Decatur’s Candidates Share Visions at Final Political Forum Ahead of 2025 Municipal Election
Decatur Candidates Make Final Appeals Ahead of Municipal Election
Decatur, AL — August 23, 2023 — As Decatur gears up for its municipal elections on Tuesday, candidates for mayor and City Council gathered for a pivotal political forum, marking their last opportunity to present their visions to the public. Seventeen of the twenty candidates participated in the event, hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Tennessee Valley, United Women of Color, Southeastern Diversity Project, and the Church at Stone River.
The forum, moderated by Keneisha Deas of Fox 54, provided a platform for candidates to address pressing issues facing the city, including homelessness, economic development, and transparency in governance.
Mayoral Candidates Take Center Stage
The evening kicked off with mayoral candidates Billy Jackson, Butch Matthews, and Suzie Wiley. Notably absent was Kent Lawrence, who opted to hold a campaign rally at Decatur Baptist Church simultaneously.
Billy Jackson, a long-serving District 1 councilman, emphasized his extensive experience, stating, “I believe the natural transition is for me to become mayor. We need honesty, integrity, leadership, and experience to bring our city together.”
Butch Matthews, a former councilman running for mayor for the fourth time, expressed his commitment to fiscal responsibility. “We’ve wasted too much money in recent years,” he argued, citing specific expenditures he deemed unnecessary.
Suzie Wiley, a businesswoman and media owner, asserted her readiness to lead from day one. “I want to know when we will see a return on investment for anything we spend in Decatur,” she declared, highlighting her business acumen.
Addressing Homelessness
A significant topic of discussion was the city’s homelessness crisis. District 4 candidate Jamie Handley urged city leadership to acknowledge the issue openly. “We need to admit we have a homeless problem,” he stated, advocating for funding support for local organizations like Hands Across Decatur.
Candidates across the board echoed the need for a comprehensive plan to address homelessness. Sarah French, another District 4 candidate, emphasized the importance of treating homeless individuals with dignity and providing job opportunities.
Wiley expressed a desire to hear directly from the homeless community, stating, “I want to hear from their mouth to my ears what they need.”
Economic Development and Transparency
The candidates also tackled the issue of empty storefronts downtown. Jackson criticized the current development director’s performance, while Wiley suggested forming a committee to revitalize the area. Matthews proposed a city program to support downtown businesses.
On the topic of transparency, Jackson called for more thorough public discussions surrounding the city’s budget, criticizing the brief review sessions held in the past. “We have to be more transparent,” he insisted, advocating for community involvement in governance.
Future of Recreation and Transportation
The future of the Carrie Matthews Recreation Center also sparked debate. Jackson championed its preservation, while Matthews and Wiley suggested building a new facility instead. “Now is the chance to build a bigger, better, stronger, newer Carrie Matthews,” Matthews argued.
Transportation issues for low-income residents were another focal point. Matthews proposed a new bus route to improve accessibility, while Wiley expressed skepticism about its feasibility.
Looking Ahead
As the candidates prepare for the polls, which will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on election day, the forum underscored the diverse perspectives and solutions proposed by those vying for leadership in Decatur. With pressing issues at stake, voters will have the opportunity to shape the future of their city.
For more information, contact Bayne Hughes at bayne.hughes@decaturdaily.com or call 256-340-2432.
