2006 State of the City Address
Apr 13th, 2006
Mayor Sam JonesWith protocol already established in recognition of our head table, I take this opportunity to salute you, the exceptional citizens and friends of Mobile - a magnificent city sitting on the dock of the bay - poised to take its rightful place as a metropolis of opportunities;
I find myself with deep emotions - having stood here once as a Mobile County Commissioner and now - as Mayor - the chief ambassador of one of the state's most progressive and growing cities.
This is an awesome honor, one of tremendous blessings. Only in America can one be afforded such a profound opportunity.
Though I sat in the Mayor's seat of service, there is a group of committed change agents who join me in this endeavor to lead the city to a future filled with prosperity and the delivery of quality services to you - the citizens.
The citizens of Mobile, as well as this administration, are fortunate to have a group of men and women in such leadership roles - as Mobile erupts onto the global marketplace - competing for its rightful place alongside cities twice and three times its size.
Leadership is based on inspiration - not domination; on cooperation and an ability to see the whole city, not just a small sector. When this occurs, skillful leaders can seize the opportunity to affect positive change.
I see those qualities and more in our City Council, which is focused on the greater good for Mobile.
I'd like to take this opportunity and ask the Council - under the presidency of Reggie Copeland and the vice-presidency of Fred Richardson to stand. Please join me in applauding their efforts and leadership on behalf of the city.
Now, for a brief moment, I'd like to share the Good news and challenges facing Mobile.
I've come to realize that for us to accomplish great things, we must dream as well as act.
Mobile was built upon the principles and doctrines of a great melting pot of people who cared about the city's character and future direction.
That passion has not changed. Mobile still sits beautifully by the bay - with all her amenities - a deepwater port, great accessibility by land, water and rail and exceptional people whose special fingerprints are woven into the city's foundation.
We have dreamed of the day when our city's unique assets radiate as a beacon of opportunities to the rest of the state, the nation and the world.
Friends, our dreams have now come true. And the most rewarding part of the dream is that ordinary Mobilians have become stakeholders into the city's future.
Our window of opportunity for prosperity is NOW OPEN. The potential of our city and its citizens are getting national and international attention.
Citizens are no longer looking to government for all the solutions. Instead, they are partnering with government, lending their voices and abilities to make sure the city shines.
From the depth and commitment of countless citizens who are working with the Mobile Area Education Foundation to my administration's Transition Taskforce - citizens are affecting changes and offering their services in an unprecedented way.
Six months ago I sought volunteers to serve on 24 committees for this administration's Transition Taskforce.
We planted a tiny seed, but our expectations exceeded our wildest dreams, resulting in over 600 citizens volunteering to participate in the transition process.
As Margaret Mead once said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
The transition process saw the small grow into something big. That process is evidence that Mobilians deeply care about the direction city government is headed.
So much so, they are willing to give of themselves in the form of service and hard work - leaving the city a little bit better than they found it.
There is an increasing level of pride in our city that we must continue to build upon. I am thankful for the community spirit that dwells in the hearts of the people of Mobile.
It only confirms what I have known all along - our most valuable asset is our citizens. It is vital that we continue to provide opportunities that allow citizens to flourish and become successful in their endeavors.
The Transition Taskforce, made up of citizens from all walks of life, spent a tremendous amount of time producing their findings.
Today, I want you - as well as - them to know that I was listening and this report won't gather dust on some City Hall shelf.
This is what the administration has already done as it relates to the transition report.
You - the citizen - recommended a drainage and infrastructure plan based on need and not politics.
I heard your voice, so I've proposed a $26 million bond issue that will address some of the city's most pressing drainage and infrastructure needs. I am hopeful that in the near future the City Council will favorably approve this measure.
You ask for Clean City campaign. I heard you!
I am no different than you. I walk down the streets and see the litter tarnishing the city's image. I've encountered the trash delays.
For every problem there is a solution which is simple and will give the city a clean image.
I am announcing today that the city of Mobile will launch soon an aggressive campaign - putting needed dollars and additional staffers out on the street - because I am tired of litter.
Rest assured, we are going to send a strong message - through enforcement - that you don't throw litter and trash in your front yard - and you won't get away with throwing it in ours.
This administration is in the process of hiring six new trash crews. This is an effort to compliment what we already have in our neighborhoods. We want a more efficient and timely trash removal in the city of Mobile.
We've purchased 200 trash containers - which will be placed strategically throughout the city. They'll be marked and encourage citizens to use them.
Three new litter patrol officers will be brought aboard to work with other city departments - Keep Mobile Beautiful, Urban Development and the Police Department. This administration is serious about cleaning up Mobile.
You ask for more enforcement of Mobile's fire codes. We've heard you and implemented measures to enhance the fire inspection division.
You wanted better service from city employees. Realizing the value of our employees - the administration is going to implement "Customer Service" training for front line employees.
You suggested we implement the city's Main Street program in other areas - besides downtown. We've listened. While still retaining our commitment to downtown Mobile, we are going to extend this service to other parts of the city.
We have made and will continue to make tremendous progress in the area of quality of life, infrastructure, economic development, environmental management, public safety and other areas. All of this is done to benefit your lives and the overall welfare of the city.
We have not solved all of our challenges, but I am confident that we - as a city - have what it takes to succeed.
One of our strengths is our ability to come together and work as a team to address issues. I was never more proud of Mobile than the collective collaborations of many governments, businesses and citizens that led to the city being named as the site for EADS.
We are truly an international city - adorned with the ability to adjust and change in this technological age.
While sitting on a panel on globalization in Chicago with such honored participants as former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, the mayors of Miami, Toronto and other international dignitaries - it struck me that 300 years ago, the French and the Spaniards who founded Mobile saw her wealth of opportunities.
And today, they are back in Mobile. It is no accident that companies like EADS and EADS CASA - both based in Europe - see the unlimited resources of the Mobile area.
It is whether gratifying that Mobile is being looked upon as a city poised for globalization. However, there are some challenges that face us.
In order for Mobile to compete in the international arena and insure economic prosperity to all citizens - it is imperative that we address our workforce development issues.
Though I am proud of the accomplishments and our support of the education system - there is one reality facing us. With a changing workforce and an increased number of international companies moving into the area, there is a need for skilled workers.
We must re-orient our way of thinking. Everyone in our community is not headed for college. Instead many people are looking for vocational training in an industry specific area - that's the wave of the future.
We must address the areas of technical education, so we can provide the training necessary and meet the specific needs of industry.
It is imperative that our post-secondary and higher educational institutions be responsive to the community's workforce needs.
We are blessed with a great place to live, boundless potentials, talents and a tremendous amount of resources.
Opportunity is now a word that describes the new Mobile, confident in its future direction and the ability to find common ground in seeking solutions.
We can embrace the new Mobile with new ideas and aspirations - a testament to our ability to create a better tomorrow.
I encourage every citizen to find something you love or hope for about our city. In any case, stay busy doing something positive - because we are "Too Busy To Be Divided."