One of the greatest things we can do for our citizens is to maintain a safe community.
A place where fear doesn't dictate our lives—a place where children play freely and people stroll without hesitation.
To guarantee this, we, as the Mayor-Elect, will persist in our commitment to bolster the capabilities of our Police Department. Our focus will be on training and equipping our officers for excellence, ensuring the maintenance of peace and safety, swift responses to calls, and a genuine care for the community. Investments will be made in high-quality equipment, encompassing vehicles, radios, vests, uniforms, and technology.
Beyond safeguarding our citizens, we will also protect the rich history of our village.
Established in 1830, Porterdale evolved as a mill town, boasting a grist mill, saw mill, and foundry. The Bibb Manufacturing Company, operating the largest twine mill up to World War II, was the primary employer, managing the sole fully staffed hospital in the county. The mill contributed to recreation programs, and within the village limits, it erected beautifully designed schools and churches.
Incorporated on March 10, 1917, Porterdale derives its name from Oliver S. Porter, the local mill owner.
Porterdale stands as one of the few intact Historic Mill Towns.
Regrettably, like many Mill Towns, economic challenges befell Porterdale in the latter part of the 20th century. However, the tide has turned, and the future of our Mill Village is promising!
Undergoing a revitalization, my aspiration is to maintain this positive trajectory.
Homeowners are now investing more than ever, replacing absentee landlords with property owners who prioritize people and our city over their bank accounts.
To preserve our grand history, we will revive the Historic Preservation Commission alongside the Planning & Zoning Commission. This dual effort aims to propel our city forward while preserving the distinctive look, feel, and integrity of our remarkable history.
Our quality of life includes the services provided to us by our city.
My vision as the Mayor-Elect is centered on ensuring that our leadership and staff deliver exceptional services to our citizens.
To actualize this vision, our first step will be to recruit top-notch staff members. We hold high expectations for all employees, placing their care for our citizens at the forefront.
Investing in the professional development of our staff and leaders will be a priority. We plan to utilize classes, conferences, and workshops, and commit to certification and licensure programs. Additionally, we will conduct staff meetings, planning retreats, and regular audits of our work environments.
A key focus of my tenure will be the restoration of trust and confidence in our city's leadership and staff. Transparency and honesty will guide our interactions, from meetings and budgets to day-to-day operations.
Dedicated investments will be made in high-quality equipment and training for our Public Works Department. Our commitment extends to maintaining pristine landscaping, ensuring prompt trash pickup, ensuring a steady flow of water, efficient sewage systems, and timely addressal of repairs.
City Hall will operate with efficiency and effectiveness under my leadership. Our staff will be dedicated to serving our citizens to the best of their ability, promptly addressing questions, responding to messages, maintaining accurate records, and keeping the village well-informed.
My desire is for our community to be healthy, in many ways.
We have the opportunity, as the Mayor-Elect, to enhance community health by preserving the safety and beauty of our parks and recreational areas.
Our community is fortunate to have treasures like Yellow River Park, Cedar Shoals, and Snow Field. These spaces offer a variety of activities, including children's playgrounds, a basketball court, a baseball field, a disc golf course, and opportunities for swimming, fishing, and kayaking in the Yellow River.
My focus is on encouraging the use of these wonderful areas, allowing people to enjoy time with friends and family or simply unwind in the great outdoors.
Continuing the tradition, we will host community events such as the 4th of July fireworks, community kickball, cookouts, and the Christmas parade. These events are crafted to unite our community, boost morale, and fortify the bonds within our village.
In guiding the growth of our city, I will advocate for the right kind of development. While welcoming more residential developments, we will ensure that plans adhere to high design standards.
Efforts will be directed toward attracting businesses to our downtown area, breathing new life into abandoned buildings.
To guide the growth responsibly, I am committed to completing a comprehensive Master Plan for Porterdale. This strategic plan will outline the necessary steps to achieve our goals and realize our vision for the future.
I strongly believe that as leaders, our best outcomes emerge when we embody strong ethics, morals, and convictions. Transparency, active listening, and collaborative efforts are key principles that will guide our actions for the benefit of those we serve.
Together, we are a collective force, more intelligent, wiser, and greater than the sum of our individual parts.
Whether through town hall meetings, social media, emails, texts, phone calls, or casual conversations, I recognize the importance of hearing the voice of the people. Leading by example and upholding a high level of integrity, I am dedicated to making decisions that contribute to maintaining Porterdale as a great place to live!