success story such as that,

(43:13):
why have we not created a similar organization to Brainstorm
or downtown challenges. In addition, we find success stories such
as Tiger Town, a new police headquarters, a new fire station, sportsplex,
Flora Park, and many others, which all are the results
of decades, not three or four years in office of planning, developing,

(43:34):
and finally building. These successes do not happen in a
few short years, and some like to claim that I
plan to work with our city.

Speaker 3 (43:51):
Okay, I would now like to introduce our ward for
candidates Chuck Beams and Trip Garner. Chuck Beams behind invite
you to the podium.

Speaker 1 (43:58):
Now, I'm sponsored by Glenn Smith, Chevy GMC and Opalanka
and here's Ward four.

Speaker 18 (44:05):
Good evening everyone. I'm Chuck Beames. I'm grateful you're here.
Opla Like has been my home for about twenty five years.
I first came to Lee County in nineteen ninety four
to attend Auburn University, fell in love with this community
and never looked back. My wife, Kathy, and I raised
our three children here, all of whom attended Opelika's public schools.

(44:26):
For the last eighteen years, I've served at East Alabama
Health and I currently serve as the Chief Pharmacy Officer
and Assistant vice President, leading a team of nearly four
hundred overseeing a budget's approaching one hundred million dollars. I've
also had the honor of serving the Opelaka City school
Board for eight years. This community has given my family
so much, and I believe in civic debt. When a

(44:49):
place invest in you, you owe it your best in return,
and for me.

Speaker 2 (44:54):
That starts with our schools.

Speaker 18 (44:56):
We've just welcomed doctor Kevin Davis as our new superintendent
and that I am excited about his leadership. In recent years,
we've invested into the facilities like Fox run and are
planning for what comes next to keep attracting great teachers
and staff. One of my biggest passions is expranding pre K.

(45:17):
It's important whether you're a grandparent or a young parent,
because it helps families and prepares kids for success. When
we adopted our daughter, Maggie, she was severely hearing impaired
and had speech delays. A therapist urged us to enroll
her in pre K at south View.

Speaker 2 (45:37):
It changed her life.

Speaker 18 (45:38):
When I joined the school board in twenty seventeen, Opalac
I had zero pre K classrooms. Today we have six.
My goal is to ensure every child who needs it
gets it. Just like our schools need the right resources,
so does our local economy. That means making sure our
local businesses have the tools that we need to grow

(46:01):
and thrive. We've done well recruiting big industry, and we
should keep doing that. But a resilient economy depends on
strong local ownership. Spend a dollar at the local shop
like smith T Hardware or Piedmont Fertilizer, and about seventy
cents stays here at a national chain about thirty cents.

(46:23):
The difference fuels paychecks sponsorships and community investment. We can
help by reducing barriers, targeted fee reliefs, smart incentives, smarter permitting,
and infrastructure that supports growth and that leads to how
we plan our growth as a city. Growth brings opportunity

(46:45):
and challenges. We need a five to ten year plan
to upgrade our core systems, fix old storm and sewer issues,
downtown design sidewalks and patios that work for outdoor dining,
and tackle traffic pinch points. A clear downtown vision is
part of that. A balanced mix of dining, retail and

(47:05):
lodging public spaces that draw people in food truck fridays
prove the demand is there and the community Bandshell could
make music and arts a part regular part of our weekends.
But none of this matters if we people don't feel
safe and enjoying. We're fortunate to have strong leaders like
Police Chief Shane Healy and Fire Chief Shame Boyd. My

(47:28):
commitment is to ensure that they have the training, equipment
and facilities they need, and that we remain competitive on
pay to keep the best people here safe. Neighborhoods are
the foundation of strong schools, thriving businesses, and steady growth.
This foundation is what lets us dream bigger for Opalaika.

(47:52):
For the past three years, Mayor Fuller and several others
have mentored me. Their example reminds me that leadership is
not about noise. It's about listening, telling the truth, keeping
your word when it's hard, and doing the next right
thing for your neighbors. Here's my promise, and time was

(48:15):
up there on Chuck Beams.

Speaker 1 (48:17):
As we continue to here broadcasting from the opac can
A's Kendy Fore brought to you by Glenn Smith, Chevrolet,
GMC and Opal Like and here comes Trip Garner.

Speaker 2 (48:34):
Good evening.

