Latest news with #AnnistonCityCouncil
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
John Squires announces bid for Anniston Ward 1 Council seat
ANNISTON — John Burton Squires is entering the race for the Ward 1 seat on the Anniston City Council in the upcoming August election. The 53-year-old Squires, a military veteran and hiring manager at On Time Staffing, will face incumbent Lewis Downing and Ben New. Originally from Illinois, Squires said his career has taken him across the globe. 'When I lived in Illinois, I went into the military,' he said. 'Eventually moved down to Texas, where I spent 20 years before I went around the world while I was in the military.' After his service, he moved to Dallas and later relocated to Anniston in 2019 through a job transfer with Honeywell. His educational background includes a paralegal degree from El Centro College in Dallas and a political science degree from Jacksonville State University. Though he has never held elected office, Squires said his work and life experiences have prepared him to serve. He said Anniston's leadership has had time to deliver results in the last five years, adding: 'Some things have gotten done and some things have not.' He said he wants to help ensure Anniston residents can find empl;oyument. 'Our town actually has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state,' he said. 'I want to change that.' He said he's committed to working with local K-12 schools to boost educational attainment and said he would be a 'champion' for students. Squires called the city's trash problem 'a multi fold problem.' He said some residents struggle to pay their garbage bill, especially those on fixed incomes. 'We're not hearing solutions,' he said. He floated the idea of using community service programs and drawing on an Oxford-style model where residents receive free trash pickup. Jobs, Squires said, are at the heart of his platform. 'What the city needs first is jobs,' he said. He expressed strong support for small businesses and said he hopes to connect them with veterans, disabled individuals and those seeking second chances. 'Some of the best workers I've met are people who have had a problem,' he said. 'They're trying to do it better. Why don't we encourage them?' Squires said city leadership should be transparent and accessible. 'I totally believe in it,' he said. 'If you see me walking my dog, I want you to be able to come up and say, 'Hey, Councilman Squires — call me John.'' He also spoke about supporting veterans more effectively. 'We need to help our veterans. We need to help them get their benefits,' Squires said, proposing better staffing of veteran service offices, including the use of volunteers. Squires said he believes in second chances for residents who have faced hardships. 'People make mistakes,' he said. 'There are federal grant programs that help hire people with second chances.' He noted that many companies he's working to bring into the area are supportive of that mission. Outside of his professional and civic ambitions, Squires has also engaged with local students. For the past two years, he has organized a reading contest for area elementary school children and said he plans to launch a writing contest next year for older students.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ciara Smith appointed mayor of Anniston following Draper resignation
ANNISTON, Ala. (WIAT) — Anniston Vice Mayor Ciara Smith was appointed mayor Friday following the resignation of Jack Draper. Draper announced his intention to resign earlier this week, citing a need to 'focus on my family, health and career.' In a statement released Friday morning, the Anniston City Council thanked Draper for his 'integrity, vision, and steady guidance he provided throughout his tenure.' The council's full statement can be read below. When a mayoral vacancy exists in Anniston, the vice mayor immediately assumes the office. Smith was unanimously appointed to the position of vice mayor in 2020 after being elected Councilmember of the 3rd Ward. She was 21 at the time. Smith will take office immediately. Full statement from the Anniston City Council: 'The Mayor of the City of Anniston, Jack Draper, submitted his resignation to the City Clerk effective today, May 2, 2025. The City of Anniston, its elected officials, employees, and citizens extend their sincere gratitude to Mayor Draper for his years of dedicated service and leadership. His commitment to the City has left a lasting impact, and we thank him for the integrity, vision, and steady guidance he provided throughout his tenure. We wish Mayor Draper all the best in his future endeavors and continued good health. 