Late last week I attended a special called meeting of the Anniston City Council. The city council interviewed 11 candidates for an open city council seat. This was spread out over two nights, and I attended and listened to all the interviews. But before I give my thoughts about who should fill the Ward One seat, let’s talk about Anniston.
And I’ll just say it, Anniston is not living up to its full potential. Anniston, along with Oxford and Jacksonville, continue to land on the worst of lists. For example, the Milken Institute ranks the Anniston, Oxford, and Jacksonville metro area as among one of the worst small metro areas in the whole United States.
That’s right, and I believe it. The 2024 rankings listed the Anniston area as the 6th Worst small metro area in America. And they listed the Gadsden Metro as the 4th worst small metro area in America. Basically, East Alabama is one of the worst performing regions in America.
I have lived in Anniston for a long time, and I have not seen much improvements at all. I wanted to list a couple of problems Anniston needs to address before I consider moving away for good. Because let’s face it, when many people ignore you, hate you, despise you, and hate your guts, sometimes the only move you have is to move somewhere else and start over.
1: Crime and Homelessness
Anniston still has a major crime problem, it probably has gotten a little bit better. But on many nights, I can hear the gunfire being shot up from where I live at. And at the same time, I often see numerous homeless people walking around Anniston with nowhere to go.
Anniston has a crime problem, and does not have enough police officers to try to put a dent into it. When a police officer can get much higher pay in many surrounding police departments, Annison is going to struggle to attract police officers.
Plus with Anniston’s high poverty rate, some poor people turn to crime to get by. This has simply got to change if Anniston is ever going to come back.
2: Anniston Schools
Anniston has a major problem with its school system. Let’s face it, who is going to raise their hand and say, Anniston has the best school system in this region and your kids need to go to Anniston schools. Who is going to say that? No one, that’s who!
Look, I am not trying to criticize the teachers and staff that work in Anniston schools. They are simply trying their best. But I have to wonder why Anniston has not done more to make its schools better?
Because when Alabama expands its school voucher program in a couple years, many parents are going to take the Money and run away from Anniston schools. Why does Anniston not have a charter school? Why does Anniston not try to start new programs to improve its schools? Something needs to change!
3: McClellan
I often go out to the former fort McClellan on a weekly basis. And I am reminded how empty it truly is. McClellan is not living up to its full potential! There is way too much empty land all inside McClellan.
Along with some of the worst roads you will ever see, and many abandoned buildings, McClellan is basically a rundown dump. Hardly anything has been done to improve development in McClellan.
A couple of bike trails and horse trails is simply not enough. McClellan needs a change in leadership and major development changes.
4: Run-Down Homes
Anniston has hundreds and hundreds of abandoned homes all throughout the city. And the sad thing is, many of these homes can be repaired and lived in again, if the city cared about it enough.
There is a reason why many people working professional jobs in Anniston live outside of the city. Anniston has a crime problem, Anniston has a school problem, and Anniston simply does not have proper leadership.
I would imagine that Anniston would love to see more professionals living inside Anniston. But until Anniston fixes its crime and school problem, that will simply not happen.
5: Eco-tourism and Downtown
Anniston has been trying to M=market itself as an ecotourism City. Basically, leaders in Anniston now, are getting onto their knees, and begging people to visit Anniston.
Sure, it’s nice to have some bike trails around, and seeing the Chief Ladiga Trail being extended will look nice. But it’s not going to help Anniston very much. Basically, you’re wanting to create many more low-wage jobs where the average person cannot survive living.
Restaurant and retail jobs are not very sustainable. And speaking of downtown, it’s sad to see downtown Anniston so empty right now. There are so many empty buildings along with many for rent and for sale signs.
I would love to see downtown Anniston mostly occupied with a wide variety of different types of businesses. But to support something like that, Anniston needs to ensure that local people are earning enough income to support the local businesses. And quite simply, restaurant and retail jobs do not fit the bill.
So after listening to everyone applying to the Ward One job. These are my top three candidates.
Dianna Michaels
Dianna was the last person to be interviewed, and she had plenty of good ideas to talk about. I thought she was the best prepared candidate of everyone that was interviewed. She was the only candidate to shake the hands of the mayor and city council.
I do admit, she did take too long during her opening statement. But she presented herself with many great ideas about crime, schools, animal control, infrastructure, public relations, McClellan,and many other city problems.
Dottie Rimpsey
Dottie was very energetic during her interview. She even said it was in her DNA to apply for the position. She wants Anniston to have more focus groups, and cameras all around the city for public safety.
She pledged to balance her work on the city council if she was chosen while pursuing her doctorate degree. She also wants to engage youth in the city and said what she learned in Media would serve her well in the city council.
Andy Hatley
Andy was the first person to be interviewed, but I felt like having experience being a former councilman in Anniston would serve the city well. And I feel like this is what Anniston really needs right now, experience.
Andy gave quite a few good answers during his interview, and I feel like he knows what Anniston needs to continue to grow.
Of course, this is not my decision. The decision is up to the mayor and city council. And with city elections coming up in August 2025, I feel like there will be quite a few people running for the Ward One seat.
So whoever the person is selected by the mayor and city council will have to quickly run for their seat in 2025. Let’s hope the mayor and city council pick the right person to help grow Anniston better.
