Daleville mayor, councilman both bidding for city’s top spot

Twelve years of serving the city could end — at least for a term — for either a third-term mayor or councilman in Daleville.

Mayor Wess Etheredge is hoping it won’t be the end for him as he campaigns against Mayor Pro-Tem and councilman Ralph Chalker and Daleville residents Charles Oneal and Rhayce Tucker.

“Regardless of who the mayor is you got to have a good team of council members. No one person can accomplish anything. Me being in City Hall full-time and listening to the pulse of the people, I can relate that to the council, and as a team we get things done,” Etheredge said.

Chalker said he cast a bid in the mayor’s race after overwhelming support from the community.

“I am convinced that now more than ever is the need for fresh ideas and leadership ... According to the Census Bureau’s 2007 estimates our population is shrinking and is now around 4,500 residents. Although we have opened several new businesses, more have closed in recent years and we continue to have unattractive vacant store fronts,” Chalker said.

“Also I began to notice repeated criticism from our auditors for the past two years citing the absence of a financial budget for the city, no recording of inventory or accounting of city property and assets, and other discrepancies such as not requiring city employees handling funds to be bonded.”

Etheredge said he believed the town was fortunate in gaining Flight School XXI, which created 152 jobs, although the community lost Tri-Glas.

The city has also extended water and sewer lines to attract businesses to U.S. Highway 84, Etheredge said.

“We’ve done a lot. We’re a small town with a small tax income but as we get the money, we try to do projects,” he added.

Charles Oneal, who ran for a Daleville Council seat last election, said he was ready to bring change to the city.

“I’ve seen some things, and I believe people are ready for change and can handle change in the way business is handled in Daleville,” he said.

Tucker could not be reached for comment.