Mayoral match-up in south Alabama city - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Andalusia's future rests in the hands of one of these two men--current Mayor Earl Johnson or local business owner Blaine Wilson.

"I enjoy serving the community. This is where I live, raise my family, and I want it to be the very best community it can be," says Johnson.

"This city is built on 100 years of hard work...on the hard works of people in this community," adds Wilson.

Both men believe they have the right plan to make Andalusia thrive. Wilson thinks it starts with tightening government spending.

"We're in tough times. We gotta live like it. We got to be conservative and responsible."

He criticizes Mayor Johnson's spending record. Johnson says there's a difference between spending and investing in the city.

"We have needs. So just because it costs money doesn't still mean you don't have those needs. Do you just don't do something because it's gonna cost money? Or do you figure out a way to do it and afford to do it?" asks Johnson.

And of course, perhaps the biggest issue facing the two--how to bring jobs to Andalusia.

"Diversify our economy and create better higher paying jobs which create better opportunities for our citizens," says Johnson.

"We're going to hire us a professional jobs recruiter and we're gonna bring quality, quality of life jobs to Andalusia," adds Wilson.

Both candidates have ideas to improve the city. Mayor Johnson wants to revitalize one of Andalusia's main roadways--South Three Notch Street.

"It's the last main thoroughfare in Andalusia that needs to be refurbished in the foreseeable future."

Wilson hopes to lower residents' costs of living.

"One thing we gotta do is get our utility rates down, get our business license fees down," adds Wilson.

Both men say being Mayor requires one thing--planning for the future when it comes to spending or development.

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