Who is going to be our new mayor when Caldwell retires?

rammajamma · 12-12-2003

I was wondering who is running for mayor of Demopolis. I heard Caldwell is retiring.

rob · 12-12-2003

I'll do it,but I'll need one hell of a campaign manager.

bran · 12-12-2003

Yeah, isn't he retiring in August or so? Not sure...

Hopefully, some of the "staff" will go too...
Eekkk!

dave · 12-12-2003

He'll be retiring at the end of his term. The only name to come out so far that's definately decided to run is Mike Grayson. Jay Shows was rumored to be runnung until he took the Chamber job. Who else?? Who knows!! Ben Sherrod usually runs, possibly Dianne Pfaffman again (who came close to beating Caldwell last election), possibly former police chief Charles Avery (

)

Eagle101 · 12-12-2003

Dianne Pfaffman spends most of her time in Tuscaloosa. I believe the job of Mayor is a full time job and someone should be elected that can put in the time to do an effective job.

I'll tell you now I don't have a vote in the matter since I live outside the city limits. Most of my money gets spent in Demopolis though.

Jay would have been for the job but he will be better at the chamber position.

The next mayor has to be someone who is willing to let the chips fall where they have too. He or she must be able to make decissions based on what is for the good for Demopolis and not looking out for the special interest groups and friends.

I believe Mike Grayson stopped doing his morning radio program to spend more time with his business and the Foscue House. Will he have enough time for the mayor's job?

dave · 12-12-2003

	Quote:
	Originally posted by The Sarge I'll tell you now I don't have a vote in the matter since I live outside the city limits. Most of my money gets spent in Demopolis though.

dave · 12-12-2003

Demopolis is important to all of this county, not just the city limits.

Grayson "sort of" explained off his many businesses and activities, stating to the effect his restaurant would be OK without him there all the time, and he was going to cut back on some of his other activities as well. Not exactly convincing enough for my taste yet. I agree the mayor position is a full time job that requires full time attention.

I imagine after the New Year we'll be hearing more about new hats being thrown in. If nothing else, it'll be good discussion

Scott · 12-12-2003

It may be a position that requires ones full attention but is it a position that say you yourself Dave could take and support your family with? Or would most anyone elected have to be working elsewhere to provide for their needs?

dave · 12-12-2003

That's the dillema that faces this election.

When Caldwell took over, it was considered a part time job (Mayor). At the time, Demopolis was considered really a "town" vs a "city". Caldwell was in the unique position that he could give the hours needed and still live comfortably. The issue of the Mayor's salary will need to be debated, but it won't be solved by election time.

What we're looking at now, with a new administration about to take over, is the real decision to either push Demopolis ahead and allow it to grow, or accept the city as a town and continue the status quo.

bran · 12-15-2003

Something that is usually overlooked about the mayor's salary is that he also gets paid for being over the water board (on top of regular salary). This brings the salary (as I understand it) into the 32,000+ range. I don't think for a part time position the salary is as bad as it seems.

rob · 12-16-2003

I need a part time job like that?I think I might throw my hat into the ring,who's with me?

bran · 12-16-2003

When Ketcham was in office, he hired a City Manager. This takes some of the "stress" off the mayor and it being a part-time job. The manager was full-time.

So, if you were elected Mayor, Rob, you could not only have a pretty good part-time job, but also hire a City Manager to take off some of your work load! That's the way to go!