Speaker 19 (48:36):
I'm Trip Garnering. I'm proud to say that I'm from
UPLI A born and raised deep books here, grandparents and
parents from both of them here, and I raised my
family here. My father was a coach and teacher here
it up like a high school, and he instilled in
me at a young age of deep love for this city.
My wife, tamivision ly retired from up like a city schools,
and my three kids, at Em and Ben, all attended up.

Speaker 5 (48:55):
Like a city schools.

Speaker 19 (48:57):
When I graduated from Mopelia, I was fortunate enough to
receive a trax scholarship to Mississippi College, where I earned
my Bachelor of Science degree. Then I went on to
physical therapy school at Georgia State University and then Auburn
University might gum me for a master's in Business administration.

Speaker 2 (49:11):
I'm a physical.

Speaker 19 (49:12):
Therapist and sort of about athletic trainer. I've been managing in
the rehab field for over thirty years. I've led large teams,
managed large budgets, and helped people recover, grow and succeed.
As Rehab services director at the Sylabama Medical Center, I
had over one hundred employees and every one of them
was in my cell phone. They needed that they could
reach me at any time, and I wanted them to
know that I was eager to help.

Speaker 2 (49:32):
As an athletic trainer.

Speaker 19 (49:33):
I made it clear to the parents of my student
athletes they could call me anytime when their child needed assistance.
I've checked on many kid and my den after dinner
at my house. I'm now employed by Encore Rehab and
I was a regional director for East Central Alabama and
I managed eight outpatient clinics in various locations.

Speaker 2 (49:50):
I really enjoy building teams.

Speaker 19 (49:53):
I like to seek people's strengths and then plug them
into a team so that both them and the team
can be successful. Take that same responsibility to the city
Council as we appoint people to serve on our boards.
It's important that we have good, solid, unselfish people serving
on our boards. I built a career around service, leadership,
and collaboration and will bring those same principles to the

(50:13):
city council. Why am I running simply put? I care
tremendously about this city and its future. I feel like
my spiritual gift is service. I just truly enjoy serving,
and a wise coach and friend once told me that
he wanted athletes would want to wnt too, to want
to be great, to want to work hard, to want

(50:34):
to show up each day giving it their best.

Speaker 2 (50:37):
I want to serve.

Speaker 19 (50:38):
I want to so I decided to step off the
sidelines and take an active role in helping our future.
I want to be a voice forward for in the
entire city. I don't want a community where all people
can feel safe, valued and represented. And I serve currently
on a envisioned foundation of Black Aboard. I've been a
former chairman and part of helping with several initiatives in

(50:59):
my favorite ones where I was involved with the Creek
Line Trails initiative and the Circles Vook Poli like an
anti poverty program. I'm also serving on the Black of
Parts and Rec Board and since serving we've added three
D archery age Ring Villa and upgraded all the facilities
out there out of led lights at west Ridge and
upgraded west Ridge and also at Bandy Park. Organized a

(51:20):
summer Swing five k series along with my wife Tammer
and Frank Newlan and it runs in conjunction with the
summer concert series. I'm a deacon the First Baptist Church
and lead a Sunday school class there. I'm a lifelong runner,
That's why I chose the campaign slogan of run with trip. Discipline,
time management and hard work are part of what helped
me be successful in athletics. This mindset has helped me

(51:41):
be able to run the Steeple Tason College, the iron
Man Triathlon, in the Boston Marathon. But mainly with life work,
Bible study and the ups and downs that come. I'm
ready to run tour challenges, not away from them, and
I need you to run with me. I'm not a politician.
I feel like I'm a problem solver, a team builder,
and someone in l likes to listen and seek to
answers to help. I'm asking if you're a support by

(52:03):
Buny for me on as your next Ward four City
Council representative.

Speaker 2 (52:06):
Run with Tripp.

Speaker 1 (52:08):
Thank you, and that wraps up tonight's candidates Inward four,
Ward five candidate and moving on into Ward five. Now
Tom Pton and Tom Pitton will be up first again
our broadcast instead of my Glensmith Chevy GMC and Opalaika.

Speaker 20 (52:26):
I'm Tom Penton and I'm a candidate to represent Ward
five on the opal Laka City Council. My campaign has
focused on the people of Ward five getting to know
me and my qualifications, and it has been my pleasure
to meet and chat with many of you.

Speaker 2 (52:41):
During the campaign.

