Mobile celebrated news this week that its credit rating is on the rise. Now, the city’s mayor- who is largely credited for his role in its economic growth- confirmed a bid for re-election.
Sandy Stimpson has served as the Mayor of Mobile since 2013, when he ran a hard-fought campaign against long-time incumbent mayor Sam Jones. Upon his victory, he pointed to economic development as the cornerstone of his time in office.
“From the first day as your mayor, I realized that Mobile was on the cusp of a bright and promising future,” Stimpson says in the ad.
His announcement boasts that Mobile is “a city undergoing a transformation,” touting a record of attracting new business, stabilizing the budget, and revitalizing public spaces.
Stimpson’s successes have also manifested in other ways, as the coastal city just received an upgraded economic outlook from Moody’s Investor Services.
It may not sound like a major win- cities like Huntsville sport a Aaa credit rating, while Mobile still sits at Aa2. However, the news signals that economists seem to agree with Stimpson’s positive outlook and record of successes. According to Moody’s, the new grade reflects an “expectation that management will continue to budget conservatively and reserves will remain adequate.”
One of the most stirring indicators of Stimpson’s ability to reform local government went further than economic accomplishment. In his new ad, he goes on to praise renewed race relations.
“We’ve pushed for transparency and an honest conversation about race relations, and the impact of poverty in our city,” he continues. “I’ve personally walked door to door all across Mobile with the police chief, hearing your concerns. We’ve listened. And together we’ve improved the relationship between police and all Mobilians. I won’t stop until there’s justice. Together we will become one Mobile.”
Stimpson has been eyed as a possible gubernatorial candidate in 2018.
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