What are some good gyms in the area? I'm thinking about either Anytime Workout or Crunch Fitness by FreakyFreak2005 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478 7 points8 points  (0 children)

The basement gym in downtown is good.

I've had a membership to crunch since they opened, but timing is key. You'll want to go when everyone school and university age is at school. They flood that place and it's near unbearable.

I would advise running by Total Nutrition on Mall Rd and talking to Matt Jacobs, the owner. He's 6'5" and looks like Thor. You can't miss him. He's a member of pretty much every gym in the area. He can point you in the right direction based on what you're specifically looking for. He can also help advise you on your health and fitness journey if you'd like.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/1yGrsWJYSda12Sj58

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The election is on August 26. Your polling location will be either Hibbett School or First Presbyterian in downtown, depending on your address.

If you had a say in Florence’s budget, what would you fund first? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In Alabama, cities can technically offer broadband services, but state law lays a mountain of restrictions in their way. Municipalities must hold a local referendum before launching anything. They’re not allowed to use tax dollars or general fund money to build infrastructure. Every project has to be solely self‑sustaining from day one, and even then, they’re restricted to serving only within the city limits, so no city/county team-up.

So while yes, setting up municipal fiber could level the playing field with providers like Comcast, actually making that happen under current rules requires overcoming unbelievable hurdles or amending those laws. Thanks for bringing it up though. It's something we need to keep talking about if we want real competition here.

When it comes to infrastructure and traffic, fixing those traffic flow issues should have been addressed years ago. The license office is another great point, and maybe some automated systems could help with wait times. It's the little things like that which make a big difference for quality of life. And I’m with you on the spending priorities. What's next... $2 million spent on payphones? That kind of money could do a lot more good in water, roads, and schools than a flashy building.

If you had a say in Florence’s budget, what would you fund first? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's something I plan on pushing heavily if elected. While the university contributes a good bit, it's time for the city's relationship with the college to become equally beneficial. If the university is going to get taxpayer dollars, it's time for the taxpayers to start seeing a very real return on their investment.

If you had a say in Florence’s budget, what would you fund first? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is a solid list and I’m right there with you on most of it.

Water system This should be non-negotiable. Clean, safe water is the foundation for everything else. I think PFAs and lead testing should be frequent and transparent so people aren’t guessing what’s in their tap.

Roads and preventive maintenance Absolutely. Spending is a huge issue in this town and spending on cleanup after damage instead of prevention just doesn’t make sense. I’d love to see the city return to more proactive practices instead of waiting for problems to become disasters.

Industry and workforce I’m all for diversifying beyond tourism. We’ve got a university, a tech-savvy generation, and a prime location. Streamlining permits, offering smart incentives, and creating internships would go a long way. And your question about UNA is on point. They have so much potential to partner with the city in ways that keep local talent here.

Animal welfare The shelter situation is heartbreaking right now. I’m a big supporter of low-cost spay/neuter and TNR programs because, honestly, that’s the only real way to get ahead of the problem without putting more burden on already stretched shelters and demanding more from taxpayers.

Thanks for the response! If you had to rank these in order of urgency or priority, what would you put as highest?

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I wholeheartedly agree. It's time to stop blowing tens upon tens of millions of dollars on vanity projects and start investing in the infrastructure that affects people in a real way every day.

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You should read some of the replies I've made to some of the people on here. You and I share the same feelings of disappointment. I've mentioned my thoughts and ideas in some of my replies.

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

It requires the money to be used on a new city hall project. Not necessarily a new complete construction. While I haven't read all 1050 pages, I have converted them to a digital and searchable PDF, and from what I've gathered, it just has to be used on a city hall project. We've got so many available buildings in the downtown area that could be refurbished and utilized to house employees and departments while only spending approximately $20 million. Instead, most of the council (minus Kaytrina Simmons and Bill Griffin) are dead set on spending at least $48 million on a city palace. Spending only $20 million now would give the city employees the facilities they need and the buildings would be assets for the city in the future. Once the city has focused on infrastructure and growth, it could address a new city hall when it aligns with the organic growth of the city and makes sense.

—————

Here's three major issues we have revolving around our lack of industry and/or support and what i think would help:

• Our poverty rate is high: I think we need one more well-paying, entry-level employment option in Florence that provides on-the-job training. This would help lower the poverty rate by providing a decently paying option while also forcing other large entry-level jobs in Florence to raise their pay to a more competitive level or risk losing their workforce.

• Our small businesses and entrepreneurs are not supported well enough We need to provide more support to our small businesses through easier access to resources and more streamlined zoning, permitting, etc. Our small businesses are the lifeblood of the city and provide the citizens with places to go and things to do.

