By Desiree Taylor & Alison McFerrin

The Selma Times-Journal

May 24 proved little in the race for the special election to fill the vacant Ward 3 position on the Selma City Council. The two candidates many believed to be the strongest fought their way through a crowded field to earn a berth in Tuesday’s runoff election.

The two who advanced were the ones who raised the most money and were among the highest spenders. They have proven to have the ability to get out the vote and both have run aggressive campaigns. But Tuesday, one will win and the other will have to wonder if the investment was worth the effort.

Greg Bjelke and Gwen Brown share a first and last initial, but that is where the similarities mostly end. They both believe in more money for public safety and better efforts in code enforcement.

But, the ways to accomplish these goals take somewhat different routes.

Both of the candidates took time last week to meet with the Times-Journal in an effort to highlight their positions and their differences.

For Bjelke, the want to improve public safety in Selma, became a more personal goal recently as he completed the Citizens Police Academy, saying the course provided an “eye-opening experience.”

“One guy they brought in was talking about their electronic equipment, and he said, ‘Ten years ago … this was top of the line. Now it’s old-fashioned; it’s not compatible with the E911 system,” Bjelke said. “So there’s a big problem with that.”

Brown also said she is strongly committed to giving as many funds as possible to the Selma Police Department.

Of course, the reason to expand the police department is to improve safety

“All of Ward 3 needs to be protected,” said Bjelke, while emphasizing the Riverview area. “Random security checks on homes and businesses would be a big improvement.”

Brown said in addition to increasing the police force, she thinks getting citizens involved in protection is also important.

“I would like to have meetings once a month at Valley Creek Apartments and with the Riverview and Ice House districts,” said Brown, emphasizing a neighborhood watch program. “A lot of the answers to issues are with the citizens.”

While both candidates mentioned the need for updated equipment for the police department as well as more police officers, one issue created is how to pay for these additions.

“I would cut a budget or go to other sources to give them more money,” Brown said. “If we could get people involved, we can do some things that don’t cost a lot of money.”

Bjelke said he didn’t think the money is a problem.

“I believe it was Mayor (George) Evans one time that said, ‘If we need officers, we’ll find the money,’” Bjelke said. “I would have to say, somehow, we could find some sort of federal funding.”

While both Bjelke and Brown agree on the needs for additional funding for the city’s police department, they do somewhat disagree on how the city has been using funds.

One such issue is the October 2009 bond issue approved by Selma voters that provided for the purchase of police vehicles, fire equipment and paid for renovations to city buildings and paving of some city streets.

“I’m not sure if I voted for the bond, but if it came forward again, I wouldn’t vote for it,” Brown said. “I have different ideas for it; I’d amend it. I think bonds are beneficial for the city, but I would put more money towards public safety — like more computers and cars.”

Bjelke said he was in favor of the bond, which he said he believes was a vital necessity.

“There were improvements that needed to be made,” Bjelke said. “Things needed major work. There were a few (items) that were questionable … for the most part it was okay.”

Another issue both candidates found crucial to Ward 3 voters was code enforcement — although they feel differently about how it should be handled.

Brown said she believes Selma’s code enforcement office could use some help.

“They could certainly use more people,” Brown said. “If we (the city council) do our part to focus on the little battles, they can focus on some of the weightier issues.”

Bjelke also said other people in the community should get involved, like neighbors and police officers, but said he doesn’t think the office is understaffed.

“I think it’s sufficiently staffed,” Bjelke said. “I wish they were a bit more efficient.”

What needs to happen, he said, is for those on staff to be more active.

“Get out of the office and go see what’s going on,” Bjelke said, adding he is especially concerned with abandoned houses.

Community involvement, Brown said, is what will make a difference.

“I don’t mind having my hands dirty,” said Brown, who said she has spent much of her campaign time helping clean up lots throughout Ward 3. “I think leadership by example is a powerful thing.”

On the other hand, Bjelke has made strides in his solutions toward making sure the code enforcement officials stay on top of problems.

“While I’ve been campaigning, I’m writing all these notes down,” Bjelke said. “’Cut this tree at the corner. Their faucet’s leaking. How do I get my house paint colors approved?’ And I just phone it in as soon as I get back to the shop.”

Brown and Bjelke both emphasized the need to connect to the people of Ward 3.

“It’s possible to have a relationship with people and work with them,” Brown said. “If I were elected, I would feel a responsibility for my ward. To me, the ward represents the city more accurately than any other ward. People feel underrepresented, under-recognized and underserved … I want to serve the people and prove I’ll be there.”

Bjelke also said he intends to be there for the people.

“Get out of the office,” he said. “Go see these people. Just ride around, wave at them. … Be visible!”

The revitalization and restoration of buildings in downtown Selma is another pressing issue. Brown projects success will come to the area with more businesses and local restaurant chains.

“I want to capitalize on tourism and do whatever I can to get more people to stay and spend more time here,” she said. “We need places that will generate jobs, different kinds of restaurants like a café or something to bring money into the city from somewhere else. I personally feel a responsibility to get more businesses up and running downtown.”

Bjelke also said he would support bringing more businesses to the downtown area.

“I know there’s incentives and tax breaks for people who want to do that,” Bjelke said. “Let’s find a business that’s on the other side of town, and things aren’t going so well, (and say) ‘Come on, come over here, let’s find you a great little shop here’ — let’s encourage that.”

Bjelke said businesses would be attracted to downtown Selma if it were cleaned up.

“I know if Ward 3 and all of Selma were cleaned up … people would come to Selma,” Bjelke said. “Tourists would come. Small business owners would come. They want to come where it’s a thriving community; they don’t want to come where everybody’s bad-mouthing Selma.”