It's Time for Change in Mobile!

In August, 2013 the city of Mobile will have the opportunity to elect a new Mayor. During the last several years while our national economy has teetered our own local economy has suffered as well. Our current Mayor Sam Jones pushed hard over the last two years to enact a 25 percent increase in the sales tax in the city. We were led to believe that the 10 percent sales tax would be a panacea for our city budget. Despite the University of South Alabama economist Dr. Semoon Chang warning us otherwise, the Mayor and council after much bickering, debate and repeated votes approved the tax in the fall of 2012. Now several months later the evidence is in that the sales tax increase has produced declining revenue. In tough times, people make every effort to save money. By increasing our cities sales tax to one of the highest in the nation, our city has priced itself out of the market of choice.
For several years I've followed the budgetary and leadership issues confronting our city. Our police and firemen are underpaid. Our city projects and property are poorly managed and cared for. We carry significant debt from years of failed public-private partnerships like the cruise ship debacle and the current maritime museum. Our Police pension fund is underfunded by $120 million dollars and counting. And now though we have unprecedented opportunity with the arrival of Airbus and related suppliers, we have to ask the question if our current Mayor is up to the task of leadership over the next 4 years. I have come to the conclusion that it is time for a change in the Mayor's office. I hope that you will join me in voting for Sandy Stimpson who is running for Mayor. Sandy is a life long Mobilian with a strong history of success in private business and management. He has successfully navigated downturns in the economy and offers us a new face and a new vision to lead Mobile into the future. See his website www.sandyformayor.com for details! I firmly believe it's time for a change in the city of Mobile. Join me in welcoming that change and hope for a bright and prosperous future in Mobile!