PERKINS FOR MAYOR 2016 - Selma, AL

Greetings,
Twenty Thousand residents and I are citizens of one of the most fascinating cities on the planet, Selma, Alabama. So, what is so fascinating about little old Selma?

Selma is a place with a rich history.

April 1865, one of the last significant battles of the Civil War was fought right here in Selma. After the battle was over, only one city block remained. Immediately thereafter, slavery was brought to an end with President Abraham Lincoln signing the Emancipation Proclamation. In March 1965, exactly 100 years later, one of the most brutal attacks against peaceful marchers took place on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, which ultimately led to President Lyndon Johnson signing the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Two of the most significant events that secured the human and voting rights for ALL Americans occurred in Selma, Alabama. Good or bad, no other city can take claim to this rich and impactful history found in Selma.

Selma is respected all over the World.

This past March, over100,000 people visited Selma, while millions worldwide observed her via electronic media as we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday. Later in the year, we also celebrated the 150th Anniversary of Selma’s contribution to ending slavery in America and the signage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Included in the list of visitors to Selma were President Barack Obama and the entire First Family; immediate past president, George W. Bush, countless Presidential Cabinet members and members of Congress from both sides of the isle; and leaders from every continent across the free world.


Considering the amount of attention that was focused on Selma during this celebration, it was obvious that this moment had the potential to take our city to the next level. That did not happen. Nonetheless, the experience taught us that there are lots of people across the world that truly appreciate Selma and place high value on her contributions to freedom and democracy in the world.

The issue is this: SELMA IS READY TO SHINE.

For eight years, 2000–2008, James Perkins, Jr., a native Selmian served as mayor of Selma, and during that period, Selma progressed in ways it had never seen before.  The city of Selma saw improvements in the salaries of city employees, job availability, community pride, neighborhood cleanliness, and education.  Additionally, thePerkins administration was able to make these things happen without increasing sales and property taxes; and at the same time, reducing the city’s long term debt.

Selma's legacy is under attack.

Over the last seven to eight years, most of the gains made while James Perkins was in office have been lost, and the city is falling apart. Selma is in a major crisis. Our city’s long term debt has climbed from $7.7 million to $42 million dollars, as reported in the 2014 city audit report; an increase of 6 times in the past seven years, with virtually nothing to show for it. Our only mall is on the verge of closing, while retail businesses struggle to remain open. The community infrastructure continues to cave in at a fast pace as once peaceful neighborhoods are crumbling as a result of daily gunfire. Sadly, the pride and honor of being a Selmian is fading away and many people have lost hope.

Selma has what it takes to be GREAT.

In times like these, we need James Perkins’ leadership because he truly cares about the people of Selma, has demonstrated the ability to help our community recruit and grow businesses, and is capable of efficiently managing the day-to-day functions of city government. 


Therefore, the Committee to Elect James Perkins, Jr. as Mayor of the City of Selma, has decided to ask the millions of people who know and appreciate the Selma story to support the Perkins for Mayor Campaign as he looks to lead the people of Selma up and out of the current desperation they are feeling.

We ask that all residents and friends of Selma UNITE by contributing $7 (or more) to help MOVE SELMA FORWARD by RESTORING HER HONOR throughout the world.

Each one of your contributions will show your personal commitment to making Selma the city we all know it can be. We need your support.

To the citizens of Selma, do not be deceived by those who create confusion as a way of keeping things the same, let’s stay focused and do what is best for Selma by electing James Perkins, Jr. as our mayor.

Thank You!