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Today, I, Temekia Sykes, am proud to announce my candidacy for Mayor  of Historic Selma, Alabama. With 24 years of experience in public service, including 10 years in municipal government and 6 years in the judicial system, I am committed to leading Selma into a brighter future. My vision is to build a community that thrives through effective leadership,  growth, and opportunity for all of our residents.

New Vision, New Direction with Less Talk and More Action

This campaign is about delivering results, not just promises. For too long, we’ve heard the same  promises, but little has been done to bring real change to Selma. I am committed to leading with  action—not just words. My focus is on doing the hard work required to address the issues that matter most to you. I won’t just talk the talk, but I will walk the walk by ensuring every decision  I make is rooted in practical solutions and measurable progress.

As your Mayor, I will make sure that our city government is not just a place for speeches, but a  place where work gets done, where change happens, and where every resident can feel the  positive impact. Together, we can build a Selma where actions speak louder than words, and the  results are clear for all to see.

Here are the priorities I will focus on as Mayor of Selma:

1. Effective Leadership and Governance

As Mayor, I will ensure that the city government operates with the utmost integrity. I will bridge the  gap between the mayor’s office and the city council, creating an environment of open  communication and cooperation. No longer will we see divisive arguments that stall progress. I  will work diligently to bring all leaders to the table to create solutions, not more problems. Transparency will be a fundamental principle of my administration; residents will know how  decisions are being made and where their tax dollars are going. I will work to rebuild trust in  local government by providing regular updates on city finances, ongoing projects, and upcoming  initiatives.

With 9 years of experience as the City Council Administrative Assistant, I’ve had the privilege of  working closely with all nine council members and serving as the liaison between the council  and mayor’s office. This experience has given me invaluable insight into the inner workings of  local government and the need for clear communication and collaboration to get things done. I  understand the importance of creating a transparent and efficient government that works for the  people, and I am well-equipped to lead with this knowledge.

2. Public Safety

The safety of our residents and businesses is crucial. I will work to strengthen our law  enforcement’s ability to combat violent crime by increasing community policing efforts,

providing better training for officers, and fostering strong relationships between the police,  residents, and local businesses. A safe Selma is a thriving Selma, where families can grow,  businesses can succeed, and people feel secure in their homes and workplaces. Unfortunately,  our community has seen an alarming rise in gun violence, which has affected too many of our  families and local businesses. In a city as close-knit as ours, the impact of violence is felt deeply,  and it’s time for action.

3. Youth-Focused Initiatives

Our youth are the future of Selma, and we must invest in programs that provide them with  positive opportunities and guidance. Sadly, we’ve seen an increasing number of young people  involved in gun violence and other criminal activities. Many of these young individuals are  acting out of frustration and a lack of things to do in our community. When youth don’t have  access to safe, engaging activities or the opportunity to develop their skills and talents, they are  more vulnerable to falling into destructive behavior.

4. Mental Health & Well-Being

Mental health is just as important as physical health, and we need to ensure that our community  has the resources to support those in need. A growing issue we face in Selma is homelessness,  and many of our homeless residents are suffering from untreated mental health conditions. It’s  heartbreaking to see individuals struggling on our streets, and we must do more to address both  their immediate needs and long-term well-being.

5. Infrastructure

A strong infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving city. Our roads, utilities, and public spaces  must be safe, efficient, and prepared for growth. One of the most pressing issues we face in  Selma is the number of dilapidated buildings, particularly in high-traffic areas. These structures  not only create an eyesore but also reflect poorly on our community, especially as tourists visit  our historic city. It is deeply embarrassing for residents and visitors alike when our beautiful city  is overshadowed by vacant, deteriorating buildings that could otherwise be restored and  repurposed to serve our community.

6. Economic Development

For Selma to grow and thrive, we must create an environment where both individuals and  businesses can succeed. Our city faces many challenges, high unemployment, underutilized  properties, and a lack of modern infrastructure. But we also have untapped potential. With the  right leadership and strategy, we can turn these challenges into opportunities for economic  growth and prosperity.

Throughout my 24 years in public service, I have had the privilege of seeing firsthand the  resilience and potential of our community. I am committed to building upon that foundation and moving Selma forward with purpose and determination. I humbly ask for your support in making  this vision a reality.

“New Vision, New Direction with Less Talk and More Action. Together, we can embrace  our symbolism from Civil War to Civil Rights, and together we can move beyond.”

Temekia Sykes is a candidate for Mayor of Selma.

Editor’s Note: To submit your candidacy announcement, please email news@selmatimesjournal.com. Announcements will be published on a first-come, first-served basis.