Candidate questions

Editor’s Note: The West Alabama Watchman invited the four candidates for mayor of Demopolis to respond to five questions. Two of the candidates — incumbent mayor John Laney and businessman Woody Collins — responded.

The Watchman will post one question each day through Monday and the responses from each candidate.

Today’s question is: What do you see as the greatest challenge to the future of Demopolis, and how would you address it?

Collins:  One of my greatest concerns is the loss of our children from the community who are some of the brightest and most educated minds that we’ve ever produced. Healthcare and education are also a top priority and are critical components of any city’s success. To keep our children at home we must continue to create good paying long term employment in our existing businesses as well as promote new business opportunities to our community. Healthcare and education are both being thrust upon our communities by the State and Federal Governments and there are no quick or simple answers to either, but without these two viable entities our community would cease to exist in its current state. We must do whatever necessary to work with these entities and ensure their futures.

Laney:  The greatest challenge to the future of Demopolis will be whether the people of Demopolis can rise above the chaos that surrounds us and do what is right by its people. Demopolis has a unique history that is reflected in its name: “Peoples City”.  This City has been strong because the Citizens of our community have historically risen above popular opinion and come together with solutions that are best for our community. This was especially true during the days of integration in the 1960’s and it is the main reason we have the strong school system we have today.

I have a plaque that I made that is in my office. It has three words: “Liberty Equality Dignity”. I believe that governing according to these three words will enable our citizens to know that their City Government is a place they can go knowing that they will get equal treatment, They may not always like the answer, but they will know the answers are consistent.

To steer this course for our City will require the support and understanding of all our Citizens. There are so many groups today trying to promote agendas that may make for good sound bites but really have no substance. We must choose carefully and with much thought the path we are to travel so that Demopolis will continue to be the shining star in West Alabama.

Tomorrow’s questions: What changes, if any, would you make in the organization of city departments?