RMV Surveys Northport Municipal Election Candidates

CB: “Serving as City Council President has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I’m running for re-election because the progress we’ve made together is creating lasting change, and there’s still important work ahead. Since 2020, I’ve focused on strengthening Northport’s finances, upgrading infrastructure, supporting public safety, and enhancing our sense of community. With the support of my colleagues, our city staff, and our residents, we’ve made record capital investments, paid off interfund loans, increased reserves, and earned a rare AA+ bond rating. But the real impact goes beyond the numbers. When we invest in our city employees, we see better outcomes across the board. Their dedication, pride, and hard work are behind every improvement we’ve made, from enhancing our facilities and parks to modernizing city services. Whether it’s expanding senior programs through Focus 50+, creating safe, engaging places for our children like River Run Park and Nick’s Kids Playground, or preserving community landmarks like the Northport Community Center, I’ve led with the goal of strengthening every part of our city. My deep roots in District 1 and lifelong connection to Northport fuel my commitment to serve, to listen, and to lead with care and heart. I’m seeking re-election to keep that momentum going and continue building a city we’re all proud to call home. Northport is on solid ground thanks to collaborative, strategic leadership by the Mayor, Council, City Administrator Glenda Webb, Deputy City Administrator Tera Tubbs, and an exceptional team of department heads and employees. Financially, we’ve made tremendous progress: Secured two bond rating upgrades to AA+, one of the highest possible. Increased General Fund reserves to $6.7M and Water/Sewer reserves to $1.7M, well above statutory requirements. Paid off $825,000 in previously interfund loans. Brought in over $4 million in grant funding and leveraged more than $56 million in federal infrastructure funding. Grew our General Fund from $35.2M in FY21 to $48M in FY25, while maintaining a balanced budget. Employee support and operations: Implemented annual pay increases, including a 6% COLA in FY25, and enhanced employee step movement. Maintained a grandfathered, self-insured health plan with no premium increases to staff. Reduced Workers’ Compensation premiums by nearly 40% due to better training and safer operations. Achieved full staffing in public safety for the first time in years. Public infrastructure and services: Capital projects including: $8.7M for Main Avenue improvements $20M+ for River Run Park $7.3M for 5th Street improvements Facility upgrades at City Hall, Civitan Park, and the Public Works building Downtown Public Wifi Shirley Place Improvements Storm Sewer Rehab $1.6M+ City Wide Resurfacing (ongoing with master plan implemented to continue with each budget year to consistently keep paving going after the worst roads are all repaired) Paving / Chip and Seal for Dirt Roads Façade Improvement Grant Program Enhanced cyber and physical security, including improved cybersecurity assessments. Updated the City’s Comprehensive Plan, adopted a new Zoning Ordinance, and will soon adopt new Subdivision Regulations. Invested in recreational spaces, including parks, playgrounds, fitness courts, and the River Run Park sports complex. What should we build upon? We must continue: Investing in capital improvements and infrastructure resilience. Growing responsibly through economic development and public-private partnerships. Paving and resurfacing projects per the master plan Enhancing communication and community pride. With transformative projects like River Run Park underway, Northport is positioned to become a regional destination for tourism, recreation, and innovation. As the current District 1 representative and City Council President, I bring the experience, dedication, and proven results needed to keep Northport moving forward. Born and raised here, I understand the unique needs of our neighborhoods and families. I’ve led efforts to improve city infrastructure, from paving and drainage to water and sewer upgrades, and supported major investments in parks, community centers, and historic preservation. I currently chair the Finance and Retail Development Committees and co-chair the Administration and Community Outreach Committees. I also represent Northport on the Special Tax Board. Under my leadership, the Council has: Passed meaningful budget growth Implemented a strategic capital funding plan using budget surpluses Repaid interfund debt to protect taxpayers Supported targeted economic development through Northport First initiatives I’ve championed projects that reflect a balance between growth and preservation, like the restoration of the Northport Community Center, school grants that added sensory rooms for children, and expanded senior programming through Focus 50+. From launching events that foster community unity to leading multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects, I remain focused on service, stewardship, and smart growth. I am grateful for the leadership our team has collectively provided over this term and for the opportunities it has provided our beautiful city. And pray that the citizens of District 1 will consider re-electing me to continue delivering real results and shaping an even brighter future for Northport!”

TS: “My vision for Northport over the next 10 years is to recapture the charm that was once Northport. This would be accomplished by implementing The [American Institute for Architects]’s 10 Principles for Livable Communities.”

