Staff Reports
Tyrani Braddock announced her intent to seek another term as a Ward 2 Alderman by filing for a place on the May ballot last week.
The deadline to file for a place on the ballot is 5 p.m. next Friday, February 12. Applications must be filed at City Hall, 102 N Polk St.
As of press time, only two individuals had filed – Braddock for Ward 2 and Jim Finstrom for Ward 1.
Finstrom is one of the current Ward 1 Aldermen.
An additional application has also been filed, but according to City Secretary Doris Hines, the application is incomplete. Hines has contacted the applicant and is awaiting additional information before completing the filing.
Braddock announced her candidacy on FaceBook on Tuesday with the following statement:
“Growing up, if you would have asked me if I would ever be in politics, I would have said No, that’s for old people!
Two years ago, I took a crazy step and threw myself into it. All in it at the age of 36! I had no clue how things worked, or what I may even be able to accomplish. I just wanted to speak up for those of us in the forgotten neighborhoods.
Here I am now 2 years later…I still have so much to learn! I’m excited about the new members we have gained and anxious to see what can be achieved under our newly elected Mayor. I don’t know all the fancy legal wording most of the time, but I do know I bring my whole heart to the table every meeting. I pray that I can be a stronger voice for my neighbors with each meeting that passes. I won’t make a promise that I can build more homes, or create more jobs, or lower taxes. I will continue tho, to ask questions and push for answers.
“A fellow citizen built new affordable duplexes in my ward and the roadway to the homes was/is a mess.
“They have asked over and over for help due to it ruining their cars and all they got was more crushed rock and a slushy mess after the rain. I started asking questions about our street budget, we were put off! I asked more questions, we were asked to turn in a list of streets for consideration. Then We were asked to vote on the final list, I said No not until I see the list first. What streets did everyone else pick? Who put these streets on there and considered it “finale?” I wanted to know if at least one of the streets from our ward was on it! Come springish time, they will have new asphalt in front of those new homes. It’s a little accomplishment, but so important to those that live there. When Mobile Covid Shots were announced, I made calls and got information out to my neighbors the best I could. I’m thankful that a handful of them were able to receive their shot if they wanted it.
“So I have nothing fancy to offer but my self. I’m asking for you to allow me to continue to represent you by casting your votes in the upcoming City Council Elections for Ward 2. Let’s see what we can accomplish in the next 2 years.