Mobile City Council District 6 Candidate Q&A

All four candidates were sent the Chamber’s questionnaire.
All four candidates responded and their answers are printed in their entirety below.

The Mobile City Council District 6 Special Election will be held for the residents of Mobile City Council District 6 on Tuesday, July 25, 2023.  For more information on where to vote, visit the City of Mobile’s Voting Centers page.

Number of Years Living in Mobile

Kyle Callaghan

I’ve spent my entire life, 60 years, in Mobile, I was born and raised here, and I raised my family here.

Karla M. DuPriest

20 years.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

15 years.

Josh Woods

36 Years.

 

Current Employment Information

Kyle Callaghan

I am currently State Agriculture Commissioner, Rick Pate’s, appointee to the Mobile County Board of Registrars.

Karla M. DuPriest

Chris & Carla’s Heavenly Ribs and Catering. “You don’t need teeth to eat em!”

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

Self-employed.

Josh Woods

Executive Director of the Greater Gulf State Fair and The Grounds.

 

Skills, training & experience that qualify you for the City Council

Kyle Callaghan

I have 30 years of law enforcement and military experience, along with 40 years of volunteer work around the Mobile Community. I have the experience and relationships needed to improve the overall quality of life for the residents of Mobile.

Karla M. DuPriest

Accounting, Adjuster, Life Insurance Agent, Branding & Marketing, Coaching and Mentoring Constituent, Advocacy, Critical Analysis, Effective communication, Employee Engagement, Leadership/Management, New Business Development, Operations Management, Small Business Management, Strategic Planning, and Training.

I am currently the Co-Owner/Operator of Chris & Carla’s Heavenly Ribs, “You don’t need teeth to eat em!” for the past 25 years covering the Gulf coast. Former District Manager for Congressman Dick Nichols of Kansas. Former Owner/Operator of a Sears Catalog Franchise grossing $1.4 million dollars annually, 11 employees. B.S. Accounting, University of Arkansas, 1988, Sunday School Teacher, Dance instructor for Senior Citizens, Land Commissioner, Appointed Absentee Ballot Manager, Mobile Probate Court, Wife, Mother and Grandmother.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

God told me to run. I am running in obedience through faith in HIM. I am a servant of the LORD JESUS CHRIST. I am a U.S. citizen. I love my country. I will fight tyranny when I see it here.

I am a small business owner. I know how to balance my check book. I live debt free and am not a slave to the lender. I am not famous nor entitled nor connected to big money. I am acting on the precious freedom to run for office, which is unique to a citizen of the United States of America.

Josh Woods

I have spent over a decade in commercial lending/banking and also close to a decade running a multimillion dollar budget of a nonprofit. My business experience and service in the community provides me the knowledge and ability to be a consensus maker when working towards a common goal.

 

What are your top three priorities for serving and how do you plan to accomplish them?

Kyle Callaghan

1. 1. 1. Work to reduce traffic congestion and improve city road, water, sewer and drainage infrastructure.
      2. Work to reduce and deter crime inside the city of Mobile
      3. Provide support to local businesses to thrive and work to increase the business climate in Mobile for new businesses to start or relocate into Mobile.

Karla M. DuPriest

1. 1. 1. Number one priority is public safety. As a Small Business owner I think Economic development and public safety are interconnected and we need to have safe streets, not only for our community, but to attract businesses here. I would accomplish public safety by working the Mayors Office to provide more training and resources to the Police and Sheriff Office to:
         1. Avoid Urban sprawl – Well lit and clean, work with vacant structure owners.
         2. Slow down road traffic, Turn two lanes to four lanes
         3. Ensure main streets are safe for everyone, not cars through road repairs and traffic flow and control.
         4. Create dedicated space for pedestrians – Cross Walks
         5. Provide a safe, connected network for cyclists -Mandatory
         6. Ensure safe access to high-quality public transport like buses and trains.

We should feel safe on the streets and in our homes, in the parks and trails and at work.

