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Eight candidates are seeking the District 3, District 4, and District 5 seats on the Brundidge City Council.

The municipal election is Tuesday, Aug. 25, with polls opening at 7 a.m.

Henry “Hendock” Everett, Angie Kelly and Marget E. Ross are vying for the District 3 seat; Byron Gaynor and Paula “Wilson” Hall for District 4; and Christopher Foster, James (Sid) Jones for District 5.

The candidates were invited to share information about themselves and their platforms with The Messenger. Answers from those who responded are below:

Henry Hendock, District 3

Why are you running for this position?

My name is Henry “Hendock” Everett and I am running and campaigning to be the next councilman of District 3 for the City of Brundidge. I am a lifelong resident of the wonderful City of Brundidge where I was raised since two years old and schooled subsequently graduating from Pike County High School in 1995. Because I have spent basically my entire life in Brundidge and my wife and I are raising our children here, obviously, I want the absolute best for Brundidge. I want to be a part of that, not just as a resident, but as a part of the council to make decisions to better help the  citizens who make up this beautiful city we call home.

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

I have had many positions that have afforded me the various skills which have molded me to be honest and responsible and an advocate for the City of Brundidge. This is where my heart is so feel I am as qualified as anyone to hold the office seat of District 3. I am a long-time resident of Brundidge and a local Pike County School Board employee. I have done countless hours of community service and am a member of the Brundidge Business Association. I have volunteered my time as rec ball coach and love motivating young people to do their best. I love people and helping people. I am family and community driven and am the Voice of the Bulldogs.

Have you ever held other political offices? If so, when?

I have not ever held a political office, however, I hold leadership positions in church as I am a deacon as well as the minister of music at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church under the phenomenal leadership of Rev. James D. Oliver. I also hold a leadership position in the fraternity in which I am a member. I am the assistant treasurer of the local Graduate Chapter Omicron Tau Sigma Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Incorporated.

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

As aforementioned, being a lifelong citizen of the wonderful City of Brundidge, I have seen numerous politicians come and go but few lived up to their promises. I am the exact opposite and, if the citizens of District 3 vote and elect me to be their councilman, I will work tirelessly and relentlessly ensuring the five basic fundamentals listed below are implemented with leadership, integrity and commitment.

1. Government Transparency. I will ensure that each and every citizen of District 3 has full access and knowledge of all elected city officials’ actions, decisions, plans, budget, spending and ideas pertaining to the city.

2. Personal Transparency. Each citizen of District 3 will have total access to me as their councilman to, not only voice their concerns but to hold me as their elected official accountable for both my actions or the lack thereof as their elected official. My personal life has been and will continue to be a model that all citizens can follow.

3. Community change and involvement. As a councilman, I will set the tone within the council and bring leadership, fresh and new ideas to take District 3 and the entire City of Brundidge to the next level. This will be done by bottom up refinement starting with the feedback from the citizens addressing their concerns and issues.

4. Efficiency. I will help streamline the usage of taxpayer dollars ensuring that  monies are spent on road paving and resurfacing, repairing our aging infrastructure and governmental services.

5. Investment in the youth. I will ensure that there is proper funding for youth programs such as summer work programs, youth sport leagues and other youth opportunities, as we know the ‘“youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow. And we must invest in them to the best of our ability.

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

After departing Troy University, I was hired as the music teacher at Banks Middle School where I currently work  educating  the minds of our most precious resource, the students of Banks and various surrounding communities of Pike County. In addition, I am an assistant band director of Pike County High School Marching Band.

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

After graduating from Pike County High School, I attended Enterprise Community College and Troy University. Despite the hardship while attending college, I remained a citizen of the wonderful City of Brundidge.

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

In conclusion, we are living in troubling and uncertain times and what the citizens of District 3 need is a leader like myself who is honest, forward thinking and strategic. If the wonderful City of Brundidge and District 3 want to move forward then I am the man for the job and will be honored to be the people’s representative and councilman for District 3. Together we can “Build a Better Brundidge.”

What else do you want the voters to know?

I greatly appreciated those who are supporting me and are entrusting me to do as much as I can to “Build a Better Brundidge” through leadership, integrity and commitment. God bless you all.

Angie Kelly, District 3

Why are you running for this position?

To represent and service the members in my district

What experience do you have that you things qualified you for this office?

