Mayor Berry seeks third term to continue economic growth, work with Cleburne County

By: M. Dean Smith

From the Mayor's office at Heflin City Hall on July 17, Anna Berry explained what her administration has done over the past eight years and addressed statements made by mayoral candidates. Berry is seeking a third term as mayor and said she has “tried to think about what is in the best interest for the city” during her time in office.

The mayor's office provided the six-page document City of Heflin, Alabama 5-Year Strategic Plan 2011-2015 which outlines six separate areas for city growth. It is the second Strategic Plan Mayor Berry has used for the City and lists more than 30 individual contributors from Cleburne County. Sponsored by The Economic and Community Development Department of Alabama Power Company, the Strategic Plan documents economic and community development along with education, leadership, healthcare, and cultural enhancements, and provides goals and time-tables for completion.

Mayor Berry said she took an “economic development intensive course” at Auburn University. “It is surprising what economic development really is,” she said about the nuances of attracting businesses to Heflin. Along with providing property to new or expanding companies, she said a well-trained workforce, proper utilities, and a “vibrant looking town” are equally important factors.

Along with traditional ideas for city growth, Berry said groups like the City Beautification Committee and the Heflin Arts Council are often overlooked but still vital components to economic development and town identity. “If the children of their [potential business] employees don't have access to things like ballet or musical programs,” she said “those quality of life things matter whether this town is chosen or another town.”

The industrial park near Exit 205 on Interstate 20, owned and managed by the City of Heflin since April 2008 after the joint City/County ownership was dissolved, remains unoccupied. With recent water and sewage systems installed on the site, Mayor Berry said “we have the infrastructure there,” but “a lot of cut and fill” is necessary to have the park ready. She estimated three companies have visited Heflin but did not select the city due to the underdevelopment.

“We are in the process of getting the park developed,” Berry said. She commented on the recent bulldozer acquisition from a military surplus inventory in New Jersey. “It's expensive to move dirt,” she said, but the city has the people to use equipment to work at the industrial park. “Now that we have the equipment,” she said “we can just buy fuel and begin that process.”

Looking at the August 28 municipal election, Berry hopes to continue her work and said she is proud of the Strategic Plan. A City Election Fact Check sent by City Hall  to In The Field says that “the city is not aware of any incident” where the two governments could not work together. She also said Emmett Owen, the County Commissioner for the City of Heflin, works on a regular basis with city government.

Ex-Officio Chairman of the Cleburne County Commission Judge Ryan Robertson said the working relationship between the City and County is good. He said in a July 9 interview “we handle our business and they handle theirs.”

-MDS

Candidate for Heflin mayor Rooks hosts Independence Day “block party”

NOTE: Originally submitted for publication July 7, 2012

In a front yard scattered with tents, tables, and several Heflin families, Rudy Rooks hosted a July 4 "block party" at his home on Wednesday. As a candidate for Heflin mayor, Rooks and his family held the Independence Day event to allow members in the community to meet one another and "to just have a big party."

Over 20 party-goers were offered refreshments in the July heat and many were seen in red, white, and blue "Rudy" campaign shirts available from a tent in the driveway. Also available with promotional material was voter registration information. The atmosphere was festive with over a dozen children on playground equipment and an inflatable moon bounce, but conversations about the August 28 municipal elections were less than lighthearted.

"We need to get rid of the mayor we've got now," said attorney John Casey of Heflin. Casey feels communication between city and county governments has deteriorated over the past few years. After supporting current mayor Anna Berry in previous elections he now stands behind Rooks.

Pat Skinner, Cleburne County Courthouse employee and treasurer for the Heflin Arts Council, also supported the current administration for two terms but said "gradually things started deteriorating" between the city and county during the past four years. Skinner said the firings of former Heflin Police Chief Ty Payne and former city attorney Patrick Casey ultimately caused her to no longer support Berry.

Rooks said a “wedge” does exist between the city and county government due to “egos” from both. Along with bringing the two local governments closer together, he also hopes to see more involvement from community members. While describing his bid for election during local political strife, he added “I don't want to build myself up by tearing somebody else down.”

When asked about the city's recent financial audit described as “in good shape” by CPA John DeLoach on June 11, Rooks said “we are $6.3 million in debt and that is a lot of debt.” He explained his knowledge of city finances as a former fire chief and said the most recent assessment of city finances are “smoke and mirrors.”

"I realized several years ago that I'm a servant leader," said Rooks. He said a total of 16 years have been spent in local public service jobs which include his current position as Cleburne County Coroner. “I don't have any experience as a mayor,” Rooks admitted “but I have experience with how a city is supposed to work.”

-MDS