1. 1. 2. Number two priority is a vision for our future City to be the “Best City to live and work in for generations to come In the World!” We need to strike a balance between economic development, jobs and Quality of Life for Families, New Businesses. We want to be a Popular Tourist destination as the home of “The First Mardi Gras” Cultural and Entertainment Expo Center of the region. Increase Parks. Remake Downtown with public and private funds. New Stadiums the city can work with public and private developers. I would like to produce a joint proposal that will help spur the MODERN economy draw young people to town, new businesses and enhance our current businesses. I am dedicated to create new living wage jobs and high-paying jobs in Mobile.

1. 1. 3. We have several challenges and I think we can work on more than one thing at a time. My third priority would be homelessness as a result of mental health and substance abuse issues on our streets. A large percent of that group is our retired military. Our Freedom is not free. We owe our retired soldiers dignity and respect and thinking outside the box to save them and ourselves. Our city is not as Bad as some cities around the country, but I say to you. “It’s only a matter of time. It’s not IF but When?” I would like to work with Public, private, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to develop a plan to identity, house, assess problems and retrain to success members of society with Love.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

• 1. Help the unserved: the elderly, poor, veterans, plus those with mental
     • Establish food pantries by working with local churches to help equip the homeless for better life.
     • Working with AtlaPoint to help extend mental illness coverage for the homeless and working with Ransom ministry and other agencies to help homeless to become viable
  2. Provide more funding to retain our police officers and to promote recruitment of more.
  3. Infrastructure: fixing existing problems with drainage, pot holes, sidewalks and synchronize lights to help with traffic on Airport Blvd, Hillcrest Rd, Grelot Rd. and Cottage Hill Rd. Work city engineers. Make sure the parks are kept clean and safe. Work with the city workers.

Josh Woods

1. 1. Infrastructure: working hand in hand with the administration to identify issues from traffic, storm water, and other needs in the district to formulate a real live plan/solution. Work to ensure the infrastructure we have today is maintained, as waiting only worsens and expands the cost to fix.
   2. Safety and Protection of Neighborhoods: ensure the members of public safety have the tools and training they need by working with the administration on the Ensure the voice of the neighborhoods are heard and represented when development potentially impedes the integrity of the neighborhoods by listening to concerns, learning about both sides of an issue, and leading to find a solution.
   3. Leadership: ensuring District 6 has a voice that will not walk away and is there to represent their Ensure assets like the University of South Alabama has someone knowledgeable regarding real issues to work with.

 

What are your plans for ensuring strong economic development and workforce development?

Kyle Callaghan

I plan to put a large emphasis on ensuring businesses in Mobile have every advantage possible to compete with surrounding area businesses.

This includes but isn’t limited to:

• • • listening to current and potential businesses on the issue of zoning
    • working to enhance career tech opportunities for students in Mobile
    • incentivize businesses that are hiring by allowing them to reduce tax or other financial burdens
    • provide entrepreneurs with available resources needed to starting a business
    • ensuring every business owner or entrepreneur has full access to me, my office, and cell phone number for transparent and reliable

Karla M. DuPriest

I would visit the top ten producing businesses within the city to show our appreciation by presenting a Longevity Award for business surviving 10 years or more within the city limits. Give a 5% rebate on business license fees up to a maximum of 10%.

 Commercial corridors are very import to the city especially the ones close to neighborhoods. Money to address improvements in corridors. Facade improvement program-clean up corridors and provide businesses signage, aggressive building codes.

Under ground utility lines in some cases or moving the lines. Owners are very important and I look at it as an investment. Partner with the Chamber to recruit new businesses and infrastructure for new businesses.

The city should encourage Small business development by providing a friendly small business environment: That is operating in a sustainable manner, causing minimal damage to the environment (Conserve water, use green cleaning products, ride a bike to work -smile- start a carpool, plant shrubs and trees, recycle, use alternative energy sources for power, replace old appliances with energy efficient ones) and using renewable resources where possible. Reduce taxes and burdensome paperwork. Provide incentives for new business within the city limits. Be attentive to existing business needs.