Speaker 20 (52:42):
I have talked about how I and my family have
made Opeka our home for over fifty years, and that
our story is one of engagement in the life of
the community. I have spoken often about my wife Kathy,
her volunteer spirit, her gregarious personality that made her a
successful downtown business owner whenever possible.

Speaker 2 (53:03):
I've made the point that local government.

Speaker 20 (53:05):
Is about you, the citizen, and that local elections are
important because we are hiring those whose decisions will impact us,
not just today but in the future.

Speaker 2 (53:15):
Local government does play a critical role in our.

Speaker 20 (53:18):
Lives, but those of us who live, work, and play
in this community have a role as well, not just
to engage our government officials, but to actively engage in
the life of the community.

Speaker 2 (53:29):
And that is what I would like to address in
the time I have remained.

Speaker 20 (53:34):
There are many opportunities, many civic minded organizations that contribute
to the well being of our community. I think if
you compare the mission statements that goes in the objectives
of these organizations, you will find, in some way a
shared commitment to build something better. But I have had
conversations that make clear that there are many young, energetic

(53:55):
and creative minds among our diverse population who recognize various
needs and want to make it or want to engage,
but may be looking for a non traditional way to
engage in building something better to that's something of our population.
I offer the example of Envisioned Opalaika, an effort which
I proudly served as.

Speaker 2 (54:16):
The executive director.

Speaker 20 (54:17):
The in Visual Opeliaca organization continues to exist today and
contribute to the well being of our community.

Speaker 2 (54:24):
But it began as a project driven.

Speaker 20 (54:27):
Completely by citizens of Opalaika in an effort to answer
the question what do you want your city to look
like in twenty years. We began with idea gathering meetings
organized and conducted by citizens in five locations around the community.
Several hundred people participated in these meetings and more than
three hundred ideas were voiced and documented. Another citizen led

(54:51):
group consolidated these ideas into specific categories for presentation to
the public, and during a vision fare heelld downtown the
public it was given the opportunity to review the work
done up to that point and contribute to setting priorities
for action. Based on these priorities, task Force is consisting
of and led by citizens, went to work to make

(55:12):
the desired changes of reality. In the beginning, we did
not know what the end results might be, but today
the most visible result of the original Envisioned Opalalaika effort
is our state of the art sports flex envision Opelaika
is a perfect example of community engagement by people with
a shared commitment, taking ownership and working together to build

(55:35):
something better. Other communities that have implemented this same process
often producing startling positive results. I urged the new administration
to support a similar project as another way to encourage
involvement in the life of.

Speaker 2 (55:51):
Our community and engage the untapped energy.

Speaker 20 (55:54):
And creativity that exists in our diverse population. Finally, quick
I'll shift to a couple of the questions that were
submitted by I think the public and I would support
early in person voting and perhaps even a change of
election day to Saturday.

Speaker 2 (56:13):
And the idea of quality of life policing is very interesting.

Speaker 20 (56:18):
I think it's worthy of further consideration.

Speaker 2 (56:21):
Thank you very much.

Speaker 1 (56:25):
There's Tom Pitton or again of Ward five here on
the candidate forum here at Opalikas Performing Arts Center. Todd
Route will finish up the wards in Ward five. My
name is Todd Rowke.

Speaker 21 (56:43):
I probably serve as the city councilman for Ward five. First,
I want to give all the glory to God, and
it is because of his grace that I have the
privilege to serve in this position on the open Laca
City Council. I'm a US Army combat veteran and lifelong
public servant, and I'm dedicated to the people, being an

(57:04):
advocate for the people of Opalaika. When I asked for
your vote in twenty twenty, I said, a vote for
Todd Rouk is a vote for hard work. Five years later,
I can proudly stand here and say I've kept my word.
I've worked hard to be a voice for the our
community and create more opportunities for the residents to be

(57:24):
informed and engaged. I understand that our biggest your biggest investment,
is your home and the people who you share it with.
I know my constituents by name, I know their stories.
I know their struggles and the issues I've helped them solve,
and the ones that we're still working through at the
municipal level.

Speaker 5 (57:46):
These issues are not political, they're personal.