My honest, consistent and flexibility to understand the needs of the community.

Have you held other political offices?

No.

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

I will served the people who place their trust and confidence in my ability to fulfill the agenda.

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

Walmart DC, central receiving office for 16 years.

Tell us about our education, high school and college.

I attended the Pike County School System where I received my high school diploma.

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

My responsibility is to consider the merits of each idea and analyze it with the community needs for programs and resources to serve my district. I will solve these issues through policy and procedural rules that govern the city resources.

What else do you want potential voters to know?

My voters will always have a councilwoman who will speak on their behalf and have their concerns in mind and placed on the city agenda.

Margaret Ross District 3

I have served two terms on the Brundidge City Council and we have several on-going projects that I would like to see to completion. There are several projects on the board that I believe would benefit from my experience and support. I have worked very hard over the years to make the Mims Creek Project a reality and I want to see it through.

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

“My eight years as member of the Brundidge City Council. Also, the knowledge that

I have gained through the workshops and as a voting delegate at the annual League of Municipalities conventions.

Have you held other political office?

Yes. Brundidge City Council, 8 years.

Tell us where you worked and how long you worked there. What was your position.

I am a graduate of Frisco High School and of Troy University. I taught school in the Pike County School System and the Ozark City School System. I retired from the Ozark City Schools. Presently, I work at Troy Bank & Trust in Brundidge.

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

The population of Brundidge has declined and we are in danger of becoming a town rather than a city. If that happens, we would lose the opportunity for federal dollars. We must find a way to encourage people to move to Brundidge and a way to revitalize our downtown area. We have job opportunities through the Walmart DC, Southern Classic Foods, Magnolia Vegetable Processor and Brundidge Electronics Corp. To grow our community, we must develop a workable plan and work together to put it into action.

Anything else you would like people to know?

Brundidge is my home and those who know me understand that I am dedicated, not only to those in my district, but to the betterment of all our citizens. I am not running just to serve  District 3 but the City of Brundidge.

Byron Gaynor, District 4

My name is Byron Gaynor; I work at the Wal-Mart Distribution Center, going on 17 years, in asset protection. I was a USPS carrier for the city of Brundidge for 7 years.

About Me:

I am a member of the New Hope Holy Church of God here in Brundidge. My pastor is Charles Collier Sr. I have also worked at the Pike County Elementary School as a Physical Education Teacher Aide for 9 years. I enjoy working with children and trying to make a difference.

I enjoy getting to know people and doing what I can to help others.

What are you running for?

Re-election for City Council – District 4

I have lived in Brundidge roughly all of my life. I have seen things that I would like to see change and know that I can make a difference. I would like to see an investment in the future of our children.

(A) Recreational Activities

(B) After-School Programs

Have you ever held public office?

Yes. I have been around others whom have either held or are currently in public office. I love to talk with these people and pick their brains about a variety of things. You can learn a lot from others when you ask questions and listen to sound advice.

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

I have 4 years of experience under my belt. I feel that I could bring a new and refreshing outlook on this community. I am a born-again Christian. I am very active in the Church and community. I am a musician and enjoy teaching and playing. I am a very approachable person and will always listen to others thoughts, concerns, and ideas.

What are the biggest challenges for this office?

To make sure that the city funds are spent accordingly. Spending the money on the infrastructure and the economic development in this community. I figure that with proper action of around 2,000 residents, we could operate with a budget of $10-$15 million dollars a year.

Paula Hall, District 4

Why are you running for this position?

I am interested in the peoples’ best interest. I want to improve our city by bringing more businesses to Brundidge that will generate revenue. There are several buildings that are empty that can be restored for such businesses on Main Street alone. I would also like more facilities for the youth of Brundidge as well as after-school programs, like Boys and Girls Club technology centers that offer preparation for adulthood.

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

I worked in the local government capacity for over 20 years. I am compassionate about people. I am always for change for the better.

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 am a people person, I love the city of Brundidge, I love going door-to-door talking with the people of this great city about their concerns and what they would like to have happen in the future. I will work extremely hard with the Mayor and council members to improve District 4 as well as the entire city. There is always room for improvement. I am looking forward to anything that will benefit Brundidge and its citizens.

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

I have worked for 24 years at the Pike County Commission as a License Inspector.

