Severia
Campbell-Morris has qualified as a candidate to be the next mayor of Prichard,
Alabama. Severia Morris is running for mayor of a city that needs much change
inside and out. Morris is a native of Prichard being born and raised in the
city, attending school, attending church and being a active community activist.
Severia
Campbell Morris spoke with the Political Beacon on last evening to share her
plans and goals if she is elected the next mayor of Prichard. She didn’t shy
away from the many issues that are facing the struggling city.
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| Severia Campbell-Morris |
Campbell
Morris pointed out that the citizens of Prichard needs someone that will stand
up and be a leader for them and turn the city around. I ask Severia Morris, do
she think she’s qualified to be the next mayor of Prichard? “Yes I am
qualified, and I’m ready to get to work for the people.”
Severia-Campbell
Morris is known for her long involvement in the issues surrounding the Prichard
Water and Sewer Board. Many residents in the city have seen triple water bill
for single dwelling homes, water and sewer bills that reach over $1,000 in some
cases. Morris has lead rallies to the State Capital in Montgomery and helped
obtain a referendum on the ballot in November to dissolve the Prichard Water
and Sewer Board and merge with MAWSS, a bill that was sponsored by district
Senator Vivian Figures.
“As
the the Executive and member of the United Concerned Citizens of Prichard
Executive Board, I stood up to the city and the Prichard Water and Sewer Board,
I fought for the citizens to get lower water and sewer rates. No other
candidate have said they support dissolving this board, so the citizens can get
fair and affordable water and sewer rates in Prichard, no one.”
Severia
Morris believes that the Prichard Water and Sewer Board must be dissolved in
order for Prichard to grow.
Prichard
has been facing many problems with basic infrastructure issues and the lack of
attention directed to solving the infrastructure issues in the city. “Drainage
and Flooding is a big concern, these needs have to be improved in other to have
a better city, said Campell-Morris.”
Severia
Campbell Morris also mentions that the city of Prichard, do not need two attorneys
to represent the city. She stated that if she is elected she will only allow
one attorney for the city to represent the mayor, council and city.
Balancing
the budget has been hard to do in previous years. Some question is it really
that hard for Prichard to balance a budget. We at the political beacon found
out that the cash strapped city pays out more than $50,000 in cell phone
payments each month.
“I
would as mayor ask for a state audit to find out what Prichard has, and what we
are able to pay out and owe. I will be a mayor to balance the budget, by
getting rid of non needed services and paying our bills on time.”
Morris
said that her administration will manage and use the city tax dollar wisely and
effectively.
Prichard
has been the center of employee pay and retiree benefits. A recently protest
and debate prompted the mayor and council to come to an agreement to pay their
city retirees monthly benefits. However it’s not what many had hoped for, after
serving the city for decades.
“I
will revisit this issue as mayor and make sure all former and future retirees
get their fair share. I will also look into getting the city of Prichard into
the State Retirement System, so our employees and retirees will have a better
retirement to look forward to.”
Morris
claims the present administration of Mayor Ron Davis pushed this issue with
retirees too far and avoided giving the retirees what is due to them.
Crime
is a high priority on many candidates platform this election season. Severia
Morris says she believes the city police department needs an overhaul, and if
she is elected she will evaluate the department to make improvements, so that
the department can better serve the city and the citizens.
“I
want more cameras in the city and more up to date technology so our police
force can be able to tackle crime head on. I also support hiring more police
officers for the city to make sure our city is secure.”
Prichard
for years has been battling with the lack of a sufficient tax base and economic
development. Many promises has been made for this city and only a very few has
come to pass. “We must better the image of Prichard, to recruit more businesses
to the city, improve the infrastructure, crime and then more businesses will
start coming to our city. I support creating a business district west of I-65
on Hwy 45 in the Eight Mile area; I also would like to see the downtown Wilson
Ave area revived so that new businesses can return to Downtown Prichard.”
Severia
Morris went on to comment and state that business licenses and fees in the city
are hurting current business owners and discourage potential businesses. “I
will work to lower the business fees in Prichard, and I will offer new
businesses that locate in our city tax credits and incentatives for locating in
Prichard.”
Severia
Morris wants Prichard to become a distribution hub for Mobile County and the
surrounding area. Morris states that the city has to many resources to its
advantage and not using them.
“I
am the only candidate that is out hitting the pavement, going home to home
talking with voters and citizens about these issues. It’s time to fix Prichard,
said Severia Morris.”
The
City of Prichard has been in a decline mode and the status quo just seems as if
it do want to go away. Over the years Prichard has had a wide range of problems
that needs to be addressed.
Now
many candidates are offering their wide range of ideas, but only one will be
chosen on August 28th.