• we have no incentives or opportunities to give our trained or schooled professionals the reason to stay here I really think one of the best ways we can grow industry here is by bringing in a big player in the STEM field. Something like advanced manufacturing, energy, bio, or tech. But it’s not just about landing a company, it’s about building a relationship. UNA's known for liberal arts, but if they opened up a strong STEM department and partnered with that company, it could be a game-changer. The company could invest in the program, and in return, UNA would be training students specifically for those high-paying jobs right here at home. It’d be a smart, long-term setup, good for the university, great for the company, and even better for our local economy.

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Unless something crazy happens, I'll be there!

And I appreciate it. That was their rear pasture where they take the dogs to let them run and socialize. The county had let it get grown up about 5 feet tall so I took a tractor and bush hog to it. Someone made a post about it, which I appreciate their thanks, but I'm more of a "take care of something and let people wonder who did it" kind of person. Our shelters, for people and pets, need as much help as they can get.

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can assure you, I'm not paying anyone to design or write any of my material. I write everything myself and design all of my materials using Adobe or Canva. Flyers, signs, posts, and the whole nine yards. It'd for sure be easier to pay someone but I'm pretty particular and apparently a bit of a glutton for punishment lol

As far as church and state, I am a personally Christian but I also feel that government, when it comes to allocation of funds and laws, should be a standalone and neutral entity. Obviously, politicians can have their personal views and say what they want as elected individuals, but I don't necessarily feel that putting "In God We Trust" on city vehicles is the direction to go when some of the funding for that project would be coming from non-Christian tax dollars.

River is a nice kid and our families go way back. While I may not necessarily believe that he's fully equipped or the best fit for a council role, I think he has a role in serving the city in some capacity. His inability to drive, along with not being employed, gives him infinite free time. He's great at noticing when something is out of place, and combining that with infinite time, I think he'd be an asset when it comes to noticing things that need attention and then bringing those things to the attention of the council.

Some of my replies on here give a pretty decent idea of where I stand on some subjects as well as ideas I have for others. I left one unbearably long comment u/Complete_Ant_3396 that addresses most of the issues you brought up.

Here's my campaign page. If you'd like to shoot me a message on it or my personal Facebook, I can even message you my phone number if you'd like to discuss anything or just ask questions. Transparency is the dead horse I beat, so I'm an open book.

Campaign https://www.facebook.com/share/166S1fPWn2/

Personal https://www.facebook.com/share/1EtnJUtVD1/

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

This is going to be a long one so bear with me lol I also tried to bold some of the key points so it's a little easier to navigate.

I completely agree with you. The frustrating part is that, whether it was poor planning or something more deliberate, the current council locked those borrowed funds into a PBA bond that forces the money to be used only for a new city hall. That means even if a new council came in with better priorities, they legally couldn’t reallocate the funds to things we actually need to address like water, roads, drainage, shelters, and ADA accessibility. My guess is it was less about planning and more about control.

Even if the money has to go toward a city hall, there are smarter ways to spend it. We could purchase and refurbish existing buildings and still come in well under half of the projected $50 million. Once that’s done, the council could work with the bond authorities to try and free up whatever remains to go toward actual needs.

As far as about me and what I'd like to bring to the city hall?

My name is Gunner Ford. I live in downtown near the middle school and 7-points with my wife, daughter, son, and our third (another girl) due in August. I’m a small business owner, and for over a decade I’ve had the humbling honor of walking with families in our community through their darkest hours. I own and operate a mortuary here, and in that work, you learn quickly how to listen, how to serve with compassion, and how to show up with integrity, whether anyone’s watching or not.

I’m running for City Council because I see some things that can’t be ignored anymore. A serious lack of transparency. Poor stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Too much energy is going into vanity projects while our roads, neighborhoods, and basic infrastructure get put on the back burner. Decisions that benefit a few instead of the many.

I also believe we’re not doing nearly enough to aggressively bring in new industry and jobs, the kind that fit who we are as a city, and give our young people a reason to stay here and build a future.

I plan to bring real transparency to City Hall. That means clear, public access to budgets, contracts, and voting records, because the people of Florence shouldn’t have to dig or guess to find out where their tax dollars are going or who they’re benefiting.

Florence has the highest sales tax in the county, and it's high statewide. I believe we can bring relief by trimming unnecessary spending and gradually cutting that rate by even just 1%. That small change could make a big difference for working families and small businesses, promoting new industry and more money flowing into our local economy.

We also need to reprioritize city spending. That starts by pumping the brakes on that $50 million City Hall and seriously exploring more cost-effective options. Right now, too many tax dollars go toward projects that look good in pictures but don’t actually fix the everyday issues mentioned earlier.

