Article provided by Times Journal
David Beddingfield announced Tuesday he will run for mayor of Fort Payne.
Beddingfield graduated from the University of Alabama in 1970 with a degree in education. He also played football under Coach Paul Bryant.
As mayor, Beddingfield said he will seek input from city department heads, employees, organizations and the citizens of Fort Payne to secure a “visionary plan” to move the city forward.
“My goal as mayor is to work every day to represent you in the most effective and efficient way,” said Beddingfield. “After our election process, the mayor and the council will work together to best determine the course of action to bring additional work opportunities to our city.”
Beddingfield said a long-range financial plan is essential to carry out the vision for the future. He plans to implement one-year, five-year, and 10-year plans to help the process of growth.
“Like many others in our city, I too was affected by the closing of our largest industry,” said Beddingfield. “I believe that working together we can bring more diversified companies to our area. We need to get involved with Thrive 2055 and work on getting industry as a region.”
Beddingfield stressed the importance retaining and expanding existing industry and retail companies in Fort Payne. Additionally, he said adding new businesses are a must for the future of the city.
“The doors of city hall should always be open for business,” said Beddingfield. “We should make it easier for a business to open its doors here. Fees could be waived, or they could be put off until a later date. I want our citizens and future generations to have good quality jobs with higher pay. Our companies deserve and expect a skilled workforce.”
Further, Beddingfield said regressive taxes affect people in fixed incomes. He added that city expenditures needed to be “managed wisely.”
Beddingfield said there are small things that can be accomplished throughout town that would entice people to visit or even move to Fort Payne.
“We as citizens need to help eliminate trash and clutter on our roads,” said Beddingfield. “The natural beauty and historic preservation attracts many to not only visit, but to move to our city. We have excellent medical services, school system, and a low cost of living.”
While playing under Coach Paul Bryant at Alabama, Beddingfield said there was one thing in particular that stuck with him.
“Coach Bryant told us that having guts meant doing the things you don’t want to always do,” said Beddingfield. “You do them because you have to.”
Beddingfield was one of the original Kiwanis members in 1976, and he still remains a member today. He was also a school board member for 15 years, where he served as the president for eight years and the vice president for five years.
“Being a leader is about getting others to do things better than they thought they could,” said Beddingfield. “Through my 40 years of community involvement, I have seen a city join forces to set our standards high to make Fort Payne one of the best small towns in the nation.”
