Laney announces bid for reelection as mayor

John Laney today announced his bid for reelection as mayor of Demopolis.

Speaking in front of City Hall, Laney listed the accomplishments during his first term in office and outlined  goals for his second term, should he be elected.

Laney chose to seek a second term because, “I believe that accomplishments made over the last four years may be undone without the leadership and time for the accomplishments to firmly take root and flourish.”

He said his continued focus would “be about the people,” making Demopolis “a place that attracts both new residents and businesses.”

Laney said it is also important “to treat all people equally with dignity. Our Mayor must not defer to outside groups that do not contribute to the greater good of our City.”

Before listing his successes and goals, Laney addressed the recent announcement of a new industry bringing jobs to Demopolis. While new jobs always are welcomed, “this company willingly accepted lavish incentives” but refused to locate in the city limits.

He added that the contract the company had with Demopolis was not legally proper because the city cannot enter into a lease purchase agreement.

“I have a tremendous respect for the company that provides these jobs,” he continued. “I do, however, also believe if you are willing to accept incentives…you should be willing to pay property taxes to the entity providing the incentives.”

He listed new and relocating businesses that have opened in Demopolis within the last four years that pay taxes to support schools, roads recreational facilities, beautification and the arts.

Since 2016, Laney said, he has led the city through difficult times in healthcare, education and the COVID-19 pandemic “with minimum disruptions to the city.”

He counts as his accomplishments a re-energized Parks and Recreation Department, starting a city rescue/ambulance service, encouraging the 4 mil countywide property tax for Whitfield Regional Hospital, improvement of WorkKey scores in the high school, annexation of the airport and Airport Industrial Park, greater transparency in finances and management and continuing projects to improve the quality of life.

Goals in his second term, Laney continued, will be providing broadband access for everyone, paving more streets and adding more sidewalks.

What he will not do is support any sales tax increase unless the state removes the current tax on food. Sales taxes are regressive and hurt the most vulnerable in the community, he said.

He will recommend that at least two members on the Demopolis City Schools Board of Directors be parents with children in the city’s schools. He also wants to start a Youth City Government to provide students the chance to understand what it takes for a city to work.

He believes people serving on municipal boards should be limited to two terms of either five or six years.

Laney wants to partner with Main Street USA to revitalize the city and continue working with Wallace Community College to develop educational opportunities.

Laney will face at least two challengers in the Aug. 25 election. The deadline for qualifying is 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 21.