Dennis Sweet IV Photo by Trip Burns.
In the time you’ve lived in Ward 6, how has it changed—for better and for worse?
One thing has changed since I’ve moved: Recently, there has been an increase in serious crime. We have had several murders and violent crimes last month, and that is something that has changed for worse. I think that’s something we can fix if we work together as a community and with police officers. I think there are beautiful people, and there are opportunities and room and growth and development. I have seen potential for more since I have moved here.
What’s a vote the city council has taken in recent years that significantly affected Ward 6? Did you agree or disagree with the vote of the council member at the time? Why?
I think the biggest decision the council made was to put the 1-percent sales tax up for vote for the people of the city. I agree with their decision to do that. We want to make sure that the people’s voice and the vote for that is heard and that they money is generated from the sales tax is properly allocated to fix the infrastructure and the city, like the people voted for it to.
What is currently the most significant issue in front of the council with respect to Ward 6?
Right now, it’s crime, education, jobs and infrastructure.
If you obtain the position, what would be your main priorities during your first few weeks on Council?
What I would do is make sure we are organized and work with building community in Ward 6. We also want to work with current council members and establish working relationships with them.
When Mayor Tony Yarber served in the Ward 6 seat, he talked how economic development was one of the greatest challenges for the area since it is mostly residential. What are your plans in regard to economic development for the area?
We have to ensure that there is training for the jobs for the residents of the Ward. We need to make sure that the Ward is zoned to develop businesses. We need to make sure that we expand the zones for the new market tax credit to allow more businesses and jobs to come into the ward.
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