May 28, 2009

Wayne Taylor of Trussville announced he will be seeking office as a county commissioner in November 2010. The four-term councilman is now council president and has worked on bonds, city finances and zoning issues.

When asked why he is running, he said, "I wondered that myself." He said he had some people ask him to run for the office. Considering the current financial situation at the county, he said he did not readily jump at the chance. 

But after some consideration, Taylor said he thought he might could help. He said he saw a big mistake the county made was to tie their debt to adjustable rates. "That's like homeowners with adjustable rate mortgages," Taylor said

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As for ideas of how to solve the financial problems with the county government, Taylor saidg, "Most would agree the county is already bankrupt because they can't pay the bills." He said he is not advocating bankruptcy, but he said he would need more information and would have to look at that as a possible solution. 

As for the Jefferson County Occupational Tax, Taylor said he would be in favor of the county keeping that revenue stream because they need the money. 

Taylor said he is a Republican and has been since he voted for Gerald Ford in 1976. He said his work experience is in sales with the building supply wholesales business.

Commissioner Bettye Fine Collins' spokesperson, Leigh Brooks-Butler, said Collins has not made an announcement as to whether she will run in 2010. She said Collins will likely make an announcement this November.