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Keith O. Williams is running as a District 6 city council candidate, Birmingham
ByJHDaniel
While Birmingham’s other city council districts are gaining momentum in the way of candidates, one district has been a little lonely. Not anymore! A candidate has declared in District 6.
A Little Background
Keith O. Williams has declared his intent to run, and you can learn more about him via our interview below. I want to extend a big shout out to Grass Roots Coalition Birmingham for helping me update the candidate list. If you or your neighborhood organization has any questions or comments about these posts, please don’t hesitate to reach me via Facebook @bhamnow.
Things are starting to take off with the municipal elections! Keep up with our weekly interviews featuring all of the city council and mayoral candidates here at Bham Now.
Candidate Interview
When did you officially announce your candidacy and where/how did you do it?
“I officially announced my candidacy for city council on Friday, May 5, 2017 on Facebook and in person Sunday, May 7, 2017 at Deliverance Outreach Ministries in Birmingham. I made a big fuss about my candidacy on social media with a simple yet strong statement. Later, the pastor of the church allowed me to make the announcement to her members with boldness and conviction.”
What is the name of your principal campaign committee?
“The Committee to Elect Keith O. Williams for City Council.”
Why do you want to run for Birmingham City Council?
“I love my neighborhood and the people of District 6. I am tired of seeing them struggling and insecure. Their voices need to be heard, and their issues need to be addressed but they are not. I’ve had  enough of the excuses, the lies and secrets.”
More Questions And Answers
What is your background, education and experience?
“I am a 1992 graduate of A.H. Parker High School with studies at Alabama State University (business management), Liberty University (finance) and World Bible School (biblical studies). I also carry a web development certification from Alison, a post-secondary education institution via distance learning.
“This is my first political office that I am seeking. However, I have been involved in my church, was a volunteer for Junior Achievement and served the needs of the less fortunate while living in Richmond, Fredericksburg and Waverly, VA. I am a Sales Associate at Lowe’s, Associate Minister at True Light Missionary Baptist Church, a freelance web designer and published author.”
How will you foster a healthy, working relationship between the mayor’s office and the Birmingham City Council/city hall?
“First, I believe love has gone cold so much that disagreements among city members can turn violent, and that needs to stop. I understand we all won’t agree on everything, but adults should discuss and work things out professionally and maturely and stop acting like children with temper tantrums.
“Second, I must lead by example. I’m a firm believer that if you are calm in a heated situation, other people will tone down. It works in retail when a sales associate deals with customers, so why can’t it work in government? After all, the people of Birmingham are our customers. City leaders are customers within itself. If that means the mayor and the city council have to go to a third party to iron out personal differences, then so be it.”
How will you accomplish transparency with the residents of Birmingham, if elected?
“I believe you have to know what the people are going through in order to relate to them. Â My plan is to form a cooperation between myself, the neighborhood leaders and the citizens to open the lines of communication, identify issues and organize strategies. I will use this information to fight for the people in my district, despite opposition, criticism, kickbacks and anything that is not in the best interest of the people.”
What district are you running for and what area does that cover?
“I am running for Birmingham City Council District 6, which consist of: Arlington West End, Cooper Green Homes, Glen Iris (Also part of District 3), Graymont (Also part of  District 5), Mason  City, Loveman Village, North Titusville, Oakwood Place, Powderly (Also part of  District 7), Smithfield, South Titusville, West End Oark, Woodland Park.”
The Birmingham municipal elections are scheduled for August 22.
