Columbus Mayoral Race Heats Up as Leroy Brooks Declares Candidacy

Columbus Gears Up for Mayoral Race: Leroy Brooks Enters the Arena

In the heart of Columbus, a spirited atmosphere is brewing as Leroy Brooks announces his candidacy for mayor, igniting excitement among residents and political enthusiasts alike. The seasoned politician shared his profound moment of inspiration during a press conference that attracted around 30 supporters outside the courthouse last Friday morning.

A Moment of Clarity

It all began on a routine drive down Highway 45. Brooks, who has been a district supervisor for over three decades, found himself pondering dinner options when suddenly, he experienced what he describes as a “spiritual epiphany.” “Out of nowhere, these words came into my spirit: ‘It is not time for you to go. To whom much is given, much is required,’” he recalled. This poignant moment led him to turn his car around and dive into the scriptures, specifically the book of Luke, where he was reminded of the importance of using one’s blessings to support others.

Brooks, at the age of 71, is no stranger to leadership. He has served as a Lowndes County supervisor since 1983, earning respect within the local Democratic Party. His decision to run for mayor comes as a response to his lifetime of service and a desire to do more for the city he loves.

Political Landscape Shifts

Brooks isn’t standing alone in this race. He’s joined by Ward 5 Councilman Stephen Jones and local pastor Darren Leach, both of whom have expressed their intent to run for mayor. The upcoming election is particularly noteworthy as current Mayor Keith Gaskin has decided to step down after one term, endorsing Leach as his successor.

The official qualification period for candidates begins on January 2, but Brooks isn’t wasting any time. He is ready to dive into the campaigning process and make his vision known to the voters.

Vision for a United Columbus

According to Brooks, if elected, he plans to launch a Blue Ribbon Commission comprised of representatives from four vital community sectors: government, school, church, and family. His goal? To foster unity and collaboration, tackling pressing issues like crime prevention together. “I remember not seeing our elected officials pledging to have zero tolerance on crime,” he stated. “But when I become mayor, parents will need to keep their kids indoors. We’re not going to allow chaos in our community.”

Moreover, Brooks has been candid about his criticisms of the current city council, particularly their recent annexation plans and redistricting actions, which he claims were rushed and lacked transparency. “They have lost their way,” he expressed, emphasizing the need for elected officials to prioritize the community over personal agendas. His resolve to support city workers reflects his commitment to ensure respect and dignity in local government operations.

A Call for Change

Brooks is eager for a fresh start within the city council, advocating for change in leadership to better align with Columbus’ needs. “You can’t move in a new direction if you’ve got the same mules pulling the other way,” he quipped, alluding to the necessity of new perspectives in local governance.

Furthermore, he pledged to collaborate with the Golden Triangle Development LINK and other institutions to attract new developments to Columbus, emphasizing that his candidacy is not about race but about competency and collaboration. “We’re all going to work together. This is about skills, knowledge, and understanding,” he stated clearly.

The Road Ahead

Even though the political arena can get heated, Brooks reassured his supporters of his commitment to run a campaign marked by integrity. He has drawn a “line in the sand” regarding the behavior and tactics used during the campaign, emphasizing that he won’t tolerate any foul play.

Brooks plans to continue his role on the supervisors board while campaigning. Should he win the mayoral election, he will step down from his current position. He sees his wealth of experience as a significant advantage over his opponents, joking, “There are a couple of things I have to learn over at City Hall: where the bathroom is and where the refrigerator is; the rest of it I’m prepared for.”

What’s Next?

The countdown to the elections has begun, and with Brooks’ enthusiasm and clear vision, the future of Columbus looks promising. As the community gears up for this exciting political showdown, residents are eagerly awaiting how each candidate will address their concerns and needs. “I’m running because I believe in something,” Brooks declared, embarking on a mission to lead the city into a brighter future.