At the end of this year’s third quarter, Anniston will have completed its municipal election. Being the city that it is, Anniston’s greatest need is for capable, intelligent, honest and courageous leadership. The at-large council seat is the key ingredient for producing that critical kind of leadership.

Being a city hamstrung by willful ignorance, special-interest politics and a judicial system that comes under the scrutiny of some whose trust in the system has been fractured, it is time for Anniston’s most objective-minded and capable citizens to present themselves for election.

My long-time interest in occupying the mayor’s seat is now eclipsed by one who has all qualities that I have and I feel are critical for moving Anniston forward. This person, just as I, is devoted to the progress of “all” of Anniston and not restricted to “some” of Anniston. The one I speak of has what I think to be two advantages that are peculiar to this area: European ancestry and financial resources for maximum campaign exposure.

That person is Vaughn Stewart. I encourage all of my would-be supporters to join me in support of him. I sincerely believe Vaughn Stewart will do at least as well as I believe I would do to heal and lead Anniston to its full potential. Thanks and blessings to Vaughn and to the residents of Anniston for your consideration.

George T. Bates
Anniston