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Workforce development

Right now workers are finding it hard to find the right skill for the right job that is where workforce development comes in.

First Workforce development IDENTITY SKILLS that employers need then these programs help these workers obtain these skills.

Second -Connect People with jobs through Classes and on the job training, my favorite. Electricians and Plumbers are in demand.

I would encourage: Job training Centers, Apprenticeship Programs. Community and Technical college are key players in the process. Later Employers benefit from the New trained employees.

Helping to build a strong economy for everyone. Funding may come from Government and philanthropy. Nonprofits help address barriers like transportation and childcare. Productive workers make happier people.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

We want to help existing small businesses, because, after all, District 6 is mainly made up of small businesses. And we want to encourage new small businesses to come into our community to keep it family-friendly.

Josh Woods

I will support the efforts of organizations like the chamber where I can (budgeting, cheerleading, etc). I will also support where I can with programs our local industries and school system have in place and support their continued growth.

 

What is the number one challenge to growing our city? How would you address it?

Kyle Callaghan

I believe the number one challenge to Mobile’s growth is infrastructure. I plan to work with City, County, and State officials to find smart, creative and cost efficient ways to maintain and expand our current infrastructure while also building new roads and bridges.

Karla M. DuPriest

Annexation and retain our existing citizen, we are losing our young and older citizen every day, I see it through our U haul business. Provide forum, literature and door to door talking to citizens concerning their “taxations without representation and the benefits of being a part of the greatest city in the world that is roads, parks, police and fire protections.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

We have plenty of jobs here. We have plenty of people responding to these jobs. However, these new employees don’t stay. Why is that? Mobile has the second highest crime rate in the state.

Josh Woods

I believe the “Brain Drain” is one of the top issues we face. Folks move off after high school and college for training, education, experiences and never return. We have to continue the momentum that we have. We have to continue to improve quality of life. We have to continue ensuring both white and blue collar jobs exist in our city. Ensuring that down the road, our sons have to make the hard choice of setting roots in Mobile because there is so much opportunity or move somewhere else.

 

Name the top 3 specific city ordinances/regulations you would like to see added, changed or eliminated. Please provide a brief explanation.

Kyle Callaghan

1. 1. 1. Chapter 11 of the City Code is on I believe that entire chapter can be worked through and edited in various ways to cut red tape and make it easier and more welcoming for investors and builders to want to build in the city of Mobile.
      2. Chapter 39, Article IV, Section 39-96.1 discusses noise in residential districts or areas. I believe we should be enforcing this Our residential areas should be welcoming and peaceful to allow families to thrive.
      3. I believe the Council should review all Ad Valorem Tax Codes and We should lower the tax on businesses to make Mobile more welcoming to business owners and entrepreneurs allowing the City’s economy to thrive.

Karla M. DuPriest

1. 1. 1. City of Mobile Stormwater Management Program plan work with It is implemented by nu- merous departments, therefore it takes agreeing to disagree to do what is best for the city of mobile. Those departments are Engineering, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Build Mo- bile, G15, 311, Equipment Services, Police Department and Fire & Rescue Hazmat Response. Add more resources to maintain neighborhood drains working with developers, overgrown drains causing flooding, pest control: raccoons, mosquitoes etc.
      2. Add more resources to improve the Water quality in our local creeks and City of Mo- bile is working with ADEM.
      3. Add and build more Recreation center in the community. Our community centers are used by our present and future children and especially our Senior Citizens with economical cafes, games, exercise equipment, social gatherings.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

The three ordinance the city need to uphold is Section 39-112, Section 39-121, and Section 39- 123.

Josh Woods

I see concerns mostly when it comes to urban planning. Although the UDC code really just went online, we can not really see fully how it will impact our city.

