Five Questions with Mayor Randall Woodfin

Mayor of Birmingham, Alabama, on the Importance of Local Elections

Presidents are important. So are senators and members of Congress. But in terms of impact on our daily lives, our local leaders have just as much if not more importance. Tonight’s guest for “Five Questions” is my mayor, Birmingham, Alabama’s Randall Woodfin.

I should let you know up front that I’m a big fan. Both of the man and of the mayor. And I couldn’t think of anyone better to talk with about the importance of local elected officials, which of course means that it’s important for people to vote in local elections, and to do so after educating themselves about the candidates.

Having a mayor who is in touch with issues that matter, whether it’s how reliable your trash pickup is or whether a downtown park makes sense, makes an make an enormous difference in how you live your life. So, do your homework and pick your candidates carefully! Tonight, Mayor Woodfin helps us understand how important the role local elected officials play is.

Here’s an example of just how important having a good Mayor can be—a screen grab from my Instagram account this morning, where I follow Mayor Woodfin.

“Five Questions” is a feature for paid subscribers of Civil Discourse, my way of thanking people who are able to support this work financially so I can devote the time and resources necessary to it. I value having all of you here—free subscriptions will always be available. I’m grateful to everyone who reads the newsletter and engages in the hard but essential work of civil discourse.