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Five candidates are seeking the Brundidge mayor seat in the Aug. 25 municipal election.

The candidates include current mayor Isabell Boyd; former mayor Jimmy Ramage; and three newcomers to public office, Anthony Foster, Mike McNally and Rodney Wilson.

Citing issues from providing jobs to bringing retail opportunities to the community, the candidates shared their backgrounds and goals in a series of questions. The full responses are below:

Isabell “Fronnie”’ Boyd

Why are you running for this position?

I am interested in the growth of this City.  I care about the citizens as a whole.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

Experience with budgeting.  Networking with other important individuals.

Have you held other political office? If so, what and when?

Councilperson, Mayor Pro-Tem – 1986 to 2008.  Mayor – 2016 to present.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I have served on the City Council for many years.  I have been President of the Brundidge Business Association (BBA), and as a member for many years.  I headed up the revitalization committee for Brundidge to keep the city moving up.  I have a vision to continue to revitalize our small city by investing in the talents of our young, entice more businesses to come in strong!  Work to create affordable housing, amphitheater to be built on the Bass House grounds, refurbish / upgrade the Bass House to an information / daily entertainment center for citizens to enjoy hobbies such as: quilting, pottery, travel, bingo and cooking.  Boys & Girls’ Club.  Chairperson of the Annual Easter Service – Breakfast and Thanksgiving Service.  I have worked closely with Dr. S. D. James Each One-Reach One yearly activities, served with the Brundidge Rotary, Pike Medical Foundation to help with development of the Troy Regional Cancer Care Center so cancer patients will not have to drive so far for treatment.  I care about our citizens.  When our drugstore closed, the late Britt Thomas and I worked with the owner to develop her business here – it was needed to be located in our city so the citizens would not have to travel out of town.

Tell us where you work and how long you have worked there.  What is your position at work?

I am employed at East Central Mental Health: Pike, Bullock and Macon Counties for 40 years plus.  I am the Director of Medical Records.

Tell us about your education experience, high school and college. 

I graduated with honors from Pike County Training School in Brundidge, AL. Attended Alabama State University in Montgomery, AL.

What are the biggest challenges facing the office you are seeking or currently hold, and how would you propose to solve them?

My biggest challenge is to secure land to get a truck stop in Brundidge, more eating places, and retail if possible, a subdivision to accommodate families and individuals.  Bring to Brundidge its own recreational facility for our kids.  The next biggest project is to locate monies to fund these wishes.

What else do you want potential voters to know? 

I am a widow.  I have two sons, five grandchildren, and one great-grandchild.  I am a member of Sweet Pilgrim Missionary Baptist Church where I serve as the Secretary, Pianist and Sunday School Instructor. 

I serve on the Troy Health and Rehabilitation Planning Board, Pike County Training/Hillcrest School Committee, and MLK Committee.  I love Brundidge; I want to see this town continue to grow.  I have no long I’s and no little U’s.

Anthony Foster

Why are you running for this position?

I decided to run for mayor of Brundidge because I, like many citizens here in the City of Brundidge, think there needs to be a change in our government. I am a resident of the City of Brundidge and have been for most of my life with the exception of eight years.

I moved to Atlanta but returned in 1999. In May of 2000 I opened Foster’s Barbershop downtown where I have been for the past 20 years. So, for 20 years, I have patrolled the streets of downtown. I became concerned with the way things were going. We’ve had companies leave/relocate, businesses closing causing job loss. So, I figured it was time for someone from a new fresh phrase to get involved in politics. So, with my involvement in various community events and organizations, I figured if I was as frustrated as I’d been, and was, I said you know what it’s time for someone from the business community to step up and that’s when I decided to run for mayor.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

Having been an employee of the city of Brundidge for several years, I’ve had the privilege of assisting with the upgrades to our infrastructure also with the added new infrastructure as well which gives me knowledge and experience in that specific area.

Have you held other political office? If so, what and when?

No. I have never held a political office but did run for council in the 2008 and 2012 elections.

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I’m concerned about the direction in which the city is moving. I think that there has come a time in Brundidge for a new kind of mayoral leadership, if you will, not a leadership that operates only on the basis of political expediency or on the basis of you scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours.

The people of Brundidge (we) are interest in a leadership with integrity, a leadership that does not have a credibility gap, leadership that, even from time to time, we may not agree (we) know that he or she is sincere and honest with us. I represent that kind of leadership which is why I feel I am the best candidate for this office.

Tell us where you work and how long you have worked there.  What is your position at work?

I am currently self-employed and have worked as a barber/stylist for 20 years. I am the owner of Foster’s Barbershop where I’ve served the community of Brundidge and the surrounding areas alike.

Tell us about your education experience, high school and college.

I attended Pike County High School and later pursued an education in the ministry at Bethel Bible College and Seminary.

What are the biggest challenges facing the office you are seeking or currently hold, and how would you propose to solve them?

One of the biggest would be trying to stop the crime and decline in population and, as I reach out to the citizens, I’m learning that there are not a lot of people who feel that we are in a state or place of lack. So, basically, the idea is to rid the citizens of this mindset by ending the cycle of decline in population through housing, facilities and economic activity.

What else do you want potential voters to know?

That they should vote based on what they feel is best for all and who best represents that because this decision is going to affect the entire city.

Mike McNally

Why are you running for this position?

I live, work, and worship in Brundidge. I’ve raised a family here and now have 2 grandchildren here. I want my grandchildren to know the Brundidge that I love, and for all our children to grow up and want to stay and raise families of their own here. I am so blessed that God placed me in Brundidge, and the city and its people have been good to me for the past 3 decades. I think it’s time for me to give back.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

• I built and have operated a successful business in Brundidge for 20 years.