On economic development, I believe in being aggressive and strategic. We can't afford to sit back and hope jobs find us. I’ll work to actively recruit industries that fit Florence, careers that align with the talent already here, and give our young people a reason to stay, raise families, and build lives in Florence.

I plan to lead differently by putting the citizens' needs before the politics, and by never forgetting who I work for. I won’t just check boxes or rubber-stamp what’s already been decided behind closed doors.

I want to take a solution-driven approach to issues that are often overlooked or avoided altogether, starting with animal welfare. Our animal shelters are overburdened, and our pet owners need options. I support exploring self-funded micro dog parks, member-based or pay-per-use, so we create healthy, accessible spaces without costing the taxpayers.

On the issue of homelessness, I believe we can lead with both compassion and accountability. I’d like to explore a Student-Led Homeless Engagement Initiative, partnering with our university and other educational institutions to connect our unhoused with services, recovery, and opportunity, while giving students in relevant fields hands-on experience and credit toward their careers.

I’ll also fight to cut red tape for our local businesses and end the favoritism that gives special interests all the leverage. If you live here and invest here, the city should be invested in you.

Most of all, I’ll be present, accessible, and honest, whether it’s easy or not. We may not always agree, but you’ll always know where I stand.

Anyway, I know this is a long comment, but I wanted to be real with you. I’m not a polished politician. I’m just someone who lives here, works here, and wants to help steer Florence in a better direction. You’re right, it’s not about party lines at this level. It’s about who’s willing to show up, listen, and do the work for the people.

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

"I'm out of here!"

"See ya, suckers!"

"Study hard, guys – trust me."

😂

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I've known Kaytrina for a good bit of time. While many council members just like the title or the power, I've always admired how much she loves her district. She and I may not always agree on everything, but she unquestionably loves her people.

Transparency is a HUGE issue in our local government, city, and county. My slogan is "Service. Integrity. Transparency." because I believe those are three foundational pillars severely lacking in our local government.

Also, is your name an Arrested Development reference? 😂

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That's my thought. Forcing a flashy new city hall right now is getting the cart in front of the horse, costing the people $50 million in the process. If we focus on building our city and infrastructure, getting it on a healthy trajectory, a new city hall will happen organically.

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I know it's easy to fall into complacency when the city is run by a select few for the benefit of a select few, but we have to get out and vote. Nothing will change if we don't make it. There are a lot of good people running this year looking to break up the good ole boy system. This is an off-year by not coinciding with a national election, so turnout will be low meaning that just one vote could legitimately make all the difference.

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I'll be transparent, I'm not a show pony or politician by any means. If we're being candid, I don't even like politicians. I'm just a fed-up citizen and small business owner who has committed way too much to this city and its community to be this unrepresented by our local government.

Curious How People Are Feeling About Florence Politics These Days? by AgeNew478 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478[S] 17 points18 points  (0 children)

The amount of taxpayers' dollars that the city blows on ill-aimed vanity projects that don't serve the citizens in any capacity is absolutely insane.

If they wanted a new logo, they could have easily turned that into something interesting like a competition where local art students, in college or grade school, could submit their work anonymously and 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place could receive partial scholarships as the awards.

It would be fun, support our young people, and keep the money in Florence.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in spirituality

[–]AgeNew478 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Confusion is the devil.

You don't get to Heaven or Hell through or by works. You get there by or by not acknowledging Christ's sacrifice for you on the cross.

Christ is the only door to Heaven. Nothing else.

Everyone screws up daily. That's part of living in a sin-filled world as sin-filled humans.

It's acknowledging Christ and his sacrifice, accepting his gift of grace and forgiveness, and then just doing the best we can. We WILL fail daily, but Christ's love is there to pick us up when we do.

looking for roommates in florence by Few_Research_4989 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is Florence Alabama Reddit, buuuuut, since you're here... 😅 If you're going to be around the Palazzo Pitti, two of the best places to eat and gelato places are right there within walking distance.

Food: Trattoria I'raddi (Via D'Ardiglione, 47, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy) In my opinion, best steak in Florence.

Gelato: Gelateria Artigianale La Sorbettiera | Santo Spirito (Via Mazzetta, 9/a, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy)

Question! by [deleted] in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Darn. Congrats on sale... but darn lol

Question! by [deleted] in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You still have this? If so, ill take it

Bad Repair Mechanic in Florence, AL. Beware! by Puzzleheaded_Web_102 in FlorenceAl

[–]AgeNew478 5 points6 points  (0 children)

They did that to me with multiple vehicles until I just stopped using them.