By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
FORT PAYNE, Ala. — With a little less than three weeks to go until municipal election day, across DeKalb the yard signs are out and the candidates are beating the pavement. Brian Baine, who is seeking a Fort Payne City Council seat, is one of those candidates.
Like so many citizens that have chose to run for municipal office, Baine works a full time job. He currently works as the Human Resources Manager for Bruce’s Foodland in Fort Payne. Baine was born and raised right here in town, and finished school at Fort Payne High School.
He’s a member of the Fort Payne Church of God and is the son of Ralph and Carolyn Baine. Baine attended Northeast Alabama Community College and Gadsden State Community College. He has been an employee of Bruce’s Foodland for 31 years.
When it comes to why he’s running for city council, Baine wants to improve the town he’s called home for so many years by bringing in new industry and creating jobs. Not only does he want to create jobs by means of recruiting businesses outside of the local area, but also by delivering incentives to local businesses already in existence.
“Recruiting businesses and industry to our town is very important, but I’d like to see us look at existing businesses,” Baine said.
“Businesses that have been in operation for a number of years that are locally owned. We need to see if there is things we can do to help those businesses grow and create jobs. That way the money stays local,” said Baine.
When asked to elaborate on how he would grow existing local businesses, Baine’s solution is to offer the same incentives as outside industry is offered to set up shop here.
“I would like to see us offer incentives, whether it be tax incentives or whatever,” Baine explained, “because I know some business owners have property they could develop or start another business creating more jobs and growing our local economy.”
Over the years, Baine has gained invaluable experience working with people. He believes that his time spent in human resources gives him an impressive ability to negotiate and resolve conflict.
“There’s two sides to every argument, every situation,” Baine said, “and you’ve got to listen to both sides to make a concrete decision.”
To find out more information on Brian Baine’s campaign for Fort Payne City Council, visit his Facebook by searching, “Brian Baine for City Council.”
Baine will be appearing on the Fort Payne ballot for the August 23 municipal election.