CB: “The most important characteristic for a city councilperson is fiscal stewardship – the ability to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars while strategically growing the city’s revenue base. This means being a careful guardian of public funds while actively pursuing sustainable economic development opportunities. I believe in expanding our tax base through strategic retail development and business recruitment rather than placing additional burden on residents through higher taxes. A fiscally responsible councilperson should constantly seek ways to enhance city services by attracting new businesses and commercial development that generate revenue, create jobs, and provide convenient amenities for our community. This approach requires balancing immediate needs with long-term vision – making tough decisions about budget priorities while investing in infrastructure and incentives that attract quality retail and commercial partners. It means being transparent about how every dollar is spent, ensuring maximum value for taxpayers, and pursuing creative solutions that grow our city’s economic foundation. Ultimately, fiscal responsibility isn’t just about cutting costs – it’s about building a thriving, sustainable community where residents enjoy excellent services funded by a diverse, growing revenue base rather than ever-increasing tax burdens. This requires a councilperson who can think strategically, build partnerships with the business community, and make decisions that benefit both current residents and future growth.”

TS: “Civic Representation.”

CB: “The most important issue facing Northport today is helping our residents understand and celebrate the remarkable progress we’ve achieved together over the past five years. While we’ve accomplished extraordinary things, we need to do a better job of sharing these success stories and building community pride around achievements. Our crown jewel is River Run Park, our new $20+ million sports complex with its grand opening on August 15th. This facility will be a game-changer for our local economy, bringing in tourism dollars from visiting teams, families, and spectators who will stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, and shop in our businesses. The economic impact extends far beyond the games themselves – it positions Northport as a premier destination for youth sports tournaments and events. This investment exemplifies our broader success story. We’ve grown our General Fund from $35.2M to $48M while maintaining balanced budgets and securing two bond rating upgrades to AA+. We’ve brought in over $4 million in grants and leveraged $56 million in federal infrastructure funding – all while keeping taxes stable for our residents. Our infrastructure investments speak volumes: $8.7M for Main Avenue improvements, $7.3M for 5th Street enhancements, comprehensive road resurfacing programs, and facility upgrades throughout the city. We’ve achieved full staffing in public safety, provided meaningful pay increases including a 6% COLA, and maintained employee benefits without premium increases. The challenge now is ensuring every resident knows about these achievements and feels connected to our shared success. When people understand how we’ve strengthened our financial position, improved our infrastructure, and positioned ourselves for continued growth, it builds the unity and civic pride necessary to tackle future opportunities together.”

TS: “Council Transparency.”

CB: “The University Beach development is already contracted and moving forward. The most productive approach now is engaging in crucial conversations with the developer to address residents’ concerns and secure meaningful adjustments that improve the project’s impact on our community.”

TS: “They had a real opportunity to make something great happen with the water park, and they squandered it into what is now the University Beach. I believe the design does not represent this City nor its residents. The concepts are unbecoming of this area. If elected, all I can do is try and salvage the horrendous decisions made by the current council. I cannot make any promises, but I can promise to work hard for the people. This development should have been a community decision.”

CB: “I understand residents’ desire for transparency, and I share that commitment to open government. At the same time, we must balance public information needs with legitimate business privacy rights that protect both developers and our community’s economic interests.”

TS: “I totally agree, as I am one of those constituents. Transparency comes from compassion for other people. As soon as the council cares about the very people they represent, developments like these will happen the correct way. Each decision the Council makes should be discussed in detail in how it best represents and caters to its people.”

CB: “I’m always accessible to constituents through email, phone calls, text messages, or in-person meetings, whether that’s directly after council meetings or through scheduled one-on-one conversations. My contact information is readily available, and I make it a priority to respond thoughtfully to every resident who reaches out. My practice is to gather input from all constituents, carefully weigh different viewpoints, and consider the broader impact on our entire community before making decisions based on what I believe serves the City of Northport’s best interests. I promise to listen respectfully and give serious consideration to every concern raised, though I cannot promise to always agree with every position. I believe in examining decisions from the different perspectives of every seat at the table, understanding that what’s right for one neighborhood or group may impact others differently. True representation means being accessible and genuinely engaged in conversation, while also having the courage to make thoughtful decisions that serve our community as a whole. I view this responsibility as both a privilege and a trust that I take seriously. My commitment is to ensure every voice is heard and valued, even when we may not always see eye to eye on every issue.”

TS: “Open communication. Open dialogue. Interactive conversations.”

WW: “Providing better school buildings for all of our kids, more family friendly activities, creating more recreational youth facilities, continue to make our city one of the safest in the nation, making sure all of the City employees have a competitive wages and benefits. My platform is all of the answers in the previous questions (TO SEE A BETTER NORHTPORT). Working with the Council and Citizens who goals are to continue to strive for a Better Northport.”

