Council hopefuls discuss issues

By Patrick Johnston

Published: August 22, 2008

Jay Jaxon and Randall Greene weren’t the only candidates to campaign at Tuesday’s municipal election forum.

Four city council candidates also spoke at the forum.

There are two contested council races in this election, which will be held this Tuesday, Aug. 26. Council president Jim Martin will face Gwen Crawford-Taylor in District One, and incumbent Sammy Lipscomb will face Jim Cain in District Five.

Council members Lucious Cobbs, Johnny Knight and Bob Powers were all unopposed.

The candidates answered three questions:
Why are they the most qualified
What are the most important issues in their respective districts
What is the council’s role in promoting economic development.

Jim Martin
Martin said the current city administration has been productive in the last four years. He said the administration was able to help save and even improve the local hospital.

“It was on the deathbed, if you will.”

He also commented on recent improvements at Dudley Quarters and the smoking ordinance that council approved.

“We’re a healthier city because of it.”

Martin cited his community involvement since he became an attorney in Eufaula 34 years ago. He said one of the most important issues is the proposed alternate route, which he called, “the elephant in the room.”

“That’s going to come to fruition,” he said. “The alternate route will affect District One. And the issues that affect District One affect our entire city.”

Martin said the city council spurred economic development recently by approving funding for a new spec building in the Lakepoint Industrial Park.

Gwen Crawford-Taylor
Taylor, a mother of five, said she moved back to Eufaula from New Jersey so she could help the community.

“I came back to Eufaula because I saw there needed to be some outreach services in the community,” she said.

When asked why she was the most qualified, Taylor answered, “I’ve been involved, and I’m a people person. I like to hear people’s concerns and do what I can do. Since I’ve been to Eufaula I’ve seen the needs and I want to see more people get involved.”

She said community unity is the top issue for her district.

“I propose to see that done by developing neighborhood associations throughout my district. We unite ourselves as one to bring cohesiveness.”

She also said the city needs more businesses, which would lead to more jobs.

Jim Cain
Cain, a long-time businessman, said he would like see help lure more industry to Eufaula if elected.

“There are so many things in Eufaula that we’re overlooking,” he said. “We need to get down to the nitty-gritty and get to work.”

Cain said he has worked as a chief financial officer and a chief executive officer, and supervised a large number of employees.

“I’m a strong candidate because I have management abilities - more than my opponent.”

He said the alternate route will be especially important to District Five since the southern end of the route is in the district.

“We need to listen to the people of District Five,” he said.

Cain said the council needs to work closely with the industrial development board and the chamber to optimize economic development opportunities.

“Anything we can do to attract industry,” he said.

Sammy Lipscomb
Lipscomb said Eufaula’s continued growth is one reason why change is not needed.

“We have to much on the table to change in politics,” he said. “We have the Wal-Mart breaking ground this September. That’s 160,000 square feet of building…As soon as that four-lane from the county line to Phenix City is completed, you’ll see jobs.”

Lipscomb said the city should work to assure there is easy access from the U.S. Hwy. 431 to the proposed I-10 connector. He also said the council could help boost economic development efforts in many ways, such as allowing tax waivers or applying to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs for Community Development Block Grant funds.

“There are a lot of ways a city council can help businesses come to Eufaula,” he said.