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February 7, 2010

Wayne Willingham to seek second term

By Benjamin Bullard The Cullman Times

CULLMAN — Incumbent republican county commissioner Wayne Willingham announced Saturday he will run for a second term.

Willingham, who represents the western half of the county on the commission’s place 2 seat, said he wants to continue the progress he feels the county has made on resolving the county’s water dilemma, and to remain in the fight as the county struggles with a number of difficult issues in the coming year and beyond.

“We are at a time when it’s more important than ever to spend our dollars wisely, and I look forward to continuing the work that’s been started,” said Willingham.

Securing a long-term water supply source is high on the list of potentially contentious issues facing the county in the months ahead. Willingham said he would work in concert with the city and other commissioners to find a solution to the ongoing debate over whether the county should enter into an agreement to draw water from the proposed Duck River reservoir, or seek to tap Smith Lake on its own.

“Water source is a main concern to many now, and rightly so,” said Willingham, adding that addressing the county’s long-term water needs will be a big financial obligation that requires careful consideration.

“Do we want to spend $63.2 million on a water source that will not take care of the problems in western and southern parts of Cullman County? Or do we spend $35 million for a treatment plant on Smith Lake that will take care of supply & quality issues for the citizens of Cullman County for years to come?” he said.

“Duck River was not a bad plan when it was first started, but with the population growth we have experienced, especially around Smith Lake, it has become outdated,” he said. “We are still trying to work with the city to come up with the best plan.”

Qualifying for statewide and local elected offices begins March 2 and ends April 2 at 5 p.m. The party primary elections will be held Tuesday, June 1. The general election is Tuesday, November 2.

Former associate commissioner Stanley Yarbrough is also contending for the republican nomination, as is Jerry Parker of Holly Pond. William “Willy” Hendrix of Good Hope and Hilton Angle of Spring Hill are seeking the democratic nomination.

The associate county commissioner position pays $40,000 per year.

Willingham, 46, owns Willingham’s General Store in West Point. He also works in the construction business and has served twice as mayor of West Point. He currently serves as second vice chair of the personnel board for the North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments (NARCOG).

He has been married to his wife Lisa for 25 years. They have two daughters.  He graduated from West Point High School and is National Incident Management System (NIMS)-certified, a certificate awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). He also is one of 78 county commissioners statewide who holds an advanced degree in county commissioner training.

Willingham touted his efforts during his current term in securing an array of grant-funded improvement projects countywide, and in his ongoing partnership with his fellow commissioners.

“Doug and I have worked hard to obtain the grants and make improvements to our county, but most importantly we have worked hard together,” he said. “I would like to be able to see these projects through, along with the completion of new projects that will soon be announced.”



* Benjamin Bullard can be reached by e-mail at bbullard@cullmantimes.com or by telephone at 734-2131 ext. 270.

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