Collins announces candidacy for mayor of Demopolis

For 12 years Woody Collins has thought about running for mayor of Demopolis.

Today he announced his candidacy for the Aug. 25 election.

As a lifetime resident of Demopolis, Collins, 67, said he has been “fortunate to be heavily involved in our community for over 30 years.”

He was elected to the Demopolis City Council for two terms, served as president of the Demopolis Area Chamber of Commerce and worked in many other city and civic activities and positions.

“You’re not going to find anything I haven’t been involved in,” he laughed.

Collins was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the DACC and as Citizen of the Year in 2001. Collins Communications, a family-owned business, also was named Business of the Year Award.

“My wife, two sons and myself are all products of the Demopolis City Schools system, and both of our sons were born right here at Whitfield Regional Hospital,” he said.

“With this background I honestly believe I understand and appreciate our community and the needs of the people who are its heartbeat,” he continued. “I’ve got a feel for this community.”

Collins promised to back away from his business if he is elected and devote all his time to the office of mayor.

He said the main need of the city is to continue to “grow the job market.” Collins began learning about industrial recruitment in the 1990s. During the time he served as chairman of the Industrial Development Board he helped “to bring several successful business ventures to Demopolis, bringing with them much needed jobs.”

Campaigning during the coronavirus pandemic will be a challenge, Collins said, especially since he enjoys meeting personally with people. “I’m going to have to be cautious.” He encouraged anyone who wanted to talk with him about the needs of the city to contact him.

“The coming years appear that they are going to be extremely challenging, but with a united community, the spirit of Demopolis will prevail,” said Collins.

“Over the coming months, hopefully I will have the opportunity to meet with each of you and get your advice and input. Thank you for your time and consideration, as each of you are an important part of this community, and your input is important to me.”