'In accordance with Article III of Act No. 404, S.430, Regular Session 1953, when a vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the Assistant Mayor (Vice Mayor) shall assume and hold the office of Mayor until the next Council takes office. As such, Vice Mayor Ciara Smith (ccsmith@ who was unanimously appointed to the position by the Anniston City Council on November 3, 2020, will now assume the office of Mayor, effective immediately. 'As a result of this transition, the council seat for Ward 3 has become vacant and may be filled by the Council, as provided by Ala. Code § 45-8A-23.060. 'The City of Anniston will begin accepting resumes for the Ward 3 vacancy on Monday, May 5, 2025. All resumes should be hand-delivered to the City Manager's Office (1129 Noble Street, Anniston, AL 36201) or sent via email to citymanager@ by Monday, May 12th at 4:00 PM. 'Interviews for eligible applicants will be conducted on Thursday, May 15th at 6:00 PM at the Anniston City Meeting Center (1615 Noble St, Anniston, AL 36201). 'The City is committed to a smooth leadership transition and to maintaining exemplary service to the residents of Anniston. 'Together, we will continue moving Anniston forward.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
RMC honors longtime chaplain with chapel dedication
ANNISTON — About 70 of Regional Medical Center's staff members, volunteers, board members and visitors gathered in the hospital's main lobby to honor longtime Chaplain Jim Wilson, who has led the hospital's faith-based program for 26 years. Although Wilson, an octogenarian, was unable to attend due to illness, he watched the celebration of his service to the hospital from his home. His wife, Carol, and members of his family were present in his place. The hospital board announced that the upcoming chapel will be named in his honor, recognizing his decades of spiritual care and leadership. 'Chaplain Wilson means the world to not just our patients and families, but also our staff members who go through so much on a daily basis,' Kristen Fillingim, director of marketing and public relations, said after the celebration. 'We really wanted to be able to honor him while he's still with us and create a new space that people can come to and find peace, love and comfort in their hardest days.' Fillingim noted that Wilson's early vision for a chaplaincy program has since grown, drawing numerous volunteers dedicated to supporting patients and staff alike. Board Chairman Bud Owsley opened the event with a tribute, calling Wilson 'a true servant leader.' Quoting the Bible, Owsley said, 'Greater love hath no man than to lay down his life for his friends.' 'For the past 26 years, our Chaplain Jim Wilson has given himself to his friends,' Owsley added. 'We are a better hospital system and a better community because of Jim Wilson.' The Anniston City Council has honored Wilson with an official proclamation recognizing decades of service in ministry, counseling and chaplaincy. Councilman Lewis Downing presented the proclamation highlighting Wilson's dedication to faith and community. 'I think everyone here has been inspired by Chaplain Wilson at some time,' Downing said. Born in Calhoun County and educated through the Jacksonville schools, Wilson earned multiple graduate degrees from institutions including Southwestern Seminary, Chapman University and New Orleans Baptist Seminary. He also served 22 years as a U.S. Navy chaplain, retiring as a commander. After his military service, Wilson continued as a hospital chaplain for five years in Pensacola, Fla., before joining RMC. He developed a unique chaplaincy program relying, through the years, on hundreds of trained volunteers. Despite being the sole employed chaplain, Wilson led efforts that flourished under his guidance. He was instrumental in founding the Steel Magnolias breast cancer support program and the Northeast Alabama Crisis Response Team. He also supported a wide array of community-based support groups for grief, mental health, cancer, dementia and more. A licensed professional counselor, Wilson has pastored four churches and served as interim pastor 11 times. Wilson's wife Carol, who thanked everyone for honoring her husband. Lagina Fillingim, the executive director of the RMC Foundation, asked several hospital officials to unveil a framed plaque honoring Wilson, which is similar to a plaque that will be placed in the hospital when renovations are complete. She then encouraged others present to donate to RMC's chaplain's fund, which Wilson often did from his own pocket. 'When people say, 'Can I pray for you,'' she said. 'With Chaplain Wilson, it's not like he's just saying that or he prays just then, he carries that prayer on his heart and on his shoulders.'