ZS: “Over the next decade, I envision Northport growing in a way that honors our traditions while embracing progress that benefits EVERYONE. I want a Northport where families can thrive, small businesses can grow, and residents feel safe, heard, and proud of their community. That means investing in smart infrastructure, expanding public services like transportation, preserving the character of our neighborhoods, and supporting local arts and culture. My platform is built on three key priorities: 1) Responsible Growth – I will advocate for balanced development that protects our quality of life, ensures transparency with residents, and holds developers accountable to the community, not the other way around. 2) Community Focused Infrastructure – From public transportation to road improvements and accessible sidewalks, I will work to restore and expand the essential services that families and seniors rely on. 3) Transparency and Inclusion – I believe local government should be open, accessible, and responsive. I will support initiatives that make city leadership more accountable and give residents a greater voice in decisions that affect their daily lives. If elected, I will lead with action and communication. That means holding regular town halls, collaborating with residents and businesses, and building strong partnerships with other city and state leaders. I will also prioritize data-driven decisions and always ask: Does this move Northport forward in a way that benefits the people who already call it home? Together, we can shape a Northport that doesn’t just grow, but grows the right way.”

WW: “Compassion for their City, common ground with fellow citizens, along with innovative ideas to build a successful City.”

ZS: “Integrity.”

WW: “Coming from the perspective as the Council person from District 2 I believe the most important issue facing Northport today is the conditions of the schools located in District 2.”

ZS: “University Beach.”

WW: “As the Councilman for District 2, I want to take a moment to express my support for the University Beach development project, while also recognizing the valid concerns that many residents have raised. I truly believe that this project represents a unique opportunity for our city, one that can enhance our economy and provide numerous benefits to our community.”

ZS: “As a citizen, I have never supported the University Beach development. I have talked to several hundred people in D2 and the city of Northport and the common fear among them involves this project. If I am elected and there is a way to stop the project, that would be my desire. I strongly believe that we the people, should have been allowed to vote on this project and I will be a strong proponent when elected, to set guidelines for any future project of this magnitude to go before the people of Northport for a vote.”

WW: “As a councilman, I see it as my responsibility to advocate for the interests of my district while also considering the overall well-being of Northport. I promise to continue championing the voice of District 2, and I hope to earn your trust in this process. Together, we can work towards an outcome that balances economic growth with our community values, paving the way for a brighter future for Northport. Thank you for your engagement, passion, and commitment to making our city a better place for all.

ZS: “The lack of transparency from city hall is the main reason why I chose to run for city council. Once I’m elected, that will end as far as I’m concerned. My goal is to be the most open and transparent councilman the city has ever had. ‘Government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth’ – Abraham Lincoln. I believe that having reoccurring town hall meetings throughout the year will give the constituents of District 2 the opportunity to voice concerns and to hear from their councilman regarding upcoming projects for the their district and their city. Even though I will represent District 2, everything that happens within the city limits will have an impact on everyone and we should all be well informed of what is going on.”

WW: “Ensuring that their voices continue to be a crucial part of our decision-making process.”

ZS: “First, I’ll hold town hall meetings throughout the year, not just during campaign season. I want to hear directly from neighbors about what’s working, what’s not, and what they’d like to see happen in our city. I’ll also work to improve communication between the city and the public, using tools like email newsletters, social media updates and a dedicated phone line so residents can easily stay informed and reach me directly. Most importantly, I’ll follow through. Listening means nothing if it doesn’t lead to action. I’ll take what I hear from constituents and bring it to the council chambers, because this seat doesn’t belong to me, it belongs to the people of District 2.”

KDW: “My goals for the next four years are to continue to support our police, firefighters, and emergency responders by making sure that they receive the equipment, training and funding they need to keep our citizens safe, to expand sewer system capacity along highway 69 from McFarland Boulevard to Union Chapel Road to promote growth in District 3, to promote further development and growth of the River Run Park/Northport Shore along the river, to encourage responsible housing and retail development in Northport so that there are homes for people who want to move here and a variety of places for them to shop and eat, to improve the city’s cyber and physical security footing at its facilities, and to improve the city’s infrastructure by supporting current and future projects like the 5th street re-paving and improvements, Main Avenue re-paving and improvements, Hospital Drive extension, and the Transportation Hub. I plan to advance these objectives by continuing the work I am doing on the planning and zoning commission and the administration and finance committees of the council, emphasizing priorities for city staff, allocating funding where necessary, and working with other council members to see these goals as priorities as well.”