• I was regional vice president for family life insurance.

• I was president of the board for Hamilton crossroads Fire and Rescue.

• I was president of Brundidge Lions Club.

• I was host of the “Brundidge Beat” radio show on WTBF radio.

• I have held numerous positions of leadership Salem Baptist Church including worship leader and deacon.

Have you held other political office? 

No

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I walk the streets of Brundidge every day, and I’m very familiar with its charms, as well as its challenges. I have the business experience and creative ideas to make the city I love a safer, better place to call home. I’ll work with the council, as well as the businesses and residents to make Brundidge an attractive option for new industry to locate. I’ll also support existing businesses and help provide resources to help them succeed and grow.

Tell us where you work and how long you have worked there. What is your position at work?

I own and operate Pike PC, retail electronics and prepaid wireless store in Brundidge, and have for 20 years.

Tell us about your education experience, high school and college.

I graduated from Bryan station Senior High in Lexington Kentucky.  I have an associate degree in computer science from Troy University and a bachelor’s degree in business management from Troy University.

What are the biggest challenges facing the office you are seeking or currently hold, and how would you propose to solve them?

My business has been burglarized 8 times since 2005.  Practically every business in Brundidge, as well as several residences, has been burglarized recently. Our citizens complain of gun fire, drug deals, and illegal alcohol sales in the City. We’ve had senseless murders in our businesses and on our streets. We need a mayor who will work with the City Council and City Manager to give our police force the training, leadership, and resources to lower the crime rate and make Brundidge a safer place to live, work, worship, and do business.

Anything else you would like people to know?

I came to Brundidge almost 30 years ago with little more than the clothes on my back. God has truly blessed me in Brundidge, and I plan to seek his will in making it a better place.

Jimmy Ramage

Why are you running for this position?

Mayor (sic)

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this position?

I served 10 years as City Commissioner and 30 years as city Mayor.

Have you held other political office? If so, what and when?

Yes. 1976 – 2016 as shown above. 

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I have the experience and knowledge to get the job done.

Tell us where you work and how long you have worked there? What is your position at work?

I have worked at the First National Bank of Brundidge – November 1969 to June 2020. I now work for Troy Bank and Trust.

Tell us about your education experience, high school and college.

Pike County High School (1965) graduate, and University of Alabama 1969 graduate.

What are the biggest challenges facing the office you are seeking or currently hold, and how would you propose to solve them?

Brundidge needs people to live here. We have a good work force with our manufacturing.

What else do you want potential voters to know?

We created opportunities at Wal-Mart DC, Southern Classic Food Group and MVP, and Brundidge Electronics. We developed Camp Brundidge for our youth and the county annex for our Probate Office Revenue Commission and OCAP. 

Rodney Wilson

Why are you running for this position?

I am running for mayor because It’s Time For Real Change not just a change of address, but fundamental change that will help Brundidge grow and prosper.  I am the candidate who believes in a city that works for all people, regardless of last name, race, gender, or income – who believes in an effective and transparent government that puts your interests first – and who believes that in Brundidge, if you provide the determination there should ALWAYS be an opportunity.  I am running for mayor because Brundidge deserves a mayor with leadership experience who can move the City forward. My heart, my home and business are rooted in Brundidge. I have received the best exposure and leadership training through the military which has prepared me for a lifetime of service. I have a proven history of willingness to serve something larger than myself.  I possess the knowledge of our past, our present and the vision for our future; Moreover, I have been purposed for this great work.

What experience do you have that you think qualifies you for this office?

My lived experience, education and professional skills set me apart and will best serve Brundidge. My experience in managing complex, municipal-like organizations is unmatched in this election. I have a proven track record of excellence among the best in the areas of logistics, maintenance, operations, human resources, health, fleet management, property accountability, program management, project management, financial management, information management, training programs and management systems, facilities, mission execution and planning. I am a proven, energetic, positive, transparent leader who will listen and take heart-forward action to improve our community. I have a clear vision for the future of Brundidge.

Have you held other political office? If so, what and when?

No

Why do you think you would be the best candidate for this office?

I have an expanded worldview of how municipalities function and societies prosper having traveled, lived and worked in numerous cities, states and foreign countries.

Tell us where you work and how long you have worked there. What is your position at work?

Vice President, (RAMS) Rapid Acquisition Management Solutions, LLC. I founded this start-up in 2010 to participate in government contracting providing Professional Administrative and Management support services.  I am responsible for Spearheading marketing management, government project implementation, strategic planning, human resource management (recruitment, training & development) and claims processing and settlement. As well as Streamlining operations to grow profits. Applied extensive knowledge of FAR’S and Contract Law/GAO Contract Board of Appeals procedures governing contract administration and interpretation.

Tell us about your education experience, high school and college.

I am a graduate of Pike County High School, in addition I hold a Master of Science in Management, Master level certificates in Business and Contract Management, a Bachelor of Science in Workforce Education and Development and a U.S. Navy Financial Manager Certification.

What are the biggest challenges facing the office you are seeking or currently hold, and how would you propose to solve them?

  • Justice and equality – Create a just and equitable Brundidge by addressing inequities affecting our under-served residents, revising our city government’s approach to problem-solving, quality of life improvement for all esidents, and residents path to engage city government.

•Economic Development – become the southeast regional hub for qualified and diverse talent as well as the premier destination for small businesses, startups, and businesses looking to expand, propelling shared prosperity via innovation and inclusive growth.

What else do you want potential voters to know?

That I am a Servant.