Mayoral candidates speak at forum

By Patrick Johnston

Published: August 20, 2008

Eufaula’s mayoral candidates spent approximately one hour Tuesday telling voters why they should be elected next week.

The municipal election forum, held at the James. S. Clark Center, is the only scheduled event where incumbent Jay Jaxon and challenger Randall Greene will appear together before the Tuesday, Aug. 26, election. The forum was sponsored by the Eufaula-Barbour County Chamber of Commerce.

Jaxon and Greene did not sit together. Jaxon was at one table with city council candidates Jim Martin and Jim Cain, while Greene sat with council candidates Sammy Lipscomb and Gwen Crawford-Taylor at a separate table.

A podium where debate moderator Keith Phillips stood separated the two tables.

Jaxon and Greene strayed little from the campaign points they have pushed since July 15, the final day of election qualifying. Jaxon, who is seeking a fifth full term as mayor, touted his experience.

Greene, who narrowly lost the election to Jaxon in 2004, talked about the city’s need for change.

There were only a few occasions when one candidate openly challenged the other.

n Jaxon and Greene had differing opinions regarding the city’s growth rate.

Jaxon said the city is challenging Census estimates that show a significant decline between 2000 and ’07. While Census estimates have the city’s population at 13,115,
Jaxon said the population is actually 14,606 based on Census statistical methods and city building department records.

“We’re challenging the Census,” he said. “We feel very comfortable with this…I can look here and see people who moved from other areas because of our quality of life.”

Greene cited the Census estimates, saying cities like Ozark, Troy and Brundidge are growing faster than Eufaula.

“Don’t take my word for it. They’re leaving us behind,” Greene said. “My population figures are from the U.S. Census. I hope you (Jaxon) are right.”

n The two candidates differed on what can be done locally regarding the proposed western alternate route.

Greene has said he now agrees an alternate route is needed, but questions whether it will be built in the near future.

“I don’t know if there is much we can do besides holler and scream at the state,” he said.

“I’m not sure it will happen anytime soon. A lot of projects (statewide) need to be completed. It’s all about the money.”

Jaxon said that is the wrong attitude to take.

“I think it will happen, and we have worked to expedite this route,” he said. Jaxon mentioned a recent meeting he and Martin had with Alabama Department of Transportation officials had regarding the proposed route’s design. Audubon Partnership assisted the city with the design.

“(DOT officials) were impressed the city took the time and effort to do this much work on the local level,” Jaxon said.

While Jaxon said there is no firm time frame on when the route will be completed, his said DOT officials are working on the design and engineering.

n Jaxon challenged Greene on comments he made regarding proposed growth at Fort Benning and the impact it could have on the area.

Greene said the city should consider recommendations from officials working directly with or on BRAC very seriously.

“They’ll come back and tell us what they recommend,” he said.

Greene added the city “might be able to capitalize” on some of the growth currently occurring on Highway 165.

Jaxon said Greene’s position is not agreessive enough.

“I don’t think we can sit back and wait on what they tell us will be good here,” Jaxon said.

Jaxon said the city should work closely with the Valley Partnership but also form a city task force.

“If we sit back and wait for (BRAC-related growth) to happen, it’s not going to come.”

* Both candidates were asked about what could be done to increase recreational opportunities for youth.

Greene said the city should consider purchasing the bowling alley and skating rink, and then through the parks and recreation department operate it on weekends and during the summers.
“I don’t know if it will be feasible, but we’ll study it and see,” he said.

Jaxon said purchasing the bowling alley and skating rink would cost between $1 and $2 million - something be says the city could not afford to do at this point. He said a proposed movie theater is once again a possibility thanks to Wal-Mart’s recent announcement of a new supercenter. He also said that all youth in Eufaula should know how to swim, and that parents play an important role in giving youth opportunities.

* The candidates’ most pointed comments came after they were asked what civic activities had they been involved with since 2004.

Jaxon said he invited Greene to become involved with various boards and groups after the 2004 election.

“I know Mr. Greene has been involved with his business, but he hasn’t been involved,” Jaxon said.

Greene said he spent more than one year in Tennessee working with an automotive dealership. While there a tornado destroyed the dealership.

“The facility I was working in was wiped off the face of the earth,” he said.

Greene said he was in Tennessee “trying to survive” and “wasn’t here to be involved.”

“I wonder how many meetings (Jaxon) would make if he weren’t paid to go?” Greene asked at the end, drawing groans from Jaxon supporters. Jaxon smiled for a few seconds but never addressed the question during the debate.

* The two candidates were also asked about whether change or experience were most important.

Jaxon said that with “the experience I have, I know what change is needed.”

He added the city has not been afraid to change when needed. He cited the city’s department heads, “who are all fairly new,” and the construction of a community center in 1998 and the purchase of Medical Center Barbour as examples.

He warned that, “not all change is good. Some change is expensive…”

Greene said he did not want to change city policies, but feels a change in leadership is needed.

“Maybe it’s time for different blood,” he said.

Greene cited financial mistakes he has made with his business - mainly trusting individuals who he said failed him. He added that he has learned from his mistakes, while mentioning the importance of having good employees.

“A leader can only do so much. That’s why it is so important to have good people,” he said.

* Greene said the three most important issues facing Eufaula are growth, transportation costs and litter.

Greene said that with retail sales growth, the city would generate more sales tax revenues that could be used to improve the salaries of public safety employees.

Jaxon said the three most important issues facing Eufaula were healthcare, crime and jobs.

He talked for several minutes about Medical Center Barbour’s improvements during the forum, reminding voters that the current lease agreement will come up again during the next mayoral term.

The two candidates shook hands and talked briefly at the end of the forum.