PIKE ROAD, AL (WSFA) -
The candidates for Mayor of Pike Road are trading charges over spending on the town's new school. Current Mayor Gordon Stone faces a challenge from David Hughes.
Stone said the school is set to open in 2015 with room for 800 students at a cost of $16 million.
"'We've worked seven years to create an education plan that has the money already in place," Stone said. "No new taxes, a financing plan in place. And the citizens voted for it and accepted it."
"Their plans are to put the town in debt," Hughes said. "Our plans are to keep the town out of debt and to provide a wonderful school for our kids."
Hughes said if he becomes mayor he would push a plan to build the new school at a cost of $8 million. The school wouldn't be near the waters, but instead near the intersection of Pike Road and Vaughn Road. His team already has a design for the school as well...from the same architect who designed Wilson Elementary, a Montgomery Public School.
"We'll have a small amount of debt, but we have an exit plan of 84 months, which is a lot less than what their plan is," Hughes said.
Stone said the plan supported by Hughes and the other candidates supported by the Citizens for Pike Road PAC doesn't include all of the costs associated with building a school and that the plan does not include of the things Pike Road voters want in a school. He disputes the assertion the town would have excess debt under the current plan.
"In Alabama, there is no debt for schools that is associated with a municipality, and certainly no debt associated with the people. That's a misinterpretation on their part."
Pike Road's election will be held at the Town Hall. Hours are from 7 am until 7 pm.
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