WALB, in an email alert, states that former Albany City Commissioner Arthur Williams is currently qualifying for the Ward 3 seat being vacated by Commissioner Morris Gurr. There’s been a lot of speculation lately about Williams running for the seat that Gurr defeated him for last time it was up for grabs.
Williams was…well…my Mom always told me that if I wasn’t able to say anything nice about someone, don’t say anything at all. As such, I’ll be very quiet now.
Luckily, Chris Pike has already qualified, making this one a contested race. We’ll have more about this race as it becomes available to us.
I am so glad it will be a contested race.
I know a lot about Mr. Williams. I’m counting on you guys to help me become informed about Mr. Pike.
This should be entertaining.
Additional news is available that Bob Langstaff will be opposed by William T Hart, a retired railroad employee and member of the Dougherty County Taxpayer’s association according to the Albany Herald.
The Herald also notes that Pike is the publisher of Urban Pulse magazine.
I hope to interview all the cadidates about their views and positions prior to the November election.
(edited to add that Mr. Hart is, in fact, a former railroad executive)
Mr. Hart, my yard can’t wait for your campaign sign!
Gee, I thought things were already tough for Albany. But, the possibility of getting Arthur Williams back is, well, just not real good news at all. In fact, it is real bad news. Along the lines of hearing that Buie is being rehired or something.
The mayor is good at putting a positive spin on bad news but this one is beyond even his ability. Go Pike!
Arthur will emerge as a reformed candidate….don’t underestimate his pull in the neighborhoods. He and his learned a lesson the last election. Chris is a good fellow, to be sure. He ran four years ago and came in 6th out of 6. He needs to connect and crank. It will be a most interesting.
I seriously doubt Arthur Williams learned anything. He got away with his mess for years before there were any ramifications, and people don’t just change like that.
I hope I’m wrong, but frankly it’s sad that we even have to deal with him again. He did enough damage to the city for two lifetimes as it is.
I’ve seen Mr. williams carry himself differently. I make no conclusions, but just toss out the prospect that he may come off differently in this campaign.
I’m definitely interested in meeting Mr. Pike, learning what his thoughts on governing the city are, and hopefully volunteering to get him elected!
I’m not doubting that he’ll come off differently, at least if he has any sense. What I’m doubting is that he’ll actually be any different. And that’s a big difference.
Like I said, I hope to interview each candidate (at least in the contested races) and let their own words speak for themselves. Should Williams win, he’ll have ample opportunity to show me that he’s a changed man. But after his antics over many, many years? I’m more skeptical than you are on this one Peter.
I’m not vouching for his success on tht transformation by any stretch. Just making a speculative observation. We shall see as to ALL the candidates…that what campaigning is all about. I’m with Donna in that she wants info info info and meetings.
And as in the title of Chicago’s loved columnist Mike Royko’s book about Chicago’s and Daley’s politics…Don’t Make No Waves, Don’t Back No Losers …..
I shoulda read it twice.
Of course, he may not even be eligible. See here.
Well, I’m not sure how the IRS matters affect eligibility. I don’t know the exact statutory language that may disqualify him, but it better be very very clear and very very Constitutional. I don’t think that an IRS claim can disqualify a candidate, but as so many have said before, wt(*) does he know?
We just don’t need Williams. The city government has enough problems without the return of another. Why would the citizens want to take a second chance on a candidate that has proven himself to be a distraction rather than an asset?
If Arthur doe run and gets elected– The IRS should garnish his commisioner paycheck to pay back the taxes that he owes…
Albany is getting closer to a similar pickle that many countries find themselves in when the sky IS falling….people will hear the loud passionate voice that knows how to connect with them and stir up feeling of hope and emotion, and sometimes point a finger, all too often regardless of the logic or other more reasoned options.
Not that Albany is at that point…..
Just gotta make it a better place step by step.
You’re absolutely right Rex. I certainly hope that isn’t an option. Surely Ward 3 people realize they deserve better representation.