Speaker 21 (57:49):
I've been I bring proven experience, energy, engagement to the
residence of Ward five. I've built a proven track record
of respons responsiveness, transparency in action. I've stood up for
neighborhoods that have been overlooked, and I've worked hard to
hold our leadership accountable. I've fought for safer roads and

(58:11):
traffic conditions by encouraging a four way stop on Sportsplex
Parkway and recommending for an expedited timeline for the current roundabout.
I kept my word to Residence on Rocky Brook and
Camelot and remained persistent and finding a solution to the
long standing noise issue caused by West Frasier sawmil And.
I advocated for the new outdoor pool facility at the

(58:34):
Opealaka Sportsplex and worked with my fellow city council member
George Allen for the new pool upgrades at Coveton Recreation Center.
As I promise, I've posted all the city Council agendas
for our meetings on our social media and on our
website so that our citizens can know what their tax
dollars are getting spent on.

Speaker 5 (58:54):
I've helped constituents. I've held meetings in.

Speaker 21 (58:57):
Ward five in order to keep Residence up to date
on important issues that are happening in our community. I
personally send Christmas cards to all my constituents so that
they know who I am and how to reach out
to me if they need to contact me. I do
this because I want to be your first call when
an issue or a problem comes up, and I believe

(59:18):
to my core that government works best when it.

Speaker 5 (59:21):
Works for the people.

Speaker 21 (59:23):
I've dedicated my time to serving on regional and state
and national boards advocating for what's important for our constituents
and bringing opportunities to our community. Additionally, in December of
twenty twenty three, I was one of seven young elected
leaders nationwide selected to be a part of an international
delegation to China. This gave me the opportunity to create

(59:46):
networks with other young elected leaders in places like Beijing.

Speaker 2 (59:50):
Not Jang and Shanghai.

Speaker 21 (59:52):
It allowed me to build bridges, share stories, and give
gifts from tailor made designs that are unique to our
culture right here home.

Speaker 5 (01:00:01):
I've used this platform in my office to help.

Speaker 21 (01:00:04):
Promote and grow our future leaders through Opelika is twenty
under forty Lee County Young Leaders and OPE like a
young professionals.

Speaker 5 (01:00:12):
I do this for the seidful reason because what we
water grows.

Speaker 21 (01:00:17):
That's why I'm asking for your vote on August twenty sixth,
not because it's easy, not because it's comfortable, but because
it's worth it. Because a vote for Todd Rouk is
a vote for hard work. I appreciate your support and
I humbly ask for your vote on August twenty six
Thank you, Tod.

Speaker 1 (01:00:36):
Wrapping up the awards as we move into the mayor's
side of things tonight, with our Candidate for It by
Glynn Smith, Chevy GMC and Opelika right here on Fox
Sports nine ten thirteen ten am the game.

Speaker 2 (01:00:48):
Raven, I invite you to the podium now and this.

Speaker 1 (01:00:52):
Is Raven Harvest taking the stage.

Speaker 22 (01:00:59):
Good evening, like, let me first take this time to
thank the twenty twenty four Chamber of the Year, the
OPAL like a chamber of commerce.

Speaker 5 (01:01:08):
I'm very grateful that they allow for us.

Speaker 7 (01:01:11):
To help citizens get this information tonight.

Speaker 22 (01:01:14):
My name is Raven Harvest, and I'm a leader who
has spent her life solving problems, building teams, and creating
opportunities where others only saw obstacles. For too long, we've
seen leadership that hesitates when we've needed decisiveness, leadership that
is comfortable in the status quo when we've needed bold action.

(01:01:36):
And let's be honest, Opelika is ready for and needs more.
I bring something different.

Speaker 7 (01:01:44):
I'm a CEO.

Speaker 22 (01:01:46):
I grew a company from humble beginnings into a multi state,
multimillion dollar enterprise, creating jobs that made real difference in
people's lives. Leadership is about making tough decisions and having
the courage to stand behind them. I've spent my career
doing exactly that. When my business face challenges, I don't

(01:02:08):
form committees to talk about things for months. I work
side by side with my teams to find solutions and
deliver results.

Speaker 11 (01:02:16):
And when our city faces challenges.

Speaker 22 (01:02:18):
Like neglected infrastructure, limited youth programs, and slow business growth,
we can't afford to wait for endless studies and heart
half hearted actions. We need a mayor who acts with
courage and clarity. As your mayor, I will bring a
bowl vision for Opalaca's future. A future where our infrastructure

(01:02:38):
isn't neglected, what prioritized and strengthened, Where roads, sidewalks, and
public spaces are safe, modern, built, and maintained. A future
where we invest in systems that support growth, where our
streets don't flood every time it rains, where traffic moves efficiently,

(01:02:59):
and where our technological infrastructure keeps us competitive in the
twenty first century. We need a future that enables more
citizen involvement, board appointments, and an administration that welcomes feedback
and input from its citizens. But vision for the future
alone isn't enough. We need a leader who knows how
to execute. I've worked in boardrooms where every dollar mattered,

(01:03:23):
and I've built partnerships that turn plans into action.

