Wiggins qualifies to keep board seat

Raymond Wiggins is pleased to announce that he has qualified as a Republican candidate for Escambia County (Ala.) Commission District 2.

Wiggins has served as county commissioner for District 2 since 2008 and as county commission chairman since 2016. Wiggins recently retired from Southern Pine Electric Cooperative with more than 35 years of service where he was the manager of Safety and Environmental Services. Prior to that he worked at the family-owned Western Auto Associate Store.

Wiggins, is a native and lifelong resident of Escambia County's District 2. Wiggins was raised in the Rock Creek community in east Escambia County. Wiggins lived in the Bethel/Roberts community (2474 Bradley Road) in

District 2 for 41 years. In 2022, Wiggins moved back to the Rock Creek Community (4537 Beaver Creek Road) where he was raised.

Wiggins is married to the former Charlene Fowler (42 years). They are active members of the Rock Creek Assembly of God Church, which is next door to their home. Together, they have a son/daughter-in-law John and Tabitha Wiggins; and six grandchildren, Kenly, Layne, Kaden, Emma Kate, Heidi, and Saydee.

Wiggins has been involved in community service throughout his life and has continued to be involved. He serves on the board of the Rock Creek Assembly of God Church; is a member of the Association of County Commissions of Alabama and the National Association of Counties; serves on the board of directors of the South Alabama Regional Planning Commission; serves as a representative on the legislative committee of the ACCA, which constantly oversees legislation on behalf of counties. Wiggins serves as Vice Chairman on the Gulf Coast Resource Conservation and Development Council and has been successful in bringing thousands of dollars in grants to District 2 and Escambia County.

Along with his professional affiliations, Wiggins works with, and assists, a number of student-based programs including the W.S. Neal Quarterback Club, Diamond Club and band boosters as well as maintaining his affiliation as a member of the FFA Alumni at W.S. Neal High School where he graduated in 1979.

Wiggins, a lifelong resident of District 2, believes that his record of public service speaks for itself.

"My work experience in public service and my county government service are the most valuable qualifications when serving the citizens of District 2 and Escambia County," Wiggins said. "I am proud of the fact that the county's funds have been managed in such a way that our county is free of any long-term debt. I have worked to set a budget and maintain it and have been successful as a steward of the money we handle in Escambia County."

Wiggins also said Escambia County has made impressive progress in roads and bridges in recent years. District 2 has seen more than 80 miles of roads resurfaced, plus several miles of new construction.

"We continue to be aggressive with our effort to secure funding for our infrastructure," Wiggins said. "Even of times of budget shortfalls, we have managed our funds and balanced county budgets. We are blessed with dedicated employees and have been able to provide raises in our pay scale over the years."

"We still have much work to do. We must continue to offer competitive wages to maintain our quality workforce. We must work diligently to find funds to improve our infrastructure including our courthouse and detention center." Wiggins said.

Wiggins believes that his record, background, education, and experience make him uniquely qualified to serve effectively as your county commissioner. He will continue to represent the people of District 2 and Escambia County with honesty, integrity, genuine concern, and to be available and accessible to his constituency.

"I, Raymond Wiggins humbly ask for your vote on March 5 to keep dependable and progressive leadership working for you," Wiggins said. "My record speaks for itself. Please allow me to continue efforts to provide services of county government to the citizens of District 2 and Escambia County."