STAFF REPORTS:

Dr. Pat Floyd has announced her candidacy for mayor of the City of Luverne.

Floyd is an entrepreneur, author of 12 books and past president of numerous local, state and national organizations. She spent 45 years in education, including 23 years at Alabama State University in Montgomery.

She earned her doctorate from Florida State University after receiving a master’s degrees from Montevallo, an education specialist degree from UAB and a bachelor’s degree from Troy University.

Floyd said she believes it’s time for a new era in Luverne.

“I will lead the charge to make the changes needed in Luverne,” she said. “This is a pivotal time for America and the City of Luverne. We’ve no choice but to move forward by selecting a mayor that will lead Luverne into a new era. Working together we can make Luverne a city to be very proud of calling home.”

Floyd said there needs to be more options and opportunities for the city’s youth, as well as equal opportunity for employment with the city and its agencies, and much-needed upgrades to the city’s website where job opportunities will be listed.

“Luverne’s website is the window to our community and must be attractive for our community and offer transparency of the workings of city government,” she said.

Floyd said she will work with local law enforcement to curb illegal drug activity.

“Addressing the drug problem is a must in order to offer a suitable future for our youth,” she said.

She also vowed to work to spur economic development, particularly in the downtown area.

“Our downtown has good structures that can be transformed into attractive and inviting businesses for our residents and visitors,” she said.

“It’s time for us to compete with our neighboring cities for the dollars earned in Luverne and spent elsewhere.”