Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson on Monday announced that he will seek reelection to a third term.
The popular mayor made the announcement in a video posted to social media.
“Just over seven years ago, we began the process of fulfilling the bold vision of becoming ‘One Mobile’ — a safer, more business- and family-friendly city. You believed in our vision and joined me in doing the hard work,” said Stimpson. “As a result, we’re better, stronger and Mobile’s future is brighter.”
He then outlined the state of the Port City when he took office in 2013, pointing to “crumbling streets, broken sidewalks uncontrolled blight and poorly maintained parks.”
“The financial challenges we faced were daunting,” Stimpson continued. “Seven years later, thanks to good financial stewardship, the City of Mobile is on sound financial ground, even in the face of a global pandemic that has crippled many other communities. While other cities have cut budgets and services, we have wisely invested your tax dollars in ways and at levels never seen in our city.”
Another point highlighted by the mayor is the strong collaboration the city currently has with state and federal partners, evidenced by historic investments made in Mobile in recent years; examples include the deepening and widening of the Port of Mobile and the “Brookley by the Bay” project.
“Today, they’re investing in our community because they believe we’re heading in the right direction,” Stimpson noted.
“Working together, every part and aspect of city life is feeling the impact of these investments, whether it be exciting new programs, renovations, rebuilds or new facilities,” he added. “From crime prevention to emergency medical services and firefighting, to repaving and rebuilding roads, bridges, sidewalks and drainage ditches, we have made tremendous progress.”
Stimpson outlined “affordable housing, blight reduction, bike lanes, blueways, greenways, parks and playing fields” among a list of reasons why he believes “we have much more to do.”
“But just look around. We’ve identified the challenges, and every single day improvements are being made, just like this construction site for the new Greer’s grocery store downtown on St. Louis Street,” he continued, referring to the background of the video.
“Looking forward, as we expand the port, relocate the airport, build a magnificent waterfront park at Brookley, plus a no-toll bridge for cars, no matter where you live in Mobile, the impact on you and your family will be tremendously positive due to the increased growth and job opportunities,” the mayor stressed. “Every day that the Stimpson Administration comes to work for the city, we come here to serve you. This is all about you and transforming our city, ensuring that your quality of life — your safety, your health, your education and job opportunities, your pleasure and fun — ensuring that your future is bright.”
“Being your mayor has been and is a great honor,” Stimpson concluded. “Serving you is a privilege that I do not take for granted. Seven months from now, you will be going to the polls to select who will lead your city. I am asking for your continued support and your vote. Now is not the time to let up. With your support, the best is yet to come.”
Mobile’s municipal elections will be held on August 24.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
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