Native wants to be part of the process
David Jennings grew up in Brewton, raised a family in Brewton and still has a daughter attending the Brewton City School System. He said it's his love of Brewton that has pushed him to seek the District 2 seat on the Brewton City Council in the Aug. 25 municipal elections.
"I grew up here," Jennings said. "I went to school here and I work here. I want to be a part of making Brewton a great place to live for everybody."
Jennings, 50, is a 1988 graduate of T.R. Miller High School and later graduated from Auburn University with a degree in political science."
"Both my parents graduated from T.R. Miller," Jennings said. "My son (Stokes) graduated from T.R. Miller and my daughter (Lindsey) is now in the sixth grade."
Jennings said getting into the political arena to help the people has always been a goal of his. He added that while he's running in District 2 and the people in that district will decide if he's elected to the council, he's running to represent the entire city.
"I would have run for any of the seats regardless of my district," Jennings said. "But my residency in District 2 is where I'm running."
Jennings said while he respects and admires the current elected officials, he sees four who are retired and two are near retirement age.
"Those of us who are still raising children, and trying to make a living, do not have a voice at the table," he said. "I believe that if you are not directly impacted or affected, then you can't be wired in as someone who is still working in Brewton, raising children in Brewton."
Jennings feels the city council needs representation from all demographics, including age, race and sex.
"I feel like I have a good understanding of what Brewton has been and what it can be," Jennings said. "I've spent my adult life volunteering my time, and whatever talent I have, to try to make Brewton the place that those before me have done."
Jennings also said he feels he has the skill-set to serve the city well.
"I will be a willing listener and an independent thinker, all within the context of being a team," Jennings said. "No one person can steer the ship, it takes a team effort. I have spent my life loving Brewton and the people here and hope and pray that I get an opportunity to serve the community more on the city council."
Jennings said he hopes to meet every person who lives in District 2 over the next month but noted the COVID-19 pandemic may prevent that from happening.
"If anyone has any questions, feel free to call me on my cell phone at 251-363-0427," Jennings said. "I want you part of my team because I will be working for you."