Local News
Bobby Brown ready to return to office
By Patrick McCreless
staff writer
The current city council recently agreed to pay the Hanceville Water and Sewer Board $60,000 to survey the city’s sewer system as part of a larger effort to bring it and the Hanceville Wastewater Treatment plant into compliance with state regulations. When asked if he would continue that trend to help the board, Brown said he would do what he could.
“Considering if it’s legal to do that, I’d be willing to help them,” Brown said. “I know they’re in financial problems.”
When asked how he would create a greater spirit of cooperation with the city council as mayor, Brown said his track record speaks for itself.
“Being a three-term mayor, I’ve always has a good working relationship with the council,” Brown said. “When we went out of office we were all still friends. That says a lot.”
Late last year, the Hanceville City Council made a controversial decision to fire Hanceville Fire Chief Mike Watson. When asked if he would fight as mayor, any lawsuit Watson might levy against the city for wrongful termination or simply settle out of court, Brown said he would need to get more facts before he could make a decision.
“I’d have to do some research on it to see who’s right and who’s wrong,” he said.
Brown said he did not think the city could help Wallace State Community College grow through financial means. He said the best way the city could help the college is by promotion.
“We can always put in a good word,” Brown said. “We can tell students wanting to come here what a great facility we have and what a nice campus it is.”
Over the last four years, multiple lawsuits were levied against the city and the Hanceville Police Department. To reduce future lawsuits, Brown said he would make sure better employees are hired by conducting thorough background checks.
If elected, Brown said the first thing he would focus on would be unifying the city.
“My biggest priority is to bring the people back together by showing that the council and the mayor have a good working relationship,” Brown said.
The Hanceville Fire Department recently gained a full-time fire chief. Brown said he would do everything possible to help the department continue to grow.
“If they need equipment, we should try to get it for them,” he said. “If they need training, we need to make sure they get the best training.”
As mayor, Brown said he would be available to the public 24 hours a day.
“I probably won’t stay in the office all the time ... I’ll be with the men (street employees), making sure they do their job. And I will be a hands-on mayor as in the past.”
Brown said he is the best choice for mayor because of his 16 years of experience in city government, including three terms as mayor and one term as a council member.
“Also, I am a certified municipal mayor,” Brown said. “I’ve had all my schooling.”
‰ Contact Patrick McCreless by e-mail at patrickm@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.
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