Anthony J. Smith has declared his candidacy for the Ward 2 Selma City Council seat.

Smith, a teacher with the Selma City Schools System, said he chose to run for office because of the city’s drug and gang problem. &uot;Being a teacher, I see students get into drugs,&uot; Smith said. &uot;If we can create a solution to drugs, rehabilitate them, we can build a better city. That’s one thing that led me to run for city council.&uot;

Smith said he wanted to promote preventative programs to curb Selma’s crime level. The programs would start in the schools and educate children about violent crime. If elected, Smith said he would hold monthly ward meetings to discuss methods to deter crime. &uot;The youth curfew is a good idea,&uot; Smith said. &uot;Many students are out at night. Crimes occur during that time.&uot;

Selma needed stronger laws prohibiting drugs and gang activity, Smith said. If elected, he plans on attacking those issues. &uot;I feel that it is time for new ideas in the City of Selma,&uot; Smith said. &uot;I feel it is time for me to give back to the community for all the years that it has given me.&uot;

Concerning bringing jobs and industry to the area, Smith said the recent Lear Corporation announcement would help Selma and Dallas County. He added that unity was one method of drawing more industry to the county. &uot;That’s a concern many companies have,&uot; Smith said. &uot;We need to let them know we have unity. We have great values.&uot;

Smith also spoke to the issue of executive sessions at his declaration. &uot;I believe in an open-door policy,&uot; Smith said. &uot;I believe the citizens need to know what goes on in the city. We need to be informed about what’s going on.&uot;

Smith said that as a council member, he would recognize and value everyone’s opinion. &uot;I want to understand their situation and make our city a better city,&uot; Smith said. &uot;That’s something I want the citizens of Selma to know.&uot;

Selma could become a more enjoyable city to live in through community activities, Smith said. He added that he would support activities such as concerts, sports events, parades, flea markets and other outdoor festivities.

Smith was born

in Selma xxxxxxxxxx