Tyran Colvin Hopes To Win Mayor in Runoff Election in Chickasaw

Chickasaw, AL (BuzzReport) – The air in Chickasaw is thick with anticipation and the hurried footsteps of campaigners as the city approaches a pivotal mayoral runoff election. Following the defeat of the incumbent mayor, residents now face a clear choice between two candidates – Tyran Colvin and Bill Vallon – who are in a sprint to secure last-minute support before the polls open on Tuesday, September 23rd.

The contest unfolds against a backdrop of conflicting narratives about Chickasaw’s identity. While new infrastructure projects, like the updated high school football field and a burgeoning restaurant at Lee St and Interstate 65, suggest growth, the undeniable presence of several closed businesses paints a picture of a city struggling to find its footing. Both Colvin and Vallon are running on platforms centered on a shared belief: they can turn things around.

BuzzReport sat down with mayoral hopeful Tyran Colvin to delve into his vision for Chickasaw, his motivations, and his specific plans should he be elected.

A Call to Action from a Long-Time Resident

For Tyran Colvin, entering the mayoral race wasn’t a casual decision, but a necessity born from concern. “I could not sit back any longer and watch our city continue to decline,” Colvin stated, recalling a process of prayer, family discussions, and testing the waters for business attraction. He describes his candidacy as either “a calling or just being at the right place at the right time,” affirming that “prayers were answered, obstacles removed, now here we are.”

Colvin brings 44 years of comprehensive business management experience to the table, highlighting skills in sales, marketing, new business development, recruiting, negotiating, and team building. “I have the ability to get difficult things done,” he asserts, emphasizing his strong connections within the business community and a “natural talent for turning lemons into lemonade.”

Priorities for a Resurgent Chickasaw

Should he be elected, Colvin’s agenda is clear-cut, beginning with a focus on core areas like beautification, business development, and public safety. His immediate priorities include:

• Financial Stability: “Ensuring our financial footing is solid. Without that, there can be no forward progress.”
• Public Safety Enhancement: Colvin plans to meet with the Chief of Police to review crime statistics and explore the feasibility of bringing Police & Fire dispatch services back to the city.
• Elevated Customer Service & Transparency:He intends to implement new customer service standards, ensure City Hall is open five days a week, and personally connect with employees. Crucially, Colvin pledges to launch social media pages for city departments and live-stream or record City Council meetings, stating, “I value transparency and accountability, and do not want citizens being left in the dark.”
• Addressing the Prichard Water Crisis:Identifying it as “already at a crisis state,” Colvin vows to be a “strong advocate,” escalating the issue to the highest levels of government if necessary. “Our health depends on it,” he stressed.
• Blight and Redevelopment: He plans to swiftly address blight and pursue redevelopment, sending a clear message: “Chickasaw is Open for Business and an ideal place to raise a family.”

Unlocking Untapped Potential

Colvin sees Chickasaw’s future through an optimistic lens, likening its potential to “old houses in disrepair. If given love, attention and sprucing up, they become beautiful and valuable again.” He points to the city’s waterways and Historic District as examples of “unrealized opportunities ripe for improvement.”

On specific policy, Colvin aims to revisit Ordinance 2021-01 regarding Theft of Services, advocating for property owners of rental properties to be held responsible for garbage and sewer services, not the tenants.

Regarding crime, Colvin expresses strong support for the police force, trusting the Chief and officers to maintain safety while ensuring they receive necessary resources. When questioned about the city budget, he stated he could not comment without a full review and audit, but believes “there is always room for improvement.”

Addressing blight, aging infrastructure, and taxes, Colvin promises strict enforcement of ordinances, weekly progress reports on blighted properties, and a proactive approach to infrastructure beyond the critical Prichard water issue. On taxes, he firmly states, “I believe we are at the top of what people can afford and do not advocate for any more taxes or fees.” In fact, he envisions reducing fees once the economy is “booming.”

A Choice for Chickasaw’s Future

As the September 23rd runoff draws near, the choice before Chickasaw residents is stark. While Bill Vallon’s specific platform has not been detailed in this report, Tyran Colvin’s campaign is built on a foundation of business experience, a clear plan for economic and civic revitalization, and a deep-seated belief in Chickasaw’s potential.

In his final message to voters, Colvin encapsulated his campaign: “My name is Tyran Colvin. I am a lifelong resident and local business owner who is running for Mayor of our city. The runoff is September 23rd. I would like to ask for your deepest consideration and vote.”

He challenges the perception that Chickasaw is “too far gone,” asserting, “Call me crazy, but I see opportunities all over hiding in plain sight that simply need to be developed and marketed in the right way.” Colvin hopes his 44 years of business acumen, including founding a successful copier and printer dealership during a recession, proves his ability to turn “lemons into lemonade.”

“If you would like to see what Chickasaw is truly capable of, please consider electing me as your next Mayor, so we can get this City growing again. Thank you!”

As residents head to the polls, the future direction of Chickasaw – a city grappling with its identity as growing or declining – rests in their hands.

Connect with Tyran Colvin’s Campaign:

• Web: votecolvin4mayor.com
• Facebook: Facebook.com/colvin4mayor
• Email: colvin4mayor@gmail.com