Meet your candidates: District 1 city council election
To check on your voter registration information or to confirm your polling place, visit alabamavotes.gov. If you are not registered to vote, you have until Aug. 8 to do so.
LASHUNDA SCALES (I)
► Neighborhood: A Birmingham native, Scaleslives in Huffman.
► Education: Jefferson State Community College (applied science degree); Leadership Birmingham (2016 graduate); Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government (executive education classes).
► Profession: Public relations, marketing
► QUALIFICATIONS: “I have a proven track record of bringing home results on behalf of District 1 residents. I know the duties and responsibilities of a city council member by law, and I make that knowledge work in the citizens’ best interest. I truly understand what it means to be a public servant... Most of all, my character is reflected in my work. I am easily accessible, dependable and courageous.”
► Accomplishments in current term: Among others, she cites funding for paving and other projects and sponsoring a social media ordinance to provide citizens with access to public information.
► Issues or concerns for district or city: Education, crime, poverty, population decline and restoring longevity wages for city workers
► WEB: facebook.com/lashundascalessheworks
SHERMAN COLLINS
► Neighborhood: A Birmingham native, Collins lives in Echo Highlands.
► Education: Samford University (B.S. in business administration)
► Profession: Owns an insurance and property management company, serves as Birmingham Board of Education vice president.
► Qualifications: “I’m a servant-leader and will work with the mayor and the entire council to get things done for the people I am representing.”
► How do you distinguish yourself from the incumbent? “(She’s) had eight years to deliver for the citizens. All we’ve heard and seen is public disrespect for the mayor and the office, parties and excuses.”
► Issues for the district or city: Collins cites economic development, education and crime. “I think some (crime) will be fixed if we can get the economic piece going and education continues to improve. I want see a more active role from the faith-based community on this issue.”
► WEB: shermancollins.com or @voteshermancollinsjr.