JC: “I would like to see responsible growth continue in Northport over the next 10 years, but also, provide support to our existing residents and local businesses. Northport has existing infrastructure issues that need to be addressed with with both short term and long term plans as well. My goal is to listen to our citizens, research and review where we are at, and find a responsible, logical, and positive way forward for everyone.”

KDW: “I think that discernment is perhaps the most important characteristic, because there are many occasions where the politically expedient choice may not always be the best one for the city.”

JC: “Transparency is the easy answer to this question, as it has so obviously been what is missing with the current council. A close second in my mind is the ability to listen to your constituents, even when you might disagree with them. The council needs the citizens to get back on board to move Northport forward, and if the council continues to shut down the citizens, it is impossible to move this in a positive direction.”

KDW: “I think that Northport is in a strong financial and growth position, but years of underinvestment in infrastructure means that the water, sewer and road systems are not where they need to be.”

JC: “I believe the University Beach development has been a large scale example of what the overall issue is. Northport wants growth, but with growth, you must have the proper infrastructure to support it. We have got to come up with long range plans for Northport’s infrastructure to support the growth we want. Making these large scale plans first is putting the cart before the horse.”

KDW: “My opinion is that the growth opportunities for the city of Northport presented by the University Beach project are unparalleled in the city history. When I have had the opportunity to discuss the project, the reasoning behind it, the city’s obligations, and the potential of the development, most of the people I have talked to about it have had their eyes opened about the positive potential. I think that we haven’t done a good job of selling the project, but I welcome the opportunity to discuss it with voters. I don’t think many private developers would have any interest in opening their project up to public vote, and the reality is that large-scale projects of this magnitude and the magnitude of River Run Park need to be accomplished with the help of private partnership. Bringing commercial development in a city often requires confidential negotiations, which will fall apart (or never happen) if a public vote was required.”

JC: “As an attorney, I am not sure you are asking the right questions here. How a prospective councilwoman feels about a project is not indicative of what can a prospective councilwoman legally do upon entering office? I do not believe this development was formulated with the best interests of Northport in mind. It completely ignores how the citizens feel; the placement does not make sense; and the numbers we are seeing do not add up. However, until I potentially take office in November and see what the current council has left for us legally, I do not intend to make false promises to our citizens as we have seen before. I will get in, research, and review what has happened and determine what we can do that is for the best interests of Northport. I believe outside counsel should be retained for the new council to review all of the legal documents, and that is where I would recommend we start. At a minimum, citizen input should occur before large scale projects such as these ever occur. We work for the community, and they deserve a voice.”

KDW: “I agree that transparency to all the steps of a process can be a challenge, but I think a bigger challenge is the relentless negativity of people on social media who are willing to exploit any situation to promote their own political viewpoints. I understand that some individuals have legitimate concerns about the development being located close to their homes, and I also agree that we could have done a better job of explaining our choices. However, certain aspects of the negotiations required confidentiality, and that’s the nature of a project that requires the purchase of real estate.”

JC: “I completely agree with this sentiment. When there are overall issues facing our city, there should be methods where we as a city, gather citizen input. In this day and age of technology, there is no reason we cannot systematically keep our citizens updated on our city’s progress.”

KDW: “I have had two town halls, and I have been willing to respond to emails, Facebook messages, and phone calls from anyone who reached out to me, even those who don’t live in District 3. That doesn’t mean I always agree with them, but I am willing to discuss any issue with Northport citizens who are willing to have a good faith conversation.”

JC: “My goal and my plan is to develop a method where citizens can enroll for District 3 updates, find agendas and minutes for city meetings easily, and can easily contact me with questions, concerns or opinions. Many citizens I have spoken to say they had given up because it seemed like a select few were making decisions for everyone. It is time for a change, and I plan on letting the citizens know their voice is being restored.”

JD: “My platform is simple: put people first, invest in neglected infrastructure, and bring transparency back to City Hall. I’m running to continue fighting for the neighborhoods that have been overlooked for too long, to ensure smart, balanced growth, and to make sure every voice in District 4 is heard — not just the loudest in the room. I’ll keep standing up for what’s right, even if I’m standing alone.”

RC: “Transparency in city hall, smart, strategic growth while keeping Northport’s charm, active communication with citizens of Northport.”

JD: “The most important characteristic a city councilperson can have is integrity. That means doing the right thing — even when it’s unpopular, even when you’re the only one in the room doing it. It means being honest with your constituents, transparent in your decisions, and willing to listen more than you speak. For me, integrity also means being consistent — not just showing up during election season, but being present, accessible, and accountable all the time. You must be willing to stand your ground when it matters and never forget that you’re there to represent the people, not play politics.”

