Rogers to be mayor ‘for everyone’ in Linden

Collaboration will be Gwendolyn Rogers’ focus when she assumes the office of Mayor of Linden on Nov. 2.

With that in mind, she plans to discuss and share ideas with the Linden City Council – which will include two new members – that they can work on together.

Rogers is the school counselor at Linden Elementary School and G.P. Austin Middle School. “I love this job,” she said, but she also “wanted to serve the citizens of the town.” Since the mayor’s job is part time, she will be able to do both.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has come to appreciate her fellow teachers and administrators. “I’ve never seen a harder working group of people.”

She saw several things that could be improved in the county seat, which led her to run for mayor.

Rogers’ interest in the mayor’s race isn’t new. Her late brother, Joe Young, ran an unsuccessful campaign for the position several years ago. Rogers began to consider running for the office herself and, with the support of her husband, Larry, decided to try.

Then Larry, her husband of 31 years, died six months ago.

She thought about dropping out of the race, but upon prayerful consideration, she opted to continue her candidacy.

Rogers said she owes much of her determination to her seven years serving in the U.S. Army Reserve.

“It helped me to build character,” she said, “and discover that I could accomplish something that was way outside of what I thought I could do.”

By winning the election, Rogers has made history by becoming Linden’s first black woman mayor.

Like most other city leaders Rogers wants to attract industry to the area, especially to provide opportunities for young people to stay in Linden. Those businesses don’t have to be huge, she said, but there is “a lot of opportunity for growth in our town.”

She also wants to do what she can to revitalize the downtown area. One way that could draw people to the business district would be pop-up shops, she said.

Rogers is making contacts with people who can help her realize her visions for Linden, Knowing she has a steep learning curve, she is studying the Alabama Association of Municipalities handbook to prepare herself for the job.

She hopes that all the residents of Linden will feel comfortable contacting City Hall about issues or problems.

“I’m the mayor for everyone,” she said.