Crime & Public Safety
The strength of our police, fire, and emergency services starts with the people who serve. As mayor I will make it a priority to recruit and retain the best and brightest personnel — dedicated professionals who are highly trained, well-equipped, and committed to protecting our community. To attract top talent, we must ensure competitive pay, strong leadership, and a work environment that values and supports our first responders. Additionally, we must invest in modern facilities, ongoing training, and the best tools available to help them do their jobs safely and effectively.
However, public safety is not just about our first responders—it’s about the entire community. We must work together to reduce crime by increasing community awareness, improving communication between law enforcement and citizens, and encouraging greater public involvement in safety initiatives. Stronger neighborhood engagement, better crime prevention strategies, and a proactive approach to law enforcement will help make Sylacauga a safer place for everyone.
A Call for Action
We cannot ignore the reality—Sylacauga has a crime problem, and we must take decisive action to correct our course. A quick search of crime statistics reveals that our city has violent crime rates well above the national average, including murder, assault, and robbery. Property crimes are also significantly higher than both state and national averages. Drug offenses are a tremendous area of concern along with further contributing to safety challenges in our community.
Acknowledging the problem is the first step, but action is what matters. As mayor, I will make crime reduction a top priority by increasing community policing efforts, improving coordination between law enforcement and residents, and ensuring our officers have the tools, training, and support needed to combat crime effectively. We must also address the root causes of criminal activity by fostering economic opportunities, youth engagement programs, and stronger community involvement in public safety initiatives. Sylacauga is a great city, but we must be honest about our challenges and commit to real solutions. It’s time for a proactive, no-nonsense approach to reducing crime and making our city safer for all residents.
Infrastructure
What is City Infrastructure?
City infrastructure refers to the essential physical and organizational structures that support daily life, economic activity, and public services. In a small community like Sylacauga infrastructure includes:
- Roads & Transportation – Streets, sidewalks, bridges, and traffic control systems that allow fo safe and efficient travel
- Utilities & Public Works – Water, sewer, electricity, gas, and broadband services that residents and businesses rely on.
- Public Safety Facilities – (See Crime & Public Safety above)
- Parks & Public Spaces – Recreational areas, green spaces, and community centers that enhance quality of life.
- Waste Management – Trash collection, recycling programs, and stormwater drainage to maintain cleanliness and environmental health.
Roads & Transportation
Road Maintenance & Paving
As mayor I will establish a long-term road maintenance and paving plan that ensures continuous improvement rather than relying on the historical cycle of election-year bond initiatives. Our city’s roads are the backbone of daily life and commerce, and they require consistent funding and proactive planning. By developing a structured maintenance schedule and securing sustainable funding sources, we can address problem areas before they become costly repairs. My administration will prioritize transparency in this process, ensuring residents know which roads are scheduled for maintenance and how funds are allocated.
Traffic Flow and Safety
Efficient and safe roadways are critical to our residents and businesses. Unfortunately, Sylacauga has several areas with ongoing traffic and safety concerns that need immediate attention. As mayor, I will take a proactive approach to addressing problem intersections before they become hotspots for accidents. We must install a stop sign or traffic light at Norton Ave & 1st and 2nd Streets to improve safety and prevent further issues. While we are finally getting a light at Payton Blvd & Old Birmingham Hwy, it should not take multiple accidents for necessary improvements to be made.
Additionally, our train crossing situation is worsening, with blocked roads sometimes lasting for hours or even days. While our direct authority is limited, we must research every possible solution, engage with the necessary agencies, and ensure the public is informed of alternative routes and any potential resolutions. Communication and planning are key to reducing unnecessary delays and frustrations for our residents.
Sidewalks, Public Transportation & Downtown Access
Safe and accessible pedestrian infrastructure is essential for Sylacauga. Many sidewalks are in disrepair, and we must ensure all walking areas are ADA-compliant to accommodate every resident. Public transportation is in good shape under SAFE’s leadership, but I believe a stronger partnership with them could create more opportunities and improvements for our community. Downtown parking is currently adequate, but it also highlights the need for a stop sign or traffic light at Norton Ave due to reduced visibility caused by parked cars. Addressing these issues will improve mobility and safety for both drivers and pedestrians.
