BY DAVID BELL
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — Candidates for mayor and city council in LaFayette met with members of the voting public July 10 to discuss their views and concerns. The meet-and-greet event was held at the ALFA building on Highway 50, hosted by the Greater Valley Area Chamber of Commerce.
Kenneth Vines
Former police chief Kenneth Vines is seeking reelection to a second term as LaFayette’s mayor. Vines touted accomplishments made in his first term and his desire to continue the city’s success.
“When I was elected in 2020, I had key areas that I focused on for improvements: public safety, infrastructure, revitalizing downtown and better housing,” Vines said. “We made improvements in all those areas, and I want to continue that effort. We’ve also improved our financial situation since I took office, and we have new businesses locating in LaFayette. I just want to keep the progress going.”
Terry Mangram
Vines is being challenged by long-time District A City Council Member Terry Mangram, who gave up his seat to run for mayor.
“I feel that now is the time for me to be mayor,” Mangram said. “I feel I can do some good things for the city. I want to be a leader who can work with the people of LaFayette. We need to do things in a more efficient manner and promptly address citizen’s concerns. We need to attract more businesses and work more to improve our water and sewer systems.”
Emily Milford
Emily Milford is the lone candidate seeking to replace Mangram on the city council. The third-year law student is the daughter of Chambers County District Court Judge Calvin Milford.
“I’ve grown up around politics all my life, and I knew that one day I would get involved myself,” Milford said. “As a law student, I feel like I’ve gained some knowledge that would be an asset to the people of LaFayette. Looking forward, I think we need to do a better job of supporting our parks and rec department and youth activities. There also needs to be better communication between government officials and the general public, and better services and activities for our older citizens.”
Willie Nell Finley
In District B, Willie Nell Finley is one of the candidates seeking to replace incumbent David Ennis, who is not running for reelection.
“I’ve lived in LaFayette all my life and I’ve always had an interest in city government,” said Finley. “I want to help bring growth to our city. I’d like to see the city council come together, leaving all personal agendas behind, and work for the betterment of LaFayette.”
Kim Langley
LaFayette businessman Kim Langley is also vying for the District B seat.
“I love LaFayette and I want to see us do better, make some positive changes, and I hope I can be a part of that,” said Langley. “We need to streamline new business applications and bring our youth athletics up to speed. Infrastructure improvements, especially water and sewer, need to be a priority. And the council needs to address issues as they come without delay.”
Andrew Vines
The third candidate for city council, District B, is Andrew Vines.
“I’m running to help improve our city’s infrastructure and our parks and recreation for the kids,” said Vines. “I want to serve and work with everybody in District B. I’ve been door-to-door listening to what they have to say, and they want to see road improvements, more recreation and leisure opportunities within the district, and better services for our elderly people.”
Toney Thomas
District C incumbent Toney Thomas is unopposed in his bid for reelection to a fifth consecutive term.
“I’m a lifelong resident of LaFayette and I love to see us do good,” said Thomas. “I think our future prosperity depends on bringing in new businesses and industry, better housing, and utility improvements. We also need a new grant writer because we’re missing out on grants that can help our city, and I have a love for seniors. I’ve always been a part of efforts to help improve their quality of life.”
Ebony Askew
LaFayette native Ebony Askew, a 2005 graduate of LaFayette High School, is one of three candidates seeking to succeed Michael Ellis, who has represented District D on the LaFayette City Council for more than a decade, and has opted not to seek another term. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Action Committee Inc., of Chambers, Tallapoosa and Coosa counties, where she also chairs the Policy Council for the Chambers/Tallapoosa County Head Start program.
“I’m not campaigning against anyone. I’m campaigning for the citizens of LaFayette,” said Askew. “This is the city I’ve invested in, worshiped and praised in, marched for and stood up for. The LaFayette my children and the next generation will one day inherit. I believe in making it even better through my commitment and dedication. Together, we can build the future it deserves.”
Charlene Story
Charlene Story, another lifelong LaFayette resident, is also running for election in District D.
“Our current mayor and council have made meaningful strides, but sometimes it takes a fresh set of eyes to keep moving forward,” Story said. “I’m running to be that fresh perspective. Our city deserves action with intention. I’m stepping up to serve because I believe in community-led solutions, transparency, community-first leadership and making sure that no voice in LaFayette goes unheard. I’m not afraid to speak up or speak out, because real leadership listens and acts.”
Brandon Brooks
Brandon Brooks, the other candidate in District D, did not participate in the event.
Tammie Williams
Longtime District E representative Tammie Williams, who has no opposition in her bid for reelection, also did not attend.
Elections for mayor and city council in LaFayette will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
