SHEFFIELD-Tori Bailey has announced her candidacy for mayor of Sheffield. She believes that the experience she has gained as a Colbert County Commissioner can be directed to help the City to grow in a bold new and positive direction. According to Bailey, “many of the challenges faced by the City can be addressed with active representation on city boards, more engagement by stakeholders, and greater responsiveness by city departments in dealing with concerns raised by Sheffield citizens.” Bailey believes that all positions should be filled by those best able to execute the shared vision for Sheffield. Her plans are to grow the City’s population, improve overall attractiveness and appeal, increase revenue, and to address and resolve challenges. She hopes to improve communications between the Council, departments, courts, and build stronger coalitions with other city, county, and state governments to the benefit of both Sheffield and northwest Alabama.
While working with the Sheffield Redevelopment Authority, Bailey built a database of the city’s businesses that can be sorted by type, location, and ownership of each. Her plan is to use this to assist in identifying and attracting businesses that can be supported by residents of Sheffield, while also drawing traffic from surrounding areas. She feels that this will result in increased employment opportunities and contribute to the economic growth needed to improve services offered by the City. Bailey believes that now is the time to explore ways to increase available housing to support anticipated population growth. Bailey’s priority will be finding affordable ways to improve visibility at intersections, eliminate blight, and maintain rights of way. She is aware of the existence of funding sources that can assist in addressing the needs of Sheffield citizens. She is a strong proponent of fiscal responsibility and will work with city departments to effectively streamline operations.
Bailey says “There will be at least three new council members taking office after the new term begins. I am prepared for a period of adjustment and look forward to the opportunity to work with the incoming City Council members.” She wants to review and when necessary revise the current city ordinances, enforce the ones that remain in place, and enact news ones as needed. She emphasizes the importance of improving infrastructure, mitigating flooding, simplifying requirements and providing support for businesses, protecting neighborhoods from dangerous animals, and improving interactions between citizens and Sheffield city departments.
Bailey currently serves as Chair of the Sheffield Redevelopment Authority whose members are actively engaged in assisting businesses in Sheffield. Bailey has demonstrated leadership in government and during her tenure as President of the Colbert Animal Services, on which she serves along with the mayors of Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Muscle Shoals, and Cherokee, the organization has benefited from a significant increase in financial support from the County. She has been Chair of the W.C. Handy Music Festival since 2004 and worked successfully to retire the debt that existed before she became Chair. She understands the benefit of revenue generated by tourism and has supported the inclusion of more events held in Sheffield in order to draw visitors and revenue to the City. Bailey’s additional leadership experience in the non-profit arena include serving for twelve years as President of the NAACP Tri-County Branch, as a past President of United Way of the Shoals, and on several other boards. She was elected last year to serve a third term as a Colbert Commissioner whose district includes a portion of Sheffield.
Bailey encourages every eligible citizen to become registered voters, participate in the election process, and take others with them to the polls on election day. She can be reached through her office at WZZA Radio at 256-381-1862. Questions should be directed to the Committee to Elect Tori Bailey for City of Sheffield Mayor, 1302 East 20th Street, Sheffield, Alabama.
Media Release/Tori Bailey
