By Ashley Toland Editor

The Mobile City Council has seemed so empty, so incomplete since District Four city councilman Ben Brooks left to take a place in the State Senate in November. But on Tuesday Jan. 23, the residents of District Four won’t have to long for representation anymore and will get to say “you complete me” to one of the three candidates vying for the position.

Will it be former city councilman Mabin Hicks, who served on the council for eight years before Brooks defeated him in 2001? Or will the residents prefer some new blood with SSI software engineer Michael Sullivan or retired U.S. Army major John C. Williams? I don’t know which they will get all “Jerry Maguire,” with, but I thought they might like to hear from them all before the election.

Name: Mabin Hicks

Age: 68

Where did you grow up? Clarke County, Ala.

Education: B.S. University of South Alabama (Major in Business with a minor in Psychology and extra studies in chemistry).

Profession: Businessman – Self-employed the last 30 years.

Political Affiliation: Non-partisan.

Why should you be the next District Four councilperson? Experience, maturity and I have lived in the district and city for over 40 years. I will continue to work with community groups to assist in making District Four a cleaner and safer place to live and work.

What do you view as the biggest problems facing District Four?

Safety. I have a record of working with the mayor and city council in making some neighborhoods safer by stopping known drug houses. Also, closing businesses that did not operate within the law.

How will you continue to assist the residents affected by Hurricane Katrina and what can you do now as a city councilperson, to help residents in the event of another storm?

The biggest complaint I have noticed is that insurance companies are not acting fast enough so that individuals and businesses can return to their normal status. Hopefully, we have learned from Katrina that we must have an evacuation plan for low areas affected by tidal waters. Also provisions for housing and emergency supplies to support individuals with special needs.

Do you feel your views are similar to those of Ben Brooks or do you think the district needs a different type of representation?

I feel that Ben and I are very conservative and have similar values. I have attended meetings supporting Ben. It is apparent, however, that our political goals are different. His goal to move on to another position in state politics is a fact. My goal is to represent District 4 and the City of Mobile at a time when we are facing the greatest challenges and economic development in the history of our city. I only desire to do my part in working as a team member of the council, with the mayor in meeting these challenges to be the best that we can be.

What will you try to bring to the district and to the city as a whole?

Eight years of experience in assisting the mayor and council in building the district and city to a launching pad of meeting the greatest challenges and economic development in our history. We must clean up our city of trash and drugs thereby having our citizens feeling safe and secure in their homes and businesses.

Name: Michael Sullivan (MikeSullivanForMobile.org)

Age: 41

Where did you grow up? Saraland (Mobile County)

Education: Bachelor Science, School of Computer Science (University South Alabama), Associate Science, Business Management (Faulkner State Junior College), Associate Arts in Computer Science (Faulkner State Junior College)

Profession: Sr. Programmer Analyst

Political Affiliation: NONE

Why should you be the next District Four councilperson?

I want to serve our district in hopes of making it a safer, cleaner and better place for our families to grow up in. I will always vote my values. I have no political baggage. I do not own any property (other than my homestead) or businesses in Mobile. My wife is an educator at Gilliard Elementary and I am the Cub Master for Pack 20 on Dauphin Island Parkway. We are very much in touch with the people of the community, and their concerns.

I will never vote for raising compensations of any elected official, it is an honor to serve, not a benefit. I would serve my constituents tirelessly if elected.

What do you view as the biggest problems facing District Four?

First and foremost, crime is the biggest problem facing our district. Additionally, there is a lack of capital investment in our parks and sidewalks (particularly around school zones). We need to make it easier to do business in our district and city, particularly for the small business owner.

How will you continue to assist the residents affected by Hurricane Katrina and what can you do now as a city councilperson, to help residents in the event of another storm?

I live off of Perch Creek; this area was devastated by Katrina. One thing that needs to continue is the relaxation of zoning requirements allowing displaced home owners to live in temporary housing (e.g. travel trailer). I would also like to see the city encourage rebuilding by offering extremely low interest long-term loans to current home owners that were displaced by storms.

Do you feel your views are similar to those of Ben Brooks or do you think the district needs a different type of representation?

Ben Brooks has served this district well, he will be missed. I would like to build on the foundation that he has laid for our district, based on values and integrity. I think all districts need council members who always vote for the interest of their district regardless of the political gains or losses. If elected, I commit to only voting my values.

What will you try to bring to the district and to the city as a whole?

First and foremost, I want our parks to be brought up to standard with those in other districts (e.g. Medal of Honor Park). I would love to see each district have a recycling center much like the one I visit every other week on Government Street. I think Mobile needs to expose our most precious commodity, Mobile Bay. If you drive over the Dog River Bridge and look to the east or west, you will understand what a beautiful city we have. Although not in my district, I would love to see a very large cement pier off of McNally Park much like the Fairhope Pier in Baldwin County. This would allow the citizens of the city to truly enjoy Mobile Bay, and bring new faces and money to districts 3 and 4.

Name: John Charles Williams (jcw4cc.com)

Age: 44

Where did you grow up? Born in Lake Charles, La. I grew up in the country about 40 miles north of Lake Charles.

Education: BS in Business Administration – Northwestern State University 1984, Masters of Science in Administration – Central Michigan University 1994

Profession: Business Manager – Mobile Premier Pediatric Dentistry

Political Affiliation: Republican

Why should you be the next District Four councilperson?

I have 20 years of leadership gained as an officer in the US Army – it is that leadership that our city needs as it seeks to attract people to live and work in Mobile. As a business owner and manager, I understand the issues that face employers and small business owners – I will work to make Mobile the place in to open a small business. I will represent the citizens of the district with integrity and character – this election is about moving forward.

What do you view as the biggest problems facing District Four?

I prefer to call them issues! Together we must face and solve the issues of Public Safety and Basic Services. I will continue the progress in District Four by ensuring that our government does what a government is supposed to do – focus on providing its citizens with basic services.

How will continue to assist the residents affected by Hurricane Katrina and what can you do now as a city councilperson, to help residents in the event of another storm?

As a city council person I will remain in close contact with the citizens of the district to ensure their voice is heard by our local administration. I will also work closely with our state government representatives to ensure our district and the entire city of Mobile receives just relief when available.

Do you feel your views are similar to those of Ben Brooks or do you think the district needs a different type of representation?

My views are very similar to Senator Brooks – he attended community meetings and listened to the needs of the citizens – and I will continue the progress in District 4. At the same time, I will bring my own ideas and energy into the seat to represent the citizens as best I can.

What will you try to bring to the district and to the city as a whole?

I will bring a commitment to serving the citizens of the district. I will dedicate the time required to work with the local administration and the other six members to turn the tide on population growth in Mobile.

Registered voters in District Four can cast their votes from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at one of the following locations: First Independent Methodist Church, 4548 Halls Mill Rd., Morningside School, 2700 Greenbriar Dr., Parkway Branch Library, 1924-B Dauphin Island Pkwy, Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1621 Boykin Blvd., Kate Shepard School, 1176 Azalea Rd. or Laun Park Recreation Center, 5401 Windmill Dr.

Ashley Toland is Lagniappe editor. Contact her at ashleytoland@lagniappemobile.com.

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