DODGE CITY, Ala. – As the Aug. 25, 2020 Municipal Election approaches, The Tribune is holding Q&A sessions between candidates.
In Dodge City, J.V. Shelton and Kim Searcy, are challenging incumbent Councilman Ervin Chumley, who has served on the council for 24 years in place 5.
The Tribune made multiple attempts to contact Searcy for an interview to share her platform but never received a response.
Why did you choose to run in the 2020 election?
Chumley: “I’ve served 24 years already and I’d like to keep (serving), see if I can better the town and serve our people.”
Shelton: “I helped incorporate the town many years ago. Me and the first mayor (Perry Ray) incorporated Dodge City and I’ve never got into politics since that, and several people have got up and asked me to run so I decided, ‘What the heck, I’ll just run,’ and see how it works out.”
What would you like to do for Dodge City if re-elected/elected?
Chumley: “We built the town hall the first term I served in. I’ve enjoyed living here over 50 years and I’d like to serve another term.”
Shelton: “I’ll try to continue the growth we have with its present mayor and get more business in if we possibly can and just help the people that are here in any way we can.”
Are there any specific projects you’d like to work on if re-elected/elected?
Chumley: “Better roads.”
Shelton: “Just cleaning and bringing improvement to our roads, just helping people out with things like that.”
Why do you think the people of Dodge City should vote for you?
Chumley: “I’m friendly with everyone. Everyone gets along, almost like family. We work well together. We built the town a community center, we took a survey and the people wanted a brick building and they wanted a community center so we built a full basement which is the community center and the upstairs is the town hall.”
Shelton: “I’ve been a resident of Dodge City and owned several businesses, the 69 Quick Stop, Dodge City Barbecue, and I was involved with Dodge City’s fire department for several years and when I sold the restaurant I retired and that was in 2007. We have a lot of friends in Dodge City, lots and lots of friends.”
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