By Trent Moore

Staff Writer

Cullman mayoral candidate Max Townson said it is his experience as a businessman that makes him qualified for the office of mayor.

“I’ll make sure the city government is running as efficiently as possible,” he said. “I’ll take a businessman’s approach, because that’s where I come from. I’ll be promoting Cullman, because when you have assets, you promote them — and we have assets.”

On the issue of potentially raising the boat motor limit from 15 horsepower to 25 horsepower on Lake Catoma, Townson said the limit should remain at 15 for the time being.

“At the present time, Lake Catoma is our only water source,” he said. “When they first started talking about motor size it made sense, then I found out they were talking about tournaments with 40 or 50 boats — I’m against that. If we had another water source, then things may be different, but for now we should leave the ordinance as it is.”

In regards to procuring an alternate water source for the city, Townson said he fully supports the Duck River Dam project.

“My understanding is, we already have the permit and now we’re just waiting on the judge to give us the go-ahead,” he said. “I don’t believe the city of Cullman, or the county, can take this project on alone. This project must be a concerted effort.”

Townson also noted all options should be considered.

“We don’t need to totally turn our heads on the Tennessee River,” he said. “We should leave all available options on the table.”

When asked his opinion on projects taken on by the previous administration — such as the Festhalle Market Platz, Field of Miracles, Wellness & Aquatic Center and the new police station — Townson said he believes the previous mayor and council did what they thought was best for the city.

“I believe from Colonel Cullman, up to the present administration, have done what they thought was right,” he said. “I think any mayor or elected official has to take what has been left with them and make sure it succeeds.”

Townson added that he believes the Wellness & Aquatic Center should be an asset for the local economy.

“I’ve already been told we will have the state swim meet here, with 1,200 swimmers and their families and parents,” he said. “It could be an economic stimulus for the community. ... It’s already built, so lets make sure it’s used properly.”

He also noted he may consider changing the operation hours of the Festhalle Market Platz.

“I’ll look at maybe opening Festhalle five days a week during the growing season,” he said. “If that doesn’t work well, we can always change it back.”

When asked if he supports the current comprehensive plan being assembled by the city planner’s office, Townson said he believes the downtown area should be studied.

“I think a comprehensive plan should be studied,” he said. “I’ll never do anything to destroy the heritage, beauty and integrity of our downtown. Downtown is still the center of commerce, and I’d prefer to keep it that way.”

On the topic of the half-cent education sales tax passed by the previous administration, Townson said he fully supports the council’s decision to pass the tax.

“I would never repeal it,” he said. “I’m a firm believer that education is one of the greatest things we can do to continue to ensure our freedom. ... The half-cent sales tax has helped our school system be one of the best in the state, and I’d like to see that success continue.”

Townson also noted the city school system can be an asset when recruiting industry and businesses to the area.

“When someone comes to relocate in the city, they always ask about the school system,” he said.

In response to the recent police pay study, which revealed the Cullman Police Department has a lower base salary than comparable police departments, Townson said he will look at the payscale of all city employees, if he is elected mayor.

“I think every department is important, and I don’t think we can say we’ll give a raise to one department and not include all city employees,” he said. “If the budget will allow, we’ll definitely look at the possibility of giving cost of living raises. ... We can’t do without police, fire, or sanitation — we’ve got to have them all.”

When asked if he plans to make any changes to current city government departments, Townson said the state of the economy would have to be assessed before any specific decisions could be made.

“I’ve spoken with the department heads and I’ve heard some of them need more help,” he said. “I don’t think we can make any assumptions until we see what the economic times look like. If there’s a turndown, that affects revenue for the city government.”

On the topic of continued economic growth, Townson said he fully supports the work being done by the Economic Development Agency and Industrial Development Board.

“One thing I’m proud of is the Economic Development Agency and Industrial Development Board,” he said. “They’ve done an outstanding job in recruiting new industry. I’ll work with them in every possible way I can to continue to bring employment opportunities to the people of Cullman.”

Townson also noted that good paying jobs are very important for the people of Cullman.

“The Declaration of Independence assures us life, liberty and the pursuit if happiness,” he said. “You can’t pursue happiness without a good paying job, and some of the basic things that makes people happy are food, water and shelter. For those things, you need a good paying job.”

When asked his thoughts on a referendum to hold a vote on a wet/dry alcohol vote, Townson said he believes Cullman has done very well as a dry city.

“I personally think the people have spoken on this issue,” he said. “It was defeated four years ago by an almost 2-1 margin. In the past 60 years, Cullman has prospered without alcohol sales. But, the people, of course, do have the right to petition for a vote.”

If there was a petition for a wet/dry vote, Townson said he would wait until the situation arose to decide whether or not to draft a preliminary ordinance before the vote, so citizens would know the specifics before going to the polls.

“We’d just handle it at that time,” he said.

Townson also noted that he believes there is a bigger issue in Cullman than the wet/dry issue: The drug problem.

“We have bigger problems, and that is meth,” he said. “That’s my bigger concern and I support the drug task force as they handle the tremendous problem with meth. This is a problem we can’t let take over our community.”

If elected mayor, Townson said he would always have an open door policy for the people of Cullman.

“The mayor should have an open line of communication, because it builds trust and respect, which leads to teamwork,” he said. “My slogan is ‘Together We’ll Take Cullman to the Max.’ The keyword in that is together.”

‰ Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.