District 2 city council candidate Deanna Reed: ‘Citizens will no longer tolerate anything but openness and honesty’
ByJHDaniel
Reading time: 4 minutes
If you’re looking for Birmingham municipal candidate interviews Bham Now is the place. Get out there and vote on August 22!
Deanna Reed marks our 29th interview with city council candidates. We’ve also interviewed six mayoral candidates. Links to all interviews can be found at the bottom of this post.
Communities And Neighborhoods In District 2
Your current councilor is Kim Rafferty. She is seeking re-election, and you can read her interview with Bham Now by clicking on her name above.
For more detailed information about your address and district boundaries, please check out this link to the City of Birmingham’s online mapping website.
Need some help navigating the map? Message me on the Bham Now Facebook page, (@bhamnow) and I will make sure you find your neighborhood and district.
Candidate Interview
When did you officially announce your candidacy and where/how did you do it?
“I announced my candidacy on Saturday, March 25 by visiting three different District 2 businesses: Diamond Cuts in Roebuck, Superior for Men in Crestwood and Joe and Debs in East Lake.
“Business development is one of my priorities, and local businesses are essential to our economy and growth. It was important to involve them in my campaign from the start.
“Residents were invited to stop by to meet me, learn more about my push for progress in District 2 and shop local, of course!”
What is the name of your principal campaign committee?
“Committee to Elect Deanna Dee Reed.”
Why do you want to run for Birmingham City Council?
“I am not running for the title; I am running for and with the people of Birmingham.
“Our mission is to create a change you can see. When I looked around my district, I began to think about what we can—and should be—as opposed to what we are now.
“I drove down Roebuck Parkway and saw all the ‘For Sale’ signs, passed through Crestwood Boulevard and saw deserted lots where families once lived, walked the streets of South Eastlake and passed by too many dilapidated homes and spoke to neighbors in Crestline who have grown tired of their concerns falling on deaf ears.
“Bringing positive change to these areas and all areas of District 2 is what inspires me every day.”
What is your background, education and experience?
“I grew up in East Lake in District 2, the daughter of the late Bishop Michael Reed (former pastor of Old Pentecost) and Barbara Reed. I attended Ramsay High School and graduated from Miles College with a bachelor’s in public relations and journalism.
“I have built my career in media, marketing and events. I was canvassing the Roebuck area one day and someone asked, ‘Are you a politician?’ My response was, ‘No, I’m just someone who loves this city and is dedicated to finding solutions to the issues and concerns of the residents in District 2.’
“Problem solving is something I’ve done throughout my life. After a tornado destroyed Center Point Elementary School in 2012, I led efforts to replace playground equipment lost in the storm.
“As Birmingham program coordinator for The Rickey Smiley Foundation, I empower young people through college-and-career-readiness programs. I am also organizing our annual back-to-school event, Birmingham Alive, which will bring more than 2,000 people together at Legion Field. I am an event manager for Bruno Event Team, which produces the Magic City Classic, as well as other major events.”
How will you foster a healthy, working relationship between the mayor’s office and the Birmingham City Council/city hall?
“I will foster a healthy working relationship with the mayor’s office and my peers on the city council by always being accessible, honest and fair. I will always make it clear that I serve at the will of the people, and I will never lose sight of that.”
How will you accomplish transparency with the residents of Birmingham, if elected?
“Our citizens will no longer tolerate anything but openness and honesty in their leaders.
“Propaganda and empty promises are on a timeout! Our citizens deserve leadership they can trust and believe in.”
LINKS TO OTHER CANDIDATE INTERVIEWS
District 1
District 2
Lawrence Conaway, Kimberly Jeanty, Stephen L. Murphy, Kim Rafferty (incumbent), Jordan Thompson, Hunter Williams and Tyrone Williams
District 3
District 4
Cory Pettway, Robin Rains, Sergio Williams
District 5
Dorothea Crosby, Darrell O’Quinn, Jeremy Schatz, Robert Walker
District 6
District 7
Titus Battle, Hosea Lewis, Lonnie Malone
District 8
District 9
Eric Hall, John Hilliard, Wendell Major, Roderick Royal, Reginald Swanson, James Williams
Mayoral Candidate Interviews
Patricia Bell, Randy Davis, Philemon Hill, Lanny Jackson, Randall Woodfin, Chris Woods
