(WHNT) — Municipal elections will be held across Alabama on Aug. 26.
Voters in North Alabama will be asked to decide on mayoral races, city council races, and, in some communities, school board races.
In order to provide voters with detailed information about the candidates running for mayor in 12 North Alabama cities, News 19 sent out a number of candidate questionnaires starting in mid-July.
We are going to post the answers we received over the next 10 days. Not every candidate responded, and that will be noted.
Some answers will also be edited for length, grammar or spelling reasons, but otherwise the content will be published as submitted. Viewer feedback is always welcome.
Not every candidate responded, despite multiple requests from News 19 for a reply.
The candidates for Decatur mayor are Councilman Billy Jackson, Kent Lawrence, Suzie Wiley and William ‘Butch’ Matthews. Wiley and Matthews did not respond to our questions.
You can read Jackson’s and Lawrence’s responses below:
1. Please provide a short biography
Jackson: Billy Jackson is a lifelong resident of Decatur, representing over five generations of deep community roots. A proud small business owner, Billy is married to a retired school principal, and together they’ve raised two children and now enjoy time with their three grandchildren, all of whom still call Decatur home. Billy has served the city for 29 years as a dedicated City Councilman, bringing stability, experience, and leadership to every role he’s taken on.
Lawrence: I grew up in Decatur, Alabama, starting with a newspaper route at 10 and working my way up at McDonald’s to Director of Operations, managing 10 restaurants. I owned TVW Electrical Supply for 27 years before selling it. I’ve served in leadership roles with the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, and City of Decatur Planning Commission, earning awards like Small Business Person of the Year. Married to Mamie for nearly 40 years, we have two sons and two grandchildren. I attend St. Peter Missionary Baptist Church. Running for mayor in 2025, I’ll focus on jobs, schools, infrastructure, and safety, keeping City Hall open to all.
2. What led you to run for Mayor?
Jackson: My decision to run for Mayor comes from a deep sense of commitment to our community and the work I’ve invested over nearly three decades. I want to bring honesty, integrity, and core values back to our city government. This isn’t just a campaign, it’s a calling to continue serving the place I love.
Lawrence: I’m running for mayor of Decatur because I love this city. It’s where I grew up and have spent my life working and serving. My experience—from rising through the ranks at McDonald’s to owning TVW Electrical Supply for 27 years—has equipped me with the leadership skills to take Decatur forward. Through decades of involvement with the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis Club, and the City Planning Commission, I’ve seen what our community needs: more jobs, better schools, improved infrastructure, and stronger public safety. I believe City Hall should be the people’s hall, and I’m ready to listen and lead to ensure Decatur’s best days are ahead.
3. What will be your top priority if you are elected?
Jackson: My top priority is to unite our divided city. Our community has been fractured. We need to unify around the issues that matter most to Decatur residents: quality schools, quality city services and infrastructure, and a plan for growth that helps us preserve our culture while improving our quality of life. We need to move forward as one Decatur.
Lawrence: Initially, my top priority will be to earn and restore public trust in local government. Restoring public trust in Decatur’s city government starts with transparency and accessibility. I’ll keep an open door at City Hall, actively listening to citizens’ concerns and ensuring their voices shape our decisions. By fostering honest communication and accountability, we’ll rebuild confidence.
4. What are the main challenges currently facing the city? How do you plan to address those issues?
Jackson: Leadership has not taken a proactive approach to addressing public concerns, thus eroding public trust. I plan to bring honesty and integrity back to the mayor’s office so we can unify Decatur residents around the issues that matter high-quality schools, high-quality neighborhoods, and high-quality of life. I will bring a listening posture to the office and respect every voice and concern, even when I am feeling compelled to take hard positions.
Lawrence: Decatur’s challenges include strained public safety, aging infrastructure, and the need for economic growth. I’ll rebuild trust by making City Hall transparent and responsive, directly engaging citizens. For safety, I’ll expand police and firefighter resources with better training and community engagement. I’ll work to secure funding to modernize roads and utilities, ensuring sustainability. For jobs, I’ll leverage my business experience to attract new innovative 21st century industry while fostering collaboration to move our city forward.
5. Do you have a personal hero? Who is it and why?
Jackson: Yes! My father, Lorenzo Jackson. I watched him as a child and learned the power of bringing people together. He led with humility, respect, and quiet strength. People trusted his leadership because he treated everyone with dignity and fairness. He taught me that real progress happens when we focus on what unites us, not what divides us.
Lawrence: My Heroes Are My Parents. I was blessed to be raised by two loving parents. Our family was centered around the dinner table and grounded in the church. They instilled in me the values of honesty, integrity, responsibility, compassion, and the importance of hard work. I am so thankful that God gave me such wonderful parents.
6. Tell us something about you that might surprise people.
Jackson: I am a direct descendant of President Andrew Jackson.
Lawrence: I was the first person to ever cook a Quarter Pounder and Egg McMuffin that was ever served in Decatur.
7. Why should people vote for you? What makes you stand out from the other candidates in the race?
Jackson: Experience, education, and commitment define my candidacy. With 29 years on the City Council, I have served longer than any other elected representative in Decatur’s history, bringing unparalleled insight and leadership. I hold a business degree, a master’s in employment law, and I am currently completing my Ph.D. in criminal justice. These achievements, combined with decades of service, give me the expertise to lead Decatur toward a stronger, more prosperous future. This election isn’t about personality; it’s about preparation and proven qualifications. Mine aren’t exaggerated; they’re earned through years of dedication, study, and results. I am ready to lead on day one.
Lawrence: I think those running for office should earn every vote they get. No one is entitled to another person’s vote. I’m asking people to vote for me because I believe I am the candidate that is most prepared to move Decatur forward. I’m tired of the constant crisis and political side show that constantly takes center-stage in our city. This is my home. These are my neighbors, friends, family, people I go to church with, work with, and more. I care about the people of this city. I want Decatur to harness its potential and become the city our people deserve it to be. I promise no one will outwork me. I will be the most transparent, responsive, and proactive Mayor Decatur has ever had and I’ll do it because that is what the people of Decatur are asking for and that is the kind of Mayor we deserve.
News 19 will be posting more candidate Q&As for mayoral races across the Tennessee Valley in the coming days. You can visit Your Local Election Headquarters to see Q&As with candidates in mayoral races in other cities.
The post Q&A with candidates in Decatur Mayor Race appeared first on WHNT.
