"I want to finish what we've started with a lot of projects that have to be done."
That's why Orange Beach Mayor Tony Kennon is running for mayor for a fifth term. While he is running for the city's top position, he said all of his successes are group efforts, alongside the city council.
Some of those accomplishments include creating a city school system and the Expect Excellence after-school program, expanding the rec program, building an event center and a fitness center and buying a city beach for residents. When you ask Kennon about these efforts and unprecedented growth, he takes the "we" stance instead of taking credit himself.
"We've tried very hard to manage growth and be fair about it, allowing those who have a right to build but not to exceed that right by allowing them a greater zoning opportunity to increase density while at the same time doing everything we could do to maintain the sanctity of our community and neighborhoods," he said.
Kennon said if a better candidate enters the race, he will vote for them. However, he said when the culture of Orange Beach is being challenged, he will stand firm.
"There's a lot of pressure from the outside wanting to change who we are," Kennon said. "They are trying to dictate in some fashion how we function as a community and we need someone strong enough to stand up to that."
Those pressures, Kennon said, have come from federal agencies trying to force DEI and transgender ideals on the city by withholding grants and funding if they do not go along with those policies. He is hopeful that with the Donald Trump administration, federal monies will not come with strings attached that go against the community's values.
If he is re-elected, Kennon has big plans for Orange Beach. Among the ideas are building an event center and a new bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). He said city leaders must continue to manage growth and protect residents' quality of life.
"However, considering all the accomplishments, all the great amenities for our residents and visitors, which is all well and good, the bottom line is our protection of our quality of life, our sense of community, the sanctity of our neighborhoods," said Kennon. "If our city is not sparkling clean, if we do not feel safe and protected, then we have not done our jobs."
After 17 years of public service, Kennon said he has made relationships at the county, state and federal level that will help bring Orange Beach into the future.
"You just don't walk into town and have those relationships," said Kennon. "They really do matter. I mean, going all the way back to the banking crisis and the oil field, when in crises, you make great relationships, long-term, lifelong relationships and I still rely on those today."
Kennon said he doesn't have to be mayor but wants to be mayor as long as citizens want him to be.
"I really have no higher political aspirations and I really don't care who I make mad," he said of his performance as mayor. "But number one, I'm going to stand up to protect the city of Orange Beach, because that's who I was elected to represent, nobody else."
"I will do everything I can do to get along with everybody, but I will not compromise my position when it comes to our city," he said.
The municipal election will be held on August 26.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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