LETTERS TO THE EDITOR: Supporters make the case for Thomas Worthy as Gadsden mayor
Ready to take charge
On Tuesday, Aug. 23, I will proudly cast my vote for Thomas E. Worthy as mayor of Gadsden.
I’m a lifetime resident here, as is Mr. Worthy. For the many years that I’ve known him, he has always been a man of integrity that loves this city.
His campaign is based upon unity, honesty and hard work that he has done throughout the years serving in different capacities. His career background as a police officer and military officer speaks volumes of the dedicated servant he has been through the years. Not only did he provide protection for the people locally, but was willing to do the same for his country.
After retirement, Mr. Worthy did not go home to be idle, but decided to make a difference in his community by running for City Council in his district. With the support of the people, he victoriously secured that seat for two terms. As you can see, he’s a true believer in the great potential that Gadsden has to offer.
Mr. Worthy is my choice to go into office on Day One, with his council experience and knowledge to begin making the necessary changes for the betterment of the people.
Gadsden doesn’t have time to train our next mayor, but to place a knowledgeable individual in this position to hit the ground running. Not for one area, but to make a difference for all the citizens throughout Gadsden.
I believe that Mr. Worthy can form partnerships that will embark upon businesses coming into Gadsden, which will create better jobs for our people, improving education within our school system and developing our waterfront properties, that will generate an increase in our revenue.
“A man of integrity, value, a responsible leader & a voice for all people.”
Constance Bostick
Gadsden
Honest and upfront
The City of Gadsden is at a crucial fork in the road. I’ve witnessed each of the candidates paint lovely pictures full of promises without regard to reality or the actual financial state of the city.
However, when watching the candidates speak several weeks back, I noticed one candidate had a distinctly different approach. His approach was brutally honest and transparent.
For instance, he made no empty promises to the police department even though he knew many of his brothers and sisters in blue would be upset with him. He gave an honest take on the financial state of the city, which is something the current administration has yet to do.
As voters, we demand that our politicians be honest and upfront. However, we throw our support towards other candidates who tell us what they think we want to hear. The citizens of the City of Gadsden have an opportunity to elect a mayor who will be upfront, honest and transparent.
With these considerations in mind, I chose to support Thomas Worthy. He is the only candidate who has demonstrated the courage to stand on his own and do what is right even when it is not popular. We need a leader, not a politician.
Jarred Dunn
Attorney, former Gadsden Police lieutenant
Gadsden
Moral integrity
It is my pleasure to write a letter of support for Councilman Thomas Worthy, who is running for mayor of Gadsden.
Heart, leadership and service are the first three words that come to my mind when I think of Councilman Worthy. His willingness to give of his time and expertise impressed me, but his moral integrity, community involvement and responsiveness to others are my main reasons for supporting him.
Councilman Worthy has been a service servant all his life. He served in the US Army, as a City of Gadsden Police Officer and as the City Council member for District 3.
He founded the Gadsden Empowerment Initiative, which has repaired 34 homes since its inception. He established a county-wide career fair eight years ago, bringing in employers from near and far, which has resulted in hundreds of Gadsden residents obtaining employment.
His involvement with support service agencies to feed, clothe and provide hygiene and shelter for the homeless has helped many Etowah County residents, and he worked to secure more than $2 million to address the drainage issues. All these acts are commendable.
Councilman Worthy is focused on community development, economic advancement, support services, quality education and safe and healthy communities. It is time to return power to the people! Get out and vote Thomas Worthy for mayor on Aug. 23.
Wayne C. Rowe
Gadsden
Tireless dedication
I have known Thomas Worthy for decades and have witnessed first-hand his tireless dedication to making his community a better place for all who call Gadsden, Alabama, home. His professional and civic resume is a rollcall of service that makes “mayor” the most logical next step.
Worthy’s commitment is evidenced by his decades of service to his city, his state and his country. Thomas’ life calling is service, whether protecting our nation in the U.S. Army, aiding our state as a member of the Alabama National Guard or serving our beloved city as a councilman and as a sworn peace officer.
His dedication to improving the quality of life for every citizen of Gadsden remains his guiding principle. For example, Thomas founded a nonprofit to address blight throughout the city.
His 25 years of service with distinction with the Gadsden Police Department and his role as city councilman has given Thomas the tools needed to usher transformational leadership to the City of Champions.
Thomas will add even greater value as mayor. He has the heart to serve all, regardless of their zip code.
A quick drive through his district gives clear evidence of his work and advocacy as a councilman. We see newly paved roads, freshly laid sidewalks, upgrades to parks and swimming pools and new lighting throughout the district. Thomas has also used his nonprofit to restore and repair the homes of veterans throughout his district.
The leadership model of Thomas Worthy is both inviting and empowering. He has demonstrated time and time again that he is a uniter, working with Mayor Guyton and the current council to grow Gadsden economically.
His level of transparency as a public servant is a hallmark of his political career. Working across the aisle and across political lines is his staple.
Let’s make Thomas Worthy the next mayor of the City of Gadsden, the City of Champions.
Steven W. Hoyt
Gadsden
Letters to the Editor must be 350 words or less and will be published online; submit to greg.bailey@gadsdentimes.com. Letters represent the viewpoint of the writer, not The Gadsden Times or the USA TODAY Network.
This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Letters supporting Thomas Worthy for Gadsden mayor
