Moving Forward in Mobile

                                          Election Eve in the City of Mobile, Alabama  
  On August 22nd the city of Mobile will vote to decide between Sandy Stimpson our present Mayor or former Mayor Sam Jones. (There are two minor candidates not relevant to actual results) Never in my lifetime have I seen two candidates and their campaign styles and personalities in such stark contrast. Our former Mayor Jones has sadly conducted a sullen and sour campaign filled with an us vs. them theme, while our country reels from real division. It's a dangerously combustible formula to win power without a clear vision. Sandy Stimpson on the the other hand has attempted to stay on message with "One Mobile" his campaign slogan. Sandy has by all accounts righted the financial ship in city hall. The facts reveal (denied by Sam's public statements) that our city was in serious financial straights and infrastructure and city employees were waiting for $ to meet their very real needs.
  There are still many serious problems festering in Mobile, Alabama. Most pundits are picking Sandy to secure a second term in office. One issue that neither campaign has adequately addressed is what to do with declining revenues from our dangerously high sales tax. Sam in the debates talked about how our success recently was largely due to his incessant push for our 'tithe' (10 percent sales tax) to the city coffers. But the facts are that retail locally and nationwide is in free fall. A changing reality of the 'internet' economy means that cities are naive and short sighted to think you can tax your way to prosperity in an ever connected global economy. This issue will be staring whoever wins directly in the face. Will we find a way for significant tax reform for the city and state of Alabama?
  For those who know me well, it's clear that I'm an ardent supporter of Sandy Stimpson as Mayor. Sam Jones just doesn't have either the vision or managerial and leadership skills to lead our city forward. But we the citizens of the city of Mobile should not be naive in thinking that we still don't face serious issues in order to fulfill the vision of our current Mayor. It will take innovative solutions and an honest assessment of the serious issues still confronting us in our city, state and nation. Do your civic duty and vote on August 22nd.... and stay involved in serving the city that God has placed us in. Pray for the well being of the city of Mobile!