Landers seeks Place 4 seat on PC Council

After much thought and consideration, I decided to run for City Council, Place 4 in the Phil Campbell municipal election.
Having witnessed what transpired over the last year and a half since the tornado, I felt it was what I needed to do to best help the community I grew up in. I think the past council and mayor has done an excellent job and now I would like to do my part as well.
I am the daughter of Phillip and Patricia Fleming of Phil Campbell.  I have one sister, Erica Deaton, Bear Creek.  I am married to Jason Landers, a Phil Campbell High School graduate.  We have four children, all of which attended Phil Campbell High School:  Alaina Scott, Andy Landers, Jay Grissom, and our current senior, Aaron Landers.  We have one grandson, Drake, and a granddaughter due in August.   I am a member of First Baptist Church of Phil Campbell.
I have lived just about my entire life in Phil Campbell.  I graduated from Phil Campbell High School in 1983 after which I attended Northwest Community College in Phil Campbell, transferring to Gadsden State Community College, then Clayton State Community College and ultimately graduating from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Computer Information Systems.
I started my employment working at night at Kellwood in Phil Campbell.  I was a lifeguard at the Phil Campbell Swimming Pool the summer of my senior year in high school.  I have been trained and have worked in the court system as a court reporter.  I acquired my Real Estate License in 1999 and my Broker’s License in 2002.  In 2002 I received my Real Estate Appraisal Trainee’s License.
Before completing my education, I worked at Gold Kist for approximately seven years in the accounting department. While attending UNA, I drove a school bus for the Franklin County School System at Phil Campbell High School.  After graduating from UNA, I went to work for the Franklin County Revenue Commission Office as a real-property appraiser. Having applied with the State of Alabama for a position prior to graduation, I was later offered a position with the Alabama Department of Transportation as a Right of Way Specialist. I have been in my current position for seven years.  Up until April 27, 2011, my husband and I owned and operated Bama Trophy Shop in Phil Campbell serving Phil Campbell High School and many other local schools, churches and organizations.
I feel the knowledge I gained while selling real estate and preparing appraisals will enable me to help the Town of Phil Campbell.  In the past seven years while at ALDOT, I have come to understand how the State Highway system plays a vital role in the advancement of many towns.
Having been raised in Phil Campbell, I have come to know and respect the town and its citizens.  During the last year and a half, we have all grown closer and learned that working together as one, we can accomplish a lot.  I would like to do just that, work together to make Phil Campbell a better place for all.
There are, on average, approximately 60 graduating young men and women from Phil Campbell High School. After graduation, some go to college and some go to work.  Ultimately, they have to leave or travel outside of Phil Campbell to seek gainful employment.  Our youth will be our future leaders and we need them.  There are industrial parks to be developed in order to attract more industry which will provide much needed jobs for the citizens and upcoming young adults of Phil Campbell.
Even before the April 27, 2011 tornado, Phil Campbell was on a decline and in need of revitalization.  Now the need is even more vital. Many that had buildings in town either don’t have the funds to repair due to lack of insurance or that there simply wasn’t enough insurance coverage.  I feel there are more grants out there to be found and utilized to help clean up and revitalize Phil Campbell.  We just have to seek and apply.  I want to make Phil Campbell a more desirable place to live for everyone.
Based on my work history and educational background, I believe I have the knowledge and experience to help Phil Campbell rebuild and move forward to a brighter future for all.  If elected, I want to help Phil Campbell continue to do that and be bigger and better than ever.  Let me have the opportunity to serve you.