Speaker 7 (01:03:28):
That's the kind of leader Opalika.

Speaker 5 (01:03:29):
Needs right now.

Speaker 22 (01:03:32):
Befitting our origins, Opalaika stands at a crossroads. We can
settle for leadership of the past, or we can choose
leadership that shows up and delivers. We can choose a
vote to vote for a leader who solves problems, cuts
through red tape, and makes sure every decision moves our
city forward.

Speaker 5 (01:03:52):
Opalaika.

Speaker 22 (01:03:54):
Our future is calling and it's full of opportunity. We
can invest in stronger neighborhoods, it's modern infrastructure. We can
grow our economy that creates jobs, and we can build
local businesses around here.

Speaker 5 (01:04:09):
We can build a city that works for everyone, where our.

Speaker 22 (01:04:12):
Kids want to stay, our businesses are solvent, where we
are sure that our families can thrive. That is the
future I see. I'm ready to get to work. This
election is all about momentum.

Speaker 7 (01:04:25):
If you want a.

Speaker 22 (01:04:25):
Mayor who will listen, decide and act, who will turn
big ideas into real results, then I partition you to
vote Raven Harvest for mayor on August twenty sixth. Together
we will write Opalalaikah's next greatest chapter and make opal
likea the gateway for greatness.

Speaker 5 (01:04:42):
Thank you all.

Speaker 1 (01:04:44):
Right on the home stretch here Eddie Smith coming to
the stage now, Raven Harvest, as we are on the
mayoral candidates here for the August twenty sixth election. Man
Eddie Smith now coming to center stage.

Speaker 23 (01:05:02):
I'd like to start thanking you all for taking time
out of your busy schedules to be here today because
you love Opalikam and you chose to spend this time
with us tonight, and I'm appreciative of you doing so.

Speaker 24 (01:05:15):
I am Eddie Smith, and I am a lifetime resident
of Opelikah. I graduated from high school right here. Both
my children graduated from high school right here. I went
to Auburn University, graduated in nineteen seventy nine, and later
went to the School banking at Louisiana State University and
graduated in nineteen eighty five. I want to talk about

(01:05:39):
some platform issues that I think that are very reported
that you all are concerned about. So over the last
twenty years, our City Council has helped guide more than
one hundred and twenty million dollars in capital investments that
we paid for with physical discipline. We have no debt
on those things that we have built.

Speaker 2 (01:06:02):
And paid for it.

Speaker 24 (01:06:03):
We have grown our revenue by twenty six percent since
twenty twenty, and on April the first, we dropped the
occupational tax by one third, putting six million dollars back
into the hands of the people of Opena. Like Alabama,
that will be expendable income. During the time that I've
been onto the council, we have created six thousand new,

(01:06:26):
good paying jobs. We continue to work on economic development
along with Mayor Fuller. I've fallen to France, Korea, England,
and even California. We brought back Farmwight, we brought back Mando,
we brought back Hanwua, and our newest one that's coming,

(01:06:50):
Mela MELI will invest somewhere around seven hundred million dollars
in our community and create six hundred jobs. But we're
not finished. We've got another one hundred acres in our
northeast industrial park that we're going to build a road
across and get to so that we can continue to

(01:07:10):
bring good paying jobs. Is a proven fact that people
will move to our community for good paying jobs. One
of the reasons that we continue to see the expansion
of all the subdivisions is because we have created these
opportunities for people to come. The other reason they'll come

(01:07:33):
is for schools, good schools. We are sitting in a
room that needs renovation. I'm going to work toward working
with the Okahaca City School Systems and renovating this building.
The acoustics are not good and I would like to
see them redone.

Speaker 2 (01:07:53):
So we're going to work on that.

Speaker 24 (01:07:55):
And speaking of schools, we have some deferred maintenance issues
that along with doctor Kevin Davis, I will work to fix.
For instance, Northside School will be one hundred years old
in twenty twenty nine, four.

Speaker 2 (01:08:17):
Years from there.

Speaker 24 (01:08:20):
That school was built during the FDR program and it
has leaking roofs.

Speaker 2 (01:08:26):
We got to fix them.

