David Morgan

Nonpartisan

I would push for an ordinance that prohibits the targeted denial of business licenses from individual people and businesses, which is a legislative abuse used by politicians to punish people that offend them.

No-cost digital copies should be the standard and no one should ever be asked to justify their request. Access to public records is not a service provided for a fee but the right of every citizen.

There is a lot that goes into recruiting, training, and retaining the highest caliber public safety personnel. Compensation is only part of the equation. We must create clear objectives and expectations along with a work environment that is conducive to doing the work these folks have dedicated their lives to doing.

I will work to codify in the city’s ordinances a right to know law and a freedom of the press law. These laws should prohibit the city from placing any restriction on the access to public records not specifically required by Alabama law. Public records should be substantially free, and not a profitable endeavor for the city clerk, with charges only for the actual copying costs of paper and ink.

We should continue the work already being done for mental health response and awareness as well as further our capabilities through incentives for foreign language and sign language proficiency among other things.

Will work to create a public safety committee within the city and work with department heads and the Shelby County Emergency Management Agency to completely assess all city emergency plans and community threat assessment reports.

I would work to pass a series of ordinances and policies that build upon the minimum standards of the existing Alabama Code regarding financial controls, bid requirements, ethics rules, self enrichment, malicious use of office, and violations of rights.

I will work to develop a plan to cross-train all city employees to be able to fulfill additional roles as needed during a major incident. I will also work to build a corps of community volunteers to help support and supplement our highly effective but understaffed public safety personnel.

In the long term, I would seek to expand facilities for meetings and work to build a community amphitheater. All of this can be supported by community members and local business with the right support from the city.

Any matter before the council or any city committee that requires the expenditure of funds should be thoroughly reviewed by a city official with a recommendation as to action before presenting it in the public meeting. These ordinances would require every employee to take an oath of office to defend the United States Constitution and the Alabama Constitution. Further, we should protect from retaliation whistle blowers and employees that refuse to follow unlawful or unethical orders.

In addition to a corps of community volunteers, I want to see the city create a program to facilitate people to meet in semi-organized groups utilizing city facilities and under the auspices of the city.

I personally, if elected, will hold regular town-hall meetings and constituency surgeries, which is a one-on-one meeting with constituents, to address matters of importance to community members and allow the airing of greivances openly and directly. I will also freely publish my email address and telephone number.

I will work with state and local partners to bring emergency training not just for public safety employees but all city employees, the city council, and the community.

The city should also create a public listing of community businesses including hobby businesses that don’t require a business license or store front.

I would push for sports leagues, supper clubs, board game clubs, performance art, dance, and anything else the community can envision.

We can create a library of things where community members can borrow tools and other objects without having to pay a rental fee or make a purchase for a single use.

I will advocate on behalf of families for educational choice, religious freedom, access to medical care, personal defense, mental health, financial independence, and more.

Especially at a time of national and international instability, we should be encouraging backyard gardens, preparedness, and local produce. The city should specifically pass ordinances facilitating self-reliance and host classes on gardening and food preservation.