Spiro Cheriogotis, the former Mobile County district judge who resigned to run for Mobile's mayor, says he wants to build upon the great strides made by Mayor Sandy Stimpson.
When he learned Stimpson was retiring, Cheriogotis said he was concerned about who would step up for the crucial position. After considering a run himself, Cheriogotis decided to give up his judicial retirement to try for a job with more hours and less pay.
"I find the greatest joy in my life helping people make life changes that lead to a better life for them and the people around them," Cheriogotis told 1819 News. "And that's been the greatest joy of being a judge, is being able to do that. But it was a long process of praying on it, a lot of quiet time, and a lot of discussions with my family and trusted advisors."
As a mayor, Cheriogotis believes he can do more as mayor.
"As a mayor, you know, frankly, you've got a much larger toolbox," he explained. "You know, you have a lot more funding at your disposal to pursue positive programs to give more children opportunities to succeed, to help people who are, you know, in the throes of addiction seek rehabilitation and treatment. I just think as a mayor, your purview is so much wider than just the people who appear in your courtroom."
Cheriogotis previously made headlines for criticizing Stimpson and former police chief Paul Prine on police policy after a press conference where City officials blamed a backlog in the court on rising crime. He said blaming judges for crime was "childish."
However, he said a productive disagreement led to constructive discourse.
"If you look back at it, I made one statement, and that was in response to some criticism of the courts," Cheriogotis explained. "And even in that statement, I said and I still do support him. I've always been a supporter of his. I just disagreed strongly with the statement they had made back then."
"Since that time, really with his leadership, I think we all realize that our goal is a safer and more prosperous community," he added.
The mayoral candidate said he has continued those discussions and meetings with Stimpson and other public safety officials.
During the Stimpson administration, the creation of the LGBTQ liaison position was controversial. Stimpson eventually discontinued it after it caused a "rift" in the community. Stimpson said the position was discontinued after community members voiced concerns about the lack of liaisons for other groups in the community.
Cheriogotis said he agrees that all citizens should get equal representation from their government.
"In the end, I think that we will move further forward as a country, as a nation, as a city, if we, frankly, discontinue applying these labels on one another to separate each other and start looking at each other as people, as citizens," he said.
With public safety as a top priority, Cheriogotis said his experience as a judge would benefit the city's administration.
"While crime has decreased in our area, it's certainly not low enough for my liking. So continuing to combat violent crime is hugely important. I think we can build the nicest arena and hotels and downtown area that we can, but in the end, if people don't feel safe using them, then it's all for naught. So I think public safety is going to be my primary focus always. I think it's paramount."
Other priorities for Cheriogotis would be workforce development and transportation.
Cheriogotis said he isn't going to compare himself to other potential candidates but is confident he would be a good leader. He vowed transparency.
"I think that people need to trust their leaders," Cheriogotis said. "I'm not saying I want blind trust. I want them to be able to trust me because they know that I'm going to give them the truth even when it's a hard truth. I appreciate the truth even when I don't like what it is."
"As a judge, that's what you're always seeking is the truth," he continued. "I think that even if it's a hard truth, sharing it and discussing it leads to progress a lot faster and with a lot more cooperation, even if people don't really like it. I think transparency and honesty and truth are crucial for a good leader."
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.