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Anniston City Council approves measures to help development, prepares for new City Hall dedication
The Anniston City Council took steps Tuesday night to advance city development, approving demolition contracts for substandard properties, greenlighting a new restaurant's liquor license and finalizing plans for the long-awaited dedication of the newly renovated City Hall. Among the approved items was a motion to proceed with the demolition of 10 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) substandard structures. The contract was awarded as follows: — McMichael Waste – one property for $13,337.50 —Emtek – eight properties for $43,600.00 — T&D Stump Grinding – one property for $5,000.00 — Total contract amount: $61,937.50 Additionally, the council approved a motion to waive the fee for the Anniston Meeting Center to accommodate an employee breakfast for the Calhoun County Commission on May 14 from 8 to 10 a.m. A restaurant retail liquor license was also approved for Cancun Cantina and Grill LLC, located at 3337 Henry Road. The restaurant's owner, Michael Peralta, announced that the establishment, specializing in authentic Mexican cuisine, aims to open within three weeks. 'Since it will be called Cancun, it's more tropical. The inside is going to be a bit different,' Peralta said. 'We're trying to bring something new to Anniston, offering more seafood dishes, including our special seafood molcajete. We're very excited and hope everyone likes it.' New City Hall dedication date set During the meeting, Councilman Lewis Downing reminded attendees that the next City Council meeting, scheduled for Feb. 18, will be held at the new Anniston City Hall. A news release from the city invites residents to attend the official dedication ceremony for the new Anniston City Hall on Feb. 18 at 4:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers at 1129 Noble Street. The event celebrates a significant milestone in Anniston's history. Originally opened in 1906 as Anniston's federal courthouse and post office, the historic building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976. The city invested over $6 million in its transformation, led by contractor Bradshaw and Pitts. The newly modernized facility spans 34,000 square feet across three floors, housing city departments building inspections, finance, parks and recreation and public works offices. For more information about the dedication ceremony, contact Anniston City Hall at 256-236-3422 or visit
Yahoo
28-01-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ciara Smith updates local civic club on Anniston's progress
Reflecting on her time in office, Ciara Smith expressed deep gratitude for the experiences and relationships she has built during her time serving on the Anniston City Council. "I was a lot younger," Smith began. "I have grown so much in the last four and a half years with the experiences that I have, the relationships that I've built, places that I've been … I know I wouldn't have had those experiences before." Smith told members of the Anniston Kiwanis Club on Jan. 23 that her journey to the City Council began in south Anniston, where she was raised by her grandmother and introduced to faith and advocacy. "I used to attend Christian leadership conferences at 17th Street Baptist Church," the Ward 3 councilwoman said. "Had no idea what anyone was talking about, but obviously, at some point, I listened in some way because here I am today." Her personal challenges included a stint in foster care, where she moved between Anniston and Oxford city schools. She noted a stark difference between the quality of education she received in both systems. "I had access to MacBooks and modern technology in Oxford, and we were reading from 10-year-old textbooks in Anniston," Smith recalled. At 16, she began working with the city of Anniston's finance department and attending school board and City Council meetings, advocating for better resources in local schools. Smith continued her studies in political science at Spelman College, where she interned for former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and Rep. Hank Johnson, D-Ga. Her experiences in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., exposed her to national policies on issues such as veterans' affairs and immigration, helping to shape her political outlook. At age 19, Smith attended the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, D.C., where she was able to speak before a panel of lawmakers. Since serving on the City Council, Smith has overseen progress in Anniston. She highlighted the city's budget increase from $43 million to $51 million, driven by a $4.1 billion sales tax increase. This surge in revenue has been reinvested into infrastructure and development. "We've invested over $6 million into our city's infrastructure, and 15 of those projects are focused on making neighborhoods safer," she said. Smith also emphasized the importance of attracting businesses to the area, citing the arrival of Starbucks as a symbol of the city's improving economic climate. "We're not in competition," she explained. "We're creating our own insurance for growth." The councilwoman further noted the expansion of housing projects, including the development of 11 townhouses and the redevelopment of public housing, with an eye on creating spaces that promote positive community outcomes. One of Smith's priorities has been addressing healthcare disparities in Anniston. She advocated for a new clinic and learning center in the Glen Addie area, aimed at providing better healthcare access to underserved populations. "There are so many health disparities in the city, and a lot of people don't understand that," she said. "It was important for me that people have access to take better care of themselves."
