From time to time I’m asked, “what do you think has been the greatest accomplishment over the past 20 years?” The answer is easy. In a time when faith in government is at an all-time low, we have continued to provide Tuscaloosa with something to believe in.
Believing that every four-year old deserves an opportunity for high quality pre-k.
Believing that students at Central, Bryant and Northridge deserve a pathway to begin their college or career before graduation through dual enrollment scholarships.
Believing that the mayor and council can work together to elevate our entire community while transforming our roads to meet the demands of a growing city.
Believing that we can serve our citizens with respect, dignity and elite customer service through Tuscaloosa 311.
Believing that even when 13 percent of our city was destroyed on April 27, 2011, that we could meet the worst of Mother Nature with the best of humanity.
Providing Tuscaloosa with something to believe in is because of the work of so many, but over the next four years, our resolve will be tested.
Our city and school system are losing millions annually due to Alabama’s internet sales tax law known as SSUT.
Compounding this, the City will soon begin a quarter of a billion-dollar investment for our firefighters and police officers, so they have a retirement that reflects their courage and dedication to all of us.
Here is the good news: We have met every challenge, and we will do so again.
Our strategy? Tuscaloosa First.
For decades, the city has been required to invest beyond our political boundaries. The commitment was required because the region needed our leadership. More importantly, it required our resources.
This investment has come at a significant cost to our constituents and our employees, and it is no longer sustainable, especially when SSUT is redistributing millions of sales tax dollars that are generated here in Tuscaloosa.
Being Tuscaloosa First will mean replicating successful models such as Metro Violent Crime Unit, mutual aid agreements for times of emergencies, and TCRIC. These partnerships, along with several others, are working and should be the standard moving forward.
Being Tuscaloosa First will mean completing major initiatives such as Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard, University Boulevard Corridor (Alberta), Northern Riverwalk, Bowers Park, Encore and the Saban Center while pausing others until SSUT is fixed.
This pause will ensure that we continue to keep our neighborhoods safe, our education initiatives in place, our infrastructure strong, our garbage picked up, our financial management elite and our quality of life high.
Tuscaloosa First will mean a double down on accountability to ensure that every employee’s paycheck is earned, and every dollar is spent wisely. This includes funding to dozens of agencies that receive eight percent of the city’s annual budget.
Tuscaloosa First will mean that when we invest in agencies and projects, we will do so with the expectation that the burden is shared and the return for the city’s taxpayers is clear.
Tuscaloosa First will mean customer first. From a citizen paying a water bill to working with existing businesses, our pace will reflect a commitment to results.
Tuscaloosa First is about being Tuscaloosa strong, and with our strength, the region benefits; however, if the city is weak, our entire community is diminished.
The next four years will be difficult because the challenges on the horizon are complex and rapidly advancing. Meeting this moment is not the responsibilities of others – It belongs to the 16 of us who just swore an oath to this city.
I believe that we are the fortunate ones, but the path we choose must not be one of conveniences. That path is well traveled and is littered with “those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat.”
Tuscaloosa deserves more, and we must lead with boldness and conviction. If we choose that path, we will continue to provide something that all of Tuscaloosa can believe in.
May God bless each of you, and may God continue to bless the City of Tuscaloosa.