Speaker 24 (01:08:28):
Oh like a middle school, it's in bad shape. It
needs to be renovated. We need to build a pre
k academy. We have eight classes attending pre k school.

Speaker 2 (01:08:41):
Here in this building.

Speaker 24 (01:08:43):
We need to move them out. We need to build
an elementary school. We need to do these things, but
we need to do them physically responsible to make sure
that we can pay for them going forward. Some people
have called me a career politician because I have served

(01:09:05):
on the over Black City Council for twenty one years.

Speaker 2 (01:09:09):
Well, I have a real career about forty years in the.

Speaker 24 (01:09:12):
Banking business, and my job as over Black City Council
has been on my time, on my weekends.

Speaker 2 (01:09:21):
Take it away from hot Fawnily. I'm not a career politician.

Speaker 4 (01:09:25):
I am a career advocate for the city of Obe.

Speaker 2 (01:09:30):
You will elect me on August twenty six. Mimms Smith.

Speaker 24 (01:09:34):
That he got started and we will continue to open
like make Oblackness grow, we will continue to bring economic.

Speaker 1 (01:09:43):
Prosperity to our Eddie Smith's minke has been cut and.

Speaker 2 (01:09:49):
The time has ran out here on him. Thank you, Eddy.

Speaker 1 (01:09:57):
I'm sure to say on this shoe calls the issue
there were.

Speaker 2 (01:10:02):
Up on everyone.

Speaker 3 (01:10:06):
So, uh, there's always the part where I throw the
script out for just a second. You know, there's always
the threat that the history teacher is just going to
break out in some lecture.

Speaker 2 (01:10:14):
Right, I'm not going to do that. But sitting up
here listening.

Speaker 3 (01:10:17):
To everyone, I was reminded of my time when I
was on the stage and I thought, uh, this this
is hard.

Speaker 2 (01:10:24):
You know, that's the easy part. This is hard.

Speaker 3 (01:10:26):
This takes a lot of courage and these people want
to affect lives, and I'm reminded City Council is so
important not only to Southern Union, but your community. These
are the people who will directly affect your lives. They're
representing these very small districts where you will see them,
you know them, you will go to church with them,
you'll see them it's a post office. These aren't these

(01:10:47):
state and national figures that you might not ever meet,
if you do maybe one or two times in your life.

Speaker 2 (01:10:53):
These are the people that you will depend on.

Speaker 3 (01:10:55):
So I thank you for coming out and listening to them,
and more than that, I think thank you all for
having the courage to represent your communities in your siving engagement.

Speaker 2 (01:11:04):
So for me, thank you again.

Speaker 1 (01:11:09):
Tonight's timc and looks like that'll be the conclusion of
tonight's candid.

Speaker 3 (01:11:14):
School right across the roads into affecting lives too. So
if any of your grandkids or kids, or even some
of you want to come back, we'd love to have you. Well,
y'all wrapping me off too, just like I want to Oscar,
so I got some background music. Thank you to all
the candidates who joined us this evening, and thank you
to each of you watching, whether you're in the audience

(01:11:34):
or from home. If you haven't already been sure to
confirm your voter registration, learn what ward you live in,
and most importantly planned to vote on Tuesday, August twenty sixth.
For those listening on the radio, special thanks to iHeartRadio
for the live coverage of the event, presented by Glenn Smith,
Jeverlet GMC and Opehaika on behalf of the Ophalaikah Chamber
of Commerce, the League of Women Voters and East Alabama

(01:11:56):
and Public Policy Partners, Energy Southeast and the Lee Rush
Council of Governments.

Speaker 2 (01:12:01):
Thank you all for.

Speaker 3 (01:12:02):
Being a part of tonight's event and for being an informed,
engaged member of our community.

Speaker 1 (01:12:07):
Have a great night, and I'm Van Riggs. I appreciate
you tuning in here on Fox Sports nine ten thirteen
ten am.

Speaker 2 (01:12:13):
The Game.

Speaker 1 (01:12:13):
Tonight's broadcast presented again by Glenn Smiths Chevy GMC and
Opalaika get Ready to Smile. Thank you for joining us again.
Tune in tomorrow morning on the Mark Fox Sports nine
ten thirteen ten am The Game kicking things off at
six am. Right here on Fox Sports nine ten thirteen
ten am. The Game Right now we'll shift it back
over to Fox Sports programming. Good Night everybody, and thanks
for tuning in.