Reid Cain wants to make a difference in the community. That’s why he’s running for the Selma City Council Ward 2 seat.

Cain spoke about several issues as he declared his candidacy, including crime, industry and infrastructure. &uot;For our future as a community, it is imperative that we focus on government issues that involve our water and sewer system updates, road maintenance, landfill, housing issues, education, youth and crime,&uot; Cain said. &uot;We need to develop and run Selma with a sense of urgency for our young people.&uot;

Cain pointed to initiatives such as Crime Stoppers and Selma’s crime task force as solutions to the city’s crime problem. &uot;It takes everyone working together,&uot; Cain said. &uot;It’s not an overnight solution. The crime task force did research and saw the need for a youth curfew. It’s something we need to consider.&uot;

Concerning bringing jobs and industry to Selma and Dallas County, Cain pointed to his position as a community banker and commercial lender. &uot;All banks want to see growth in our community,&uot; Cain said. &uot;I’ve got a strong financial and business background. I’m able to work effectively with others and get things done.&uot;

Cain, a member of the Selma-Dallas County Chamber of Commerce, said that the chamber and Centre for Commerce were resources for improving the community. &uot;The center’s leadership developed active working committees that are making a difference in Selma,&uot; Cain said.

Cain is also involved with several community organizations, including One Selma, the Jonathan Daniels Community Development Center, the YMCA, Sav-A-Life, the Brownfield Community Advisory Board, the Magnet School Advisory Board and the Kiwanis Club. &uot;Four years ago One Selma development a survey,&uot; Cain said. &uot;The result birthed the ‘Sweep Selma Clean’ campaign that continues today. As a result of ‘Sweep Selma Clean,’ our bank quality council organized teams to clean its grounds daily.&uot;

As a member of YMCA committees, Cain said he wanted to see a new facility built. &uot;With our community’s continued support, we will build a great multipurpose recreational facility for the citizens of Selma and Dallas County,&uot; Cain said. &uot;As councilman, I will continue to dedicate time and energy to this project.&uot;

According to Cain, the new facility could be one solution to Selma’s crime. &uot;They’re bored,&uot; Cain said of area youth. &uot;That changes into non-productive issues. We can solve the problem through alternatives, the YMCA being one of them.&uot;

Cain, a Birmingham native, moved to Selma in 1996 with his wife Pamela Jones Cain, a Selma native. He has worked for two congressman in Washington D.C. and in the banking field in Birmingham.

Cain graduated from The University of Texas and The University of South Alabama Banking School. He’s also a graduate of the Selma-Dallas County Leadership Class Year 8. He is a member of Christ the King Charismatic Episcopal Church.

Rita Sims Franklin currently holds the Ward 2 seat, though she isn’t planning on seeking another term on the council.