Candidates for District 3 commission seat prepare for election

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The two men vying for the Mobile County Commission District 3 seat are confident heading into the election, but they know only one can get the job.

The Mobile County Commission seat held by Mike Dean for 12 years will pass to someone new after the election on Tuesday.

Political newcomer Jerry Carl is hoping he'll get the job.

"I feel good I feel confident. It's not over until it's over though, so we're pushing ahead," Carl said.

Carl beat Dean in the Republican primary in April.  Since then, he's been focused on Nov. 6.

"The last four months have been basically studying the county and learning how the systems work," he said.

If Carl wins, he already knows his top priority for District 3.

"Jobs, without a doubt, jobs. We've got to create more jobs. Austal of course, Airbus without a doubt, but we've also got to look at our small businesses, corporations here in town and build from within, out," Carl said.

Democratic candidate Terrance Burrell also has his eye on the seat.

"There's a need for real leadership. The kind of leadership that's going to represent all of the constituents of District 3," Burrell said.

Burrell, a full-time minister and former Alabama State Trooper, is also new to politics.  Burrell said if he wins he'll hold quarterly meetings in the district to stay on top of his constituents concerns.

"My whole focus is to give the commission back to the people. I want to be the kind of commissioner that does not lead from Government St., but will be seen throughout the district, making sure to stay abreast of all the issues that are concerning all of District 3," he said.

When it comes to politics, races can get heated, and sometimes get downright ugly, but that hasn't happened here.

"I think this particular race ought to be the model for all races. I think me and brother Carl have a real cordial relationship. We're both Christian men, and we're not about the negativity, we're about trying to help people. So I commend him, and I think both of us are trying to do the same thing and that is to represent the people," Burrell said.

"This one has been a pleasure. Burrell, he and I have become friends through this whole thing. We talked the other night, and we've got some plans for afterwards regardless of who wins, to work together on some things.  It's really been a good thing between he and I, and it really came together well. So, I wish him the best and I'll just try to out work him," Carl said.