But, I really only see two potential areas I would like to see addressed:

1. 1. 1. I would like to potentially see the inclusion of neighborhoods in District 6 into overlay plans
      2. I would like to see extensions/expansions of buffer zones between commercial development and neighborhoods

 

How will you work with the Mobile Chamber to ensure a thriving business community? 

Kyle Callaghan

The chamber, in my opinion, should be at the table every time a decision affecting businesses in Mobile is being talked about or decided on. I will ensure the chamber has a direct line of communication at all times on every issue via my cell phone number. Additionally, I will seek guidance from the chamber on issues that drive to the heart of business in Mobile. We may not agree on everything all the time, but I will always listen, seek guidance, and work to ensure businesses are protected from additional red-tape and are free to run their businesses the way they think best.

Karla M. DuPriest

I will continue to work with the Mobile Chamber to ensure a thriving business community through attending and volunteering for it numerous business social and business growth activities like we have for the last 20 years like Business After Hours, Growth Alliance Task Force, Chamber Chase, The Annual Meeting. We have been “Business of the Week”

Small Businesses are key innovators and employers. We are our brothers keeper.

We have to be involved in communities through programs for kids, senior citizens through various types of entertainment and education programs.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

By reducing crime rate through working with police program and community intervention in turn this will help us to retain employees for businesses.

Josh Woods

I will always take a call, answer and email, or meet with the Chamber. I will ask questions and learn what issues we will face and ensure the Chamber has a knowledgeable voice on Council. The Chamber also does a great job of offering ways to have local elected officials to be involved, I intend on taking advantage of those opportunities.

 

Last month, the City Council unanimously approved a proposal from Mayor Sandy Stimpson that will give several neighborhoods in West Mobile an opportunity to vote to join the City of Mobile. The Mobile Chamber strongly supports annexation to grow Mobile. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Kyle Callaghan

I do support this issue, in fact, on my original palm card when I first began this campaign, it was one of my three points, this was before the council voted. I believe this is critical to continuing the growth of our city in a positive way and hope the voters in these areas make the right decision to vote for annexation. The City of Mobile will benefit from annexing these areas because we will reclaim our position as the states 2nd largest city, allowing us to capitalize on millions more in state and federal dollars.

Karla M. DuPriest

Yes my business is in the proposed annexation. Annexation is an opportunity to become part of our thriving city. We pay taxes to the city and do not have a voice in our city government, nor receiving the full benefits of all city services nor are we receiving any city funding for improvements to roads, parks and other critical infrastructures: police and fire protections, new sidewalks, trash and garbage collections.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

I disagree because we are not equipped as a district itself to take care of another 26,000 people. The police department & the fire department can’t accommodate added population. Talk to me when these problems are solved. Now, it is up to the people to decided for themselves.

Josh Woods

Yes. I support not just annexation, but ensuring we retain and draw new citizens into the City. A stagnant and non-growing City is a City on the verge of death. We can not stop growing.

 

The Chamber favors more City-sponsored development of downtown. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Kyle Callaghan

I support this as well. I believe this is one of the critical infrastructure points that I made above. A thriving downtown will benefit everyone– especially our businesses and property owners downtown. Additionally, it will give our city the downtown “Facelift” it so desperately needs.

It’s my opinion that the city shouldn’t expect businesses to invest in downtown Mobile if the city itself isn’t willing to do so, but while focusing on downtown, the city cannot forget about or neglect the other City Council Districts and areas outside of the Downtown area.

Karla M. DuPriest

Many of us grow up with a thriving downtown, there is something about going downtown to after hour or during the week to a beautiful, safe, entertaining downtown. We have to activities for our kids while the parents are shopping. Fishing and crafts are some of my ideas. Small businesses are the key.

Let’s give developers tax breaks and incentivize their investing into our community so that we can RETAIN our residents. All the innovations in the world is not going to help if we keep losing our CURRENT residents. I see it everyday with our U haul business. Teachers, like my daughter, first responders, nurses, restaurant employees-among others- barely can make ends meet with their salaries and can’t afford to live here much longer. We must make affordability a TOP priority. I would advocate for increased funding for teachers, first responders and front-line medical employee salaries from government, public and private institutions, even non profits.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

I agree! We need more family-friendly businesses for tourism. The Emporeum and Maritime Museum need to be updated.

