The Prepared Speech

I decided while this speech was worth while,  It wasn't worth talking AT a room full of people.  Here is the speech.  Let me know what you think in the comments on Facebook.

Good evening, everyone. It's truly an honor to be here at the inaugural meeting of the Republican Women of Elmore County. Thank you for having me.

I want to start by saying, I'm not a politician, and I have no desire to be part of any "revolving door" in politics. My motivation for running for Wetumpka City Council District 1 is simple: I want to use the practical skills and lessons I've learned in my 28 years in the workforce, especially as a business owner, to benefit our city.

In my business, failure isn't an option. If I fail, my clients who depend on me are left without the communications and services they rely on to operate their businesses and organizations. It's a high-stakes responsibility that I live with every day. That kind of direct accountability is what I believe we need more of in city government. I’ve learned far more from the challenges and setbacks than from my successes. Those experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and the critical importance of making sound decisions.

When I talk about my vision for Wetumpka, three words come to mind: transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountability. We, as taxpayers, deserve to know exactly how our money is being spent. We need to ensure that every dollar is used wisely and effectively. And frankly, we need to hold our leaders accountable for the results.

Let me give you an example that really hits home for me: the recent request for $85,000 from the Board of Education for a sound system at the stadium, that has never worked correctly. The sports complex belongs to the city. Regardless of who uses it, the fees paid in for its use should cover it’s upkeep. That is not fiscal responsibility. That's asking for more money to fix something that was never done right in the first place. We need to demand that projects are completed correctly, on budget, and that contractors are held to their word. My experience in managing resources, acquiring essential equipment, and overseeing personnel means I understand what it takes to ensure our city's finances are audited and that we get direct results from our investments.

Beyond my professional life, I wear many hats. To those closest to me, I'm a son, a husband, and a father. I'm a business owner, a volunteer in our community, and a member of the praise and worship team at my church. Through all these roles, I gain a lot of different vantage points, seeing our city's needs and opportunities from many angles – from our families to our businesses to our spiritual life.

I truly believe that these diverse skill sets, this real-world experience, and my deep connection to our community give me the knowledge needed to help develop Wetumpka into a truly thriving small community – a place where both residents and visitors can enjoy all that our beautiful city has to offer. Thank you.