Mayoral candidates attend public forum

SARALAND, Ala. - Mayoral and city council candidates from Saraland attended a Civic Forum at the Saraland Civic Center Sunday evening.

Pastor Robert Lutz interviewed the candidates on leadership, city economics and public service.
It was an opportunity for candidates to share their hopes and visions for the city before the August 28 election.

The current Mayor of Saraland, Dr. Howard Rubenstein, transitioned into the office of mayor in 2010 with the passing of former Mayor Ken Williams.

Rubenstein said he wants to “preserve the small town qualities that make [Saraland] a special place to live, while offering the big city services.”

Rubenstein is also focused on serving the community. A topic his opponent, Sidney Butler agrees with.

“That's what city government is here for, to serve the people. I feel like a lot of the cities have outgrown that and don't listen to what the people want and need,” Butler said.

When asked about economic growth for the city, Butler mentioned bringing more commercial development to Saraland.

“We’ve got a lot of big businesses coming to the Mobile area. What we need is more retail to bring people here,” Butler said. “I know we’re going to grow out by the interstate that’s a given, but I’d like to see 43 revitalized.”

Rubenstein said growth is something the city is currently focusing on.

“I think we’re really doing well compared to a lot of other communities, our city’s sales tax is up by about seven percent. We have several new businesses that have located in Saraland and others that have expressed an interest,” said Rubenstein.

Both men were asked the same questions at the forum.

Some citizens who attended said they are grateful for the opportunity and pleased with the results.

“I thought both candidates gave very good answers and both of them are very qualified men,” said O’neail Robinson

“It's a shame I can't vote for both of them because I like both of them but I’ll make my decision in the booth. We’ve got a great city and great leaders,” Willie May said.

Satsuma’s Mayoral candidates were supposed to participate in the forum but the current Mayor of Satsuma, Bill Stewart did not show. As a result, Stewart’s opponent, Paul Murray, decided not to speak.

The organizers of the event have posted the interviews of each candidate on the Shiloh Baptist Church Website.