Jones, Menefee best choices for Opelika Wards 1, 2

Editorial
Published: August 21, 2008

Ward 1

For 13 years, Patsy Jones has been a dissenting voice on the Opelika City Council, and with Harris leaving office, it’s important we have someone on the council that is willing to take a stand and ask questions. Jones’ presence on the council has always given it a good sense of checks and balances. When questions are to be raised on decisions affecting the citizens of Opelika, Jones historically does her best to make sure due process is followed.

Of the two candidates (she is opposed by Greg Jones), she brings experience and knowledge of how the city works and offers a willingness to speak her mind, regardless of the opposition. Her opponent failed to offer any compelling reason why she should lose her position and he should gain it.

Also, Jones’ thoughts on open government should go a long way with the citizens who fund the government salaries.
Jones’ Ward 1 constituents offered her a variety of concerns, including public safety. Jones, who wants to re-establish ward meetings, said she wants to increase the presence of police in the ward in an effort to stem potential crime.

Though Jones is excited about Opelika’s growth and increased employment opportunities, she doesn’t feel that her constituents are qualifying for the high-paying jobs headed to Opelika and is looking for means to help their employment situations.

Jones says “education is the key.”

We applaud Jones’ energy and willingness to ask questions when questions are needed. That’s why Ward 1 needs Patsy Jones for another four years.

Ward 2

When councilman Clarence Harris announced this summer he would not seek re-election, it created a hole in Opelika’s Ward 2. Harris’ seat will be filled by a new council member faced with a number of challenges, including developing Opelika’s workforce, continuing beautification in the community and improving education.

Larry Gray and Jerry Katz are two fine candidates who truly love Opelika and would do a good job for the city, but the best choice for Ward 2 is Arturo Menefee.

Menefee’s specialty is economic and community development, two issues of dire importance. His experience with grant writing and seeking state-funded local grants would do the city a world of good. Menefee received his master’s degree in public administration and a doctorate of philosophy in public policy. Now he wants to focus these qualifications for the betterment of Opelika.

Menefee, a leadership development specialist who is a member of the Alabama City/County Management Association and the Economic Development Association of Alabama, accepts the challenges city government has to offer. He has a number of initiatives: education, community beautification, employment and citizen involvement.

His proactive thinking is exactly what Ward 2 needs.