Utilities & Public Works
While the Sylacauga Utilities Board operates independently from city management, a stronger partnership is necessary for strategic planning—especially in street paving and broadband expansion. We must ensure that utility projects do not overlap or disrupt city paving efforts, preventing unnecessary delays and long-term road issues. Additionally, Sylacauga has access to incredible broadband capabilities that should be fully utilized. We need to explore opportunities to capitalize on this resource for commercial growth while also working to expand access for our residents. Improved coordination and planning in these areas will enhance both infrastructure efficiency and economic potential.
Our street department is doing a fine job and has been working hard to resolve downtown flood issues. However, we must remain proactive and responsive to infrastructure challenges and ensure they have the equipment and resources needed to continue their vital work efficiently. Investing in our public works team strengthens the foundation of our city’s infrastructure and enhances the quality of life for all residents.
Parks & Public Spaces
Sylacauga is blessed with a thriving Parks and Recreation Department that provides outstanding opportunities for residents and visitors alike. From Central Park to the newly developed ADA compliant playground at Noble Park to the natural beauty of Lake Howard, our city has incredible recreational resources. I consider the Recreation Department to be one of the best operations in our community, and we should continue to support and enhance its efforts.
One key area of growth is expanding sports tourism by creating more tournament opportunities that attract visitors to our city. By enabling the department to branch out in this direction, we can generate economic benefits while showcasing Sylacauga as a premier destination for recreation and outdoor activities. Investing in our parks and public spaces strengthens our community and improves quality of life for all residents.
Waste Management
Sylacauga’s garbage pickup service is reliable, but we must be mindful of future costs. As mayor, I will work to negotiate a better contract to ensure that rates remain fair and do not continue to rise unnecessarily. Residents deserve high-quality service without excessive costs.
Additionally, while our street and maintenance department is working hard to resolve storm drainage issues, we must take a proactive approach to prevent future flooding. Areas like Broadway Avenue continue to face drainage problems that need long-term solutions. By prioritizing proper infrastructure maintenance and investing in strategic drainage improvements, we can protect homes, businesses, and roadways from unnecessary water damage and disruption.
Economic Development
A Plan for Growth
A serious economic strategy is essential for Sylacauga’s growth, ensuring we can provide the vital services our citizens need. This is an area where I have a proven track record. Since becoming Chair of the Commercial Development Authority (CDA), I have transformed it from a defunct organization into a major profit center for our community. Over the past decade, the CDA has gone from dysfunction to generating $800,000 in annual sales tax revenue. I know how to attract commercial interest, and I will bring this same vision and leadership to the mayor’s office.
Sylacauga's Economic Needs Are Clear:
- Continued Commercial Development – We must keep attracting new businesses and supporting local entrepreneurs to strengthen our tax base and provide more job opportunities.
- Industrial Expansion – Our city has not added a square inch to its industrial footprint in over 25 years, and we are running out of space for new development. To compete with other cities, we must aggressively promote Sylacauga’s many advantages to potential industries, including extensive roadways, railway access, fiber optic broadband, and abundant resources. By highlighting these assets, we can position Sylacauga as a prime location for new industrial investments.
- Incentives for Business & Family Entertainment – Sylacauga must position itself as a city that is open for business. Offering competitive incentives will help bring in more commercial, industrial, and entertainment opportunities for residents.
- Residential Development – We need special focus on urban projects that encourage new residential development, making Sylacauga a more attractive place to live.
- Annexation & Revitalization of Mill Village – A plan must be developed to annex and clean up the Mill Village area, turning it into a productive part of the city’s future growth.
Workforce Development
Economic growth is only possible when we have a strong workforce to support it. We must invest in workforce development by strengthening partnerships with local schools, technical programs, and businesses to ensure our citizens are equipped with the skills needed for today’s job market. By creating training opportunities and career pathways, we can build a workforce that attracts and sustains new industries while providing better job prospects for Sylacauga residents.
Vision
Success doesn’t happen by accident—it happens through careful planning, bold leadership, and forward thinking. One of my greatest strengths is the ability to see beyond the present and create a roadmap for long-term success. Sylacauga needs a revitalized 25-year plan, not as a rigid document but as a living strategy that adapts to economic trends, community needs, and new opportunities. This plan will provide direction, ensure accountability, and allow us to measure progress effectively. With annual reviews and five-year assessments, we can make sure Sylacauga stays on the path to sustainable growth.
Our population is shrinking and we must be aggressive in leaning into the future for growth. Our city has immense potential, but potential alone is not enough—it must be harnessed with vision, action, and the right leadership. I am committed to building a stronger, more prosperous Sylacauga, where businesses thrive, families flourish, and opportunities abound for generations to come.