As an Albertville resident stepping into the voting booth on Tuesday, November 4th, you will note instructions on the ballot to vote for “up to two” candidates for city council. As it turns out, there will be only one name printed on the ballot. I am asking voters to consider writing in my name, Walter Hudson, as the second candidate for city council.
Living near Winter Park with my wife and two young sons, ages 5 and 1, I care about maintaining the quality of life which attracts young families to Albertville. Our growing community needs to scale essential services like law enforcement, fire protection, and public works to accommodate developing needs. We must do so without increasing the levy burden upon property owners.
Much of the policy which affects municipalities is drafted by the state legislature. When facing issues like the unequal funding of the St. Michael – Albertville school district, local officials operate at the mercy of state lawmakers. Over the past few years, I have developed strong relationships with many of our state leaders and would be well equipped to advocate for our community as a council member.
Albertville residents will see me canvassing their neighborhood between now and Election Day, but need not wait to learn more about my candidacy. Visit votewalterhudson.com for campaign and contact information.
analyticgamer says
What is your plan to attract new businesses to Albertville? Until lately, there have been many vacant buildings from businesses that have gone out of business. When people exit to go to the mall, they’re hit with that. I feel like there’s a lot of things going on that’s preventing some businesses going in.
I think I read something somewhere that a tattoo parlor was denied because of the clientele it would attract. If you think about that, and look down main street, right by city hall, that’s a hypocritical thing to say. Shouldn’t there be a focus on making main street look/feel like a family place? The bars are great businesses, perhaps the city can work with them to finish some outside updates. I think there’s a lot of great things happening, so don’t get me wrong, the farmers market is great, live music on Thursdays, the STMA United building on main helping with the kids in the community, some new businesses and some Albertville mainstays. The mall is the bread and butter, but there are other areas in town that seem to be neglected.
Thanks!
walterhudson says
Thanks for your question.
Business comes up against enough barriers imposed by higher levels of government. As a member of the city council, I can advocate for a more welcoming statewide business environment utilizing my relationships with legislators. From the council itself, I will strive to enable business by getting out of its way.
There’s something disquieting about neighbors approaching a local body like the city council or county board, proverbial hat in hand, asking for permission to use their own property. I will default toward granting permits, variances, licenses, and such to enable business owners to pursue their vision.