(MOBILE, Ala.) July 21 - It's official. Mobile Mayor Sam Jones will run unopposed next month in the municipal elections. Mobile County Commissioner Stephen Nodine announced Tuesday morning that he will not challenge Jones. Much has been accomplished under Jones' administration. The city's expanded in two separate annexation votes and been mentioned in national publications for its economic prosperity. Tuesday, we asked Jones what his future plans are for the city.
When asked what could be improved in city's future - Mobile Mayor Sam Jones' first response was expansion. But in what direction, Jones wouldn't say.
"We're not prepared to talk about that. When the time comes we'll talk about it," said Jones.
The city's already absorbed Theodore and the businesses along Schillinger Road. In Jones' next term, the city could try to land the Moffett Road area that voted annexation down last year. This is what the mayor had to say about his plans for that area last October.
"I am confident that eventually they'll be apart of the city of Mobile," said Jones.
While some still aren't sure if they want to be absorbed in the city, others like Kim Walker say annexation could benefit schools in the long-run.
"If he brings in business that brings in revenue which in turns brings in better things for the school system, and I think schools should be one the mayor's focuses because without education we can't get jobs," said Walker.
Walker's not the only Mobile resident who wants the mayor to put more focus on education. Ester Deaguiar says it should be Jones' top priority.
"Education's always been on the back burner. We need to bring it to front burner," said Deaguiar.
Jones didn't bring up education Tuesday when asked about what his focus on the future will be, but second on his list is public safety.
"We're already planning to open another fire station and police precinct in the Theodore area. We have one in construction on Airport Boulevard," said Jones.
Last year the city conducted four community meetings. In total, 1,500 people showed up to give their opinions about where the city could improve. The top four responses were: creating jobs, improvements to public safety, better parks, removing blight.
