As Birmingham prepares for an important local election on August 26th, residents have a range of pressing issues they hope to address with the candidates who come to power.
The city has announced the full list of candidates vying for positions across various races, from the mayor’s office to the school board. During a candidates forum organized by the Alabama New South Alliance, community members highlighted their primary concerns: tackling violence and improving the city’s deteriorating streets.
Crowded candidate fields for mayor, city councils, and school boards
There are eight candidates in the running for the mayoral position: Jerimy Littlepage, Brian K. Rice, David Russell, Rashunda Scales, Juandarrien Gibban, Marilyn James Johnson, Frank Woodson, and the current mayor, Randall Woodfin.
Additionally, voters will select representatives from all nine city council districts.
- District 1: Tara Knicks, Clinton Woods, Dr. Willie C. Goldsmith, Priscilla Edwards
- District 2: Hunter Williams
- District 3: Josh Versa, Ryan Jones
- District 4: Daryl T. Williams, Brian Gunn, Joseph Jordan Holt, JT Moore
- District 5: Darrell Okin
- District 6: Keith O. Williams, Crystal N. Smitherman
- District 7: Ronnie Franklin Malone, Warden Towers Alexander
- District 8: Eric Delk, David Rivers, Susan Palmer, April Myers Williams, Adry M. Tron, Jonathan Hatten, Sonja Q. Smith, Justin M. Smith, Joe May
- District 9: Richard E. Franklin Jr., Beatrice Collins, Latonya Tate, John Hilliard
Voters will also be choosing members of the Birmingham Board of Education for all eight districts.
- District 1: Patricia “Patty” sends forgiveness to Sherman Collins and “brother Walter” Umrani
- District 2: Anthony Jones, Neonta Williams, Terry Michal
- District 3: Mary D. Bohm
- District 4: Rodney Huntley, Derrick L. Billup
- District 5: James A. Sullivan
- District 6: Letitia Watkins Harville, Yancey Williams Sr.
- District 7: Walter “Big Walt” Wilson, Robert H. Young Sr.
- District 8: Antwon Bernard Womack, Pamela L. Bass, Sybil Y. Washington, Brandon E. Parnell, Yamika Foy, Eric Hall, Olivia T. McGaha
Residents are calling for safer streets and better-maintained roads
During the candidates forum on Tuesday, community members conveyed their significant concerns about rising violence and poor infrastructure. According to reports, several people shared their fears about strolling through neighborhoods afflicted by gun violence, noting that hearing gunshots has become all too frequent. One resident mentioned it’s now hard to take a simple walk with kids without feeling apprehensive about their safety.
While many acknowledged that police are making efforts, some emphasized the need for a better relationship between law enforcement and the community to effectively combat crime. A few individuals described the current crime situation as “out of control” and “ridiculous.”
Road conditions also drew complaints, with residents expressing that potholes and crumbling streets waste time, money, and patience. Some pointed out that they prefer areas like Airport Hills because of the attention they receive.
With just a month left, candidates must engage Birmingham residents effectively to be seen as the best option to resolve these long-standing challenges.