RC: “They need to be educated, level-headed, and listen more than they talk. They need to remember they represent the people that voted them in there.”

JD: “Over the past five years serving in this position, I’ve had the opportunity to listen to and truly hear our citizens. I’ve seen firsthand what works, what doesn’t, and where we can do better. I believe there’s more we can do to ensure all voices are heard and represented fairly. That’s why I’m running—to continue fighting for the needs of our community and to help guide changes that reflect the will of the people. I have a deep passion for Northport and a sincere desire to do what’s best for our city and its future.”

RC: “Obviously the elephant in the room is the University Beach. Infrastructure, safety and having a higher standard of living are things I have been told while meeting with my neighbors.”

JD: “Many Northport residents are understandably concerned about the University Beach development, and I share many of those concerns. Early on, I was in favor of the project. However, as it morphed into something of the magnitude it did, I had to rethink my standing and realized it was not in our best interest. Based on the Economic Impact Study, there are several issues that can’t be ignored. The projections are based entirely on numbers provided by the developer, not on independent analysis. The report assumes the property will be professionally managed by an experienced third-party company—yet the developers have stated they plan to manage it themselves. That’s a major disconnect and raises questions about oversight and long-term sustainability.”

RC: “Always the first question I get, but being that this has already been passed, I presume they are wanting to know my thoughts in the case that a development like this happens in the future – in which I have no hesitation in answering. First, feasibility reports should have been done in conjuction with listening to the people.

I know the city has donated property to the developers to round out the road frontage and done a lot of work with infrastructure in the area. But the city is not a partner in this development. From my understanding, if this project does not work out, then the city will get their property back and maybe another option will present itself.

I definitely feel for the people directly affected in the area and the location was an interesting choice. But now that the prior council got this passed, we should hope, as a city, that it is successful. The revenue from this could do great things for the city. The city cant keep up infrastructure or road repairs without city revenue or tax increases. My goal would be for city revenue to counter any need for a tax increase.

But if any adjustments can be made for the betterment of our citizens in that area, I promise to be open to that.”

JD: “Transparency should never be optional — it’s a responsibility. I’ve heard these concerns, and I understand them, because I share them. Over the past five years, I’ve often found myself on an island because I refuse to vote for anything I can’t explain or justify to the people who elected me.

Whether it’s University Beach, business development, or broader growth decisions, too often information is limited, timelines are unclear, and public input is overlooked. That’s not how government should work.

If re-elected, I will continue to push for:
• Clearer communication with the public before major votes or decisions — not after.
• Open forums and town halls in District 4 so residents can ask questions and actually be heard.
• Accessible documentation — making sure agendas, contracts, and project details are published and easy to find.
• Explaining my votes to my constituents, not just making them.

You deserve to know what’s happening in your city before it’s a done deal. I will keep advocating for a city government that is honest, responsive, and truly accountable to the people it serves.”

RC: “I plan to promote all activities on my pages after meetings. I will make myself available for questions at any time. I am also not in favor of voting to suspend voting rules to get a development passed at the last second.”

JD: “1. Be Accessible and Approachable.
• Hold Neighborhood Chats: Quarterly at local venues like cafes, or the community centers not just City Hall.
• Attend Neighborhood Meetings: Show up at HOA gatherings, tenant association meetings, and cultural events. Continue to be active in West Alabama Chamber events.
• Create a Clear Contact Path: Publicize my phone number, email, and social media for constituent concerns—and commit to response timelines.

2. Build Two-Way Communication • Quarterly Newsletters: Share what’s happening at City Hall and how people can weigh in.
• Social Media Presence: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or Nextdoor to highlight issues and solicit real-time feedback.

3. Follow Through and Report Back
• Close the Loop: When residents bring up concerns—like potholes or noise complaints—follow up with updates, even if it’s a “we’re still working on it.”
• “You Spoke, We Acted” Updates: At council meetings or online, summarize actions taken based on public input.

4. Be a Visible Advocate • Push Issues Raised by Constituents: Bring their voices into council debates and mention their stories (with permission).
• Stay Grounded in the District: My presence, especially when there’s no election looming, is the biggest trust builder.”

RC: “Advice I received today was really good (if elected): “Remember to do good by those that voted you in.” If a controversial item is presented – I will table the motion to give time for opposing views. I hope to post polls on my pages to see what the temperature is on items. I welcome all views on my facebook page and will respond in appropriate time for all to see.”