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

1986 graduate of White Plains High School in White Plains, New York. 2016 graduate with an Associates Degree from Troy University. Currently seeking Bachelor’s Degree in HSTM 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?

One of the biggest challenges I see facing this office is the small percentage of citizens in Brundidge that is skeptical of change. They are convinced that it has been this way for years and believe that sometimes change is not good. I beg to differ, as we can and will make the necessary changes to our city for growth. I feel that with proper resources and adjustments everyone will come together and do what is best for the great city of Brundidge.

What else do you want potential voters to know?

I am seeking the seat of District 4 for Brundidge City Council. My intentions for the people and city of Brundidge are genuine. I will not make promises I cannot keep. Being employed with Pike County Commission for 24 years, I am aware that I only have one vote and the majority rules; However, I will bring the citizens’ concerns, visions, and requests to my constituents so we as a united team will come together as one to find a reasonable solution for all. Although I was born and raised in White Plains, New York, Brundidge is my home. I spent many summers here as a child growing up. My parents were born and raised here, and my 92-year-old grandmother stills lives here in Brundidge. My children attended and graduated from Pike County High School so I am Brundidge!

James “Sid” Jones, District 5

Why are you running for this position?

About 75 percent of the residents of Brundidge’s 5th District, states that they are dissatisfied with the representation they received the past four year. I, James Jones, intend to fill this void.

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

I grew up with most of the residents of the 5th District. We share the same interests and concerns. With or without experience, we know what we need; we know what we want and most of all, we want contentment and our values to be upheld.

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

No.

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

I would cast a vote for a proposal only after I have gathered the opinions of the residents of the 5th  District. I would like to be sure they are satisfied with my representation and understanding that this idea is good for the district and all of Brundidge.

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

Retired. Schneider Transport, Greenbay, Wisconsin, 27 years. Troy Regional Medical Center, Troy, six years; Ursa Logistics, Oak Creek, Wisconsin 7 years; U.S.P.S.

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

I graduated prior to 1970. I attended a segregated school, Pike County Training School. We had recycled books, typewriters and other used materials for the classroom. We had outdoor plumbing but due to all these challenges, we received a good education.

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

I would work toward removal of dilapidated houses that are beyond repair, giving the property owner ample time to bring the property up to code.

What else do you want potential voters to know?

My phone number is listed; therefore, I will always be at your disposal to listen to your concerns; answer your question and find the best solution to the issue. Also, if I am elected the 5th District will get the best representation that can be offered. I elect not to show favoritism to any one person or group. My main concern will be the people of the entire city of Brundidge and the 5th District.

Marilyn Rogers, District 5

Why are you running for this position?

Being a 1987 graduate of Pike County High School, I am a product of Brundidge. Its schools, neighborhoods and churches molded me into the person I am today. I am running for this position because I believe in our town. I believe in local businesses, its heritage and its schools. I want to be a part of our town’s growth, to help preserve, promote and protect our home called Brundidge, Alabama.

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

Important qualities of leadership are relationships, influence and vision. Being an effective city council member requires relationship building. I understand the importance of bringing people together and networking in order to achieve a better Brundidge. As a city councilor, I will reed to have my finger on the pulse of District 5 and its happenings and soon developments. Every great leader has a vision. My vision for District 5 is that we are able to preserve our unique heritage.

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

I have not held other political offices which would make me prime stock for this position. I have no outside views or affiliations.

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

I am most suitable for the position because every city deserves a city councilor who is knowledgeable and transparent. I have a clear understanding of what issues are pertinent and pressing in the community-modernization. I know the importance of structured youth activities.

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

I currently serve as a claims supervisor at Walmart and have been employed there for the past 20 plus years.

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

I graduated from Pike County High School in 1987.

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

The biggest challenge facing the office I am seeking is making sure everything is transparent. The citizens of Brundidge deserve to feel like their voices are being heard. As a city council member, I pledge to keep all the lines of communication open while making recommendations that are in the best interest of the residents.

What else do you want potential voters to know?

If elected, I will work diligently to preserve Brundidge’s small town ambience, promote Brundidge’s local merchants and businesses and protect Brundidge’s heritage and historical landmarks. Marilyn Rodgers is Team Brundidge, all in. I have an open door where ideas are welcomed. Elect me and make Brundidge the greatest place on Earth. Together, we are Brundidge!