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