Josh Woods

Yes. I agree. A thriving downtown is the heart of any City. Many times, it is the first and last thing visitors see. It’s our front door.

 

The Chamber favors the use of the Mobile Industrial Development Board and other direct incentives for economic development projects in Mobile. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Kyle Callaghan

I do agree. I believe parts of Mobile are prime for opportunity zones to encourage industry recruitment, state and federal grant opportunities, as well as bring jobs and revenue to areas that otherwise may not develop on their own. I also believe the MIDB could help bring a larger opportunity for careers, rather than every-day jobs, to retain the students I mentioned earlier. I believe we should encourage students to learn occupational trade skills while in school and with the help of the MIDB they will have jobs here, in Mobile, upon graduating.

Karla M. DuPriest

I agree. I think our city, businesses, school system benefit from the expertise of the Mobile Industrial Development Board. We need new voices and new perspectives to serve, innovate and think outside the box to grow “The Best City in the World.” We need it to promote industry, develop trade and further the use of agricultural products and natural and human resources of the state of Alabama, AND the County of Mobile.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

I agree with it but it needs to governed by City Council.

Josh Woods

Yes. What is good for the City of Mobile is good for District 6. We have to ensure we offer opportunities for careers.

 

Infrastructure needs are constantly evolving to handle the challenges of today. What challenges do you see for Mobile’s future regarding infrastructure and how would you prioritize them?

Kyle Callaghan

Infrastructure is my number 1 priority. It must be addressed soon before we get to far behind to recover. Our roads, bridges, waterways, and drainage issues aren’t going away until we do something about it ourselves. I believe these infrastructure challenges are all fairly equal in terms of need and importance, but if I had to choose one it would likely be our roads. Traffic congestion, flooding, and street safety can not continue to be overlooked. Thanks to the Rebuild Alabama project we are beginning to make some progress but there are still hundreds of millions of dollars being left on the table form federal grants, subsidies and matches that we could be benefitting from. This will be one of my top priorities as a member of the council.

Karla M. DuPriest

This may sound cliche, but I love my City and I am invested. I have a long record of meaningful service to the city. I want to continue that commitment by addressing some of the future challenges in Mobiles infrastructure. After knocking doors and listening to what is important to the people. I am a Servant Leader.

First: Residential Issues: Empty lots owned by out of town people, Quality of life and safety issues when single family subdivision about high density apartment complexes that are not managed well. Maintenance of drainage culverts and ditches that run through or around residential subdivisions but are neglected by the City. FLOODING

Second: Traffic Issues: Drivers running red lights and the timing of lights to improve traffic flow. Blocked traffic at Starbucks on Hillcrest and Grelot. Speeding in neighborhoods.

Third: Parks and Green Space: We need care/maintenance of Medal of Honor Park. Medians need to be adopted by subdivision and businesses close by for beautification and maintenance. Another recreation center in District 6, kids and the elder have to travel for a facility.

Fourth: Working with commercial developers over the process of planning approval causing flooding and lost of property to improper drainage and wildlife. Littering (increase fines and contribute to neighborhood funds. Safety for Seniors when attending downtown events.

Free parking downtown. Accessing absentee ballot applications.

In conclusion, it is going to take all organization public and private to address and correct these infrastructure issues. I ask for your vote and privilege to represent District 6.
God bless Mobile, Alabama and The United States.

Linh Nguyen-Hoach

The Mobile Bay Bridge needs to be built. This is our #1 priority for the whole City of Mobile.

Josh Woods

Infrastructure is always an issue. We have to tackle issues sooner than later. Because later, it’s often became a bigger and more expensive project. I believe projects have to be prioritized as a whole City and then broken out to prioritizing projects by districts with constant statuses provided so the average citizen has confidence things are being taken care of by their City.