Mobile County Commissioner Connie Hudson wants to leave her post for Mobile's top spot.
Hudson decided to run for mayor, she said, due to a deep sense of obligation to the city she loves.
"I've lived in the City of Mobile for over 40 years," Hudson told 1819 News. "And the City has been good to me. I have been truly blessed. I've raised my family here. I have worked. I volunteered. I've served in public office and, you know, I feel a real deep sense of wanting to give back in any way that I can."
With Mayor Sandy Stimpson retiring from his position, Hudson believes her experience as a city councilor and a county commissioner makes her a unique candidate who would know exactly how to continue Stimpson's vision and forward movement.
"I think that my experience in city and county government makes me a unique candidate in that respect," she explained. "That wealth of knowledge and experience that I've had over the years, I think makes me ready to fill that role and to broaden my scope of responsibility to have more impact on the City."
Hudson believes public safety should be improved in Mobile and would fight to allocate resources to fighting crime.
"Whether it's technology, whether it's manpower, whether it's attacking the root cause of a lot of what we see in terms of youth crime, violence among young people, I think there are things that we can do," Hudson said. "There's not a silver bullet answer to that, but there are a lot of things that we can do to impact that I think will have a big impact on the crime statistics and helping to make the City of Mobile safer."
When it comes to citizens' concerns, Hudson vowed to always listen.
"That's part of what we do as government, as representatives of the people, is listen to the people," she said. "We may not necessarily agree with the information because maybe they don't have all the information to base their opinions on, but as government officials, I think it's important that we listen to everybody and everybody's opinion matters and we respect that."
Hudson said she wants to continue working on major capital projects and park improvements, such as the sportsplex, the soccer complex and the aquatic center.
The Connie Hudson Mobile Regional Senior Community Center was one of Hudson's most significant accomplishments as a city councilor. Although she was already a county commissioner by the time it was completed, the sitting city council still named the center after her because of all the work she put towards making it happen.
Other projects she has championed are the Medal of Honor Park, Medal of Honor Park upgrades, the Mobile County Bicentennial Pavilion within the Medal of Honor Park, the Semmes Senior Center, the Mobile County recycling drop-off center, the Semmes Fire Training Tower, the purchase of the Semmes Library, Tanner Williams Community Park improvements, the Escatawpa Hollow Park and Campground and Mental Health Court.
She has also focused on economic development initiatives to attract large companies such as Airbus, Austal, Walmart and Amazon.
"I have versatility, so I see a need, and I try to figure out a way to strategically address it and get as many people working with me collaboratively as I can," Hudson added. "I know how to get things done and make them successful."
The Interstate 10 Mobile River Bridge and the downtown international airport projects will also be priorities for Hudson.
On a personal note, Hudson said she wants her constituents to know she is one among them.
"What I strive for is for people to know that I will listen, that I'm approachable," Hudson said. "I work hard and I try to be fair at all times. You know, no one group gets treated one way and one another. You know, I treat everybody the same and I don't expect any more from anybody else."
"I'm willing to give myself, so I just want people to trust and I think the way to win trust is to be consistent and truthful," she continued.
"… I just want everybody to understand that my administration would listen to everybody and I want to have an attitude of inclusiveness and not reject anybody," Hudson added. "I want everybody to feel like they are a valued member of this community and that I care and I'm concerned about them and any opinions or ideas they have to offer, period."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning or become a member to gain access to exclusive content and 1819 News merch.
