Local Campaign Heats Up; Willis's $15 Hike at Center of Campaign

Will the Garbage Bill Go Up $15/month

The above campaign literature has appeared on the streets with just one week until the start of early voting.  Mayor Arnell Willis's proposal to raise the water bill $15/month to support general city operations has been placed center stage in the stretch run of the city council campaign with some believing that the election is a referendum on whether or not the citizens want to see their garbage bill go up.

Mayor Willis:Supporting $15 increase and alderman who will vote for it

Hollowell:  Pushing Hard for $15 Hike

St. Columbia: Also Favors Fee Hike

Chris Franklin:Opposes $15 Hike

Certainly there is a divide amongst the candidates on this question that overlaps with whether or not they have the support for Arnell Willis.  Most of those believed to be receiving the support of the Mayor are also either on record or believed to be in favor of the increase.

Tommie Hunt:Long-Time Willis Man

Jarrett: Fighting against $15

Mayor Willis is supporting four of the incumbents who have all expressed support for the rise in the garbage bill.  Those are Jay Hollowell, Joe St. Columbia, Eddie Clark, and Daniel Strickland.  Five incumbents have opposed the fee increase and Willis has expressed support for their opponents.  Those challengers that are reportedly receiving support from Willis are:  Cedric Pride, Gabe Ferebee, Tommie Hunt, Joe Grubbs, Vivian Holder, and Eddie Lee.

With just over three weeks until the election, it will be interesting to see if the general public sends at least five alderman to the council who support Willis and the fee increase.

In addition to Franklin and Jarrett, incumbents Monica Cartwright-Davis, Don Etherly, and Larry Brown have expressed opposition to the $15 fee hike proposed by the Mayor.