Dorothy Hubbard Seeks to Build a Team for Albany
Monday, October 17th, 2011
During her campaign for mayor of Albany, Dorothy Hubbard is going around neighborhoods, meeting with residents and trying to change the way people think about the city. In her “Huddle Up with Hubbard” meetings, she tells the 10 or 20 people assembled to speak up when they hear someone make a derogatory remark about Albany.
“When I hear someone say something derogatory, I ask them what they are going to do about it. To revive Albany, we must each do our part. Whatever you bring to the table, let’s find a way to use it for the good of the city,” Hubbard said.
Hubbard has served as the Ward 2 Commissioner for six years and has served on community boards. She retired in 1999 from Albany State University where she served as Assistant to the President, Registrar and Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs, and Director of Admissions and Registration.
Hubbard’s top priorities as mayor would be crime, education and economic development. She plans to build a team for Albany by working with citizens, businesses and leaders of surrounding cities and counties.
“I truly believe our citizens will help me to breathe new life into our hometown. By serving on committees, being advocates, thinking and acting as one, and talking to me about our future, I know we can identify resources to hit a home run,” Hubbard said.
Tapping the Potential in Young People
Hubbard sees great potential in the young people of Albany and already has several working on her campaign. As mayor, she would include young people on councils, in meetings and in sessions on specific issues.
“I hear young people complaining that they don’t have enough to do. Unless we take steps to encourage and guide their talents, we cannot say that we’ve done our best,” she said.
By networking and using social media, Hubbard would expand the number of young people involved in city government. Beyond focusing on young people in good standing, she would like to see programs targeting young people who are first-time offenders and their parents.
“We need to explain consequences to first-time offenders and their parents through sessions with law enforcement and by giving tours of the jail,” Hubbard explained.
Working With Surrounding Municipalities
Hubbard believes healthy economic development in Albany depends on healthy economic development in the surrounding cities and counties. She has already met with the mayors of Americus and Dawson to discuss how cities in southwestern Georgia can work together to attract more businesses to the region.
“In the past, Albany has been seen as being on its own and I think we need to change that. We shouldn’t begrudge Americus its new jobs because the people who take those jobs could live and shop in Albany,” she explained.
Hubbard is enrolled in an economic development academy to learn more about the subject. She said, “In order to be the best mayor, I must gather information in areas that I am not as well versed. I don’t have all the answers and I am willing and able to work to get them.”
Why Vote For Hubbard?
Hubbard touts her record as a city commissioner, her understanding of how the city operates and her ability as a retiree to be a full-time mayor. Her approach as mayor will include a structured plan with community action councils comprised of citizens, subject matter experts, leaders and stakeholders to address her priority issues.
“I believe it is my time. All my life I have been a giver, a servant of the people. I love it! My experiences, education, community projects, career and family responsibilities have prepared me for this journey,” Hubbard said.
More information on Dorothy Hubbard and her campaign for mayor of Albany is available at www.hubbardformayor.com.
Next Monday’s profile: John White
