Griffin Daily News Article
Alan Stanfield for City Commissioner District 4
Alan Stanfield is a candidate for Griffin City Commissioner District 4. He is a lifelong resident of Griffin with an established family history of more than 60 years in the community. Alan is a faculty member at Southern Crescent Technical College where he has been employed since 2001. He also serves the role of Chairperson in the Industrial Studies Department. He recognizes the need for economic development, community revitalization, and establishing the city in the best interests of the citizens. Alan wishes to bring energy, new vision and a renewed purpose to Griffin.
Alan Stanfield has spent his life living and working in Griffin. He understands the needs of our city and will bring real solutions to the problems. There are several immediate needs that must be addressed and Alan has a plan to lead Griffin in a new direction. Some of these needs include solving the unemployment and poverty rates in Griffin which are alarmingly above the state average. Other areas of concern are the barriers to business and industry development that must be removed. Alan Stanfield is experienced in industry and economic development. He has worked to support countless businesses over the past 10 years to develop current and future employees. He is also a published author and speaker in leadership development. Griffin needs hometown experienced leaders like Alan to revitalize our city. Let’s give Alan a chance to restore Griffin.
Alan is married to Kellie Baker Stanfield and they have a two year old daughter. He holds an A.A.S. degree in technical studies from Southern Crescent Technical College, B.S. degree in business from Lee University, and a MBA from Mercer University. Visit www.stanfield4griffin.com for more information and to see Alan Stanfield’s plan for our future. Vote November 8th.
Interview for The Grip
Alan Stanfield, Candidate for City Commissioner District 4
Why do you wish to serve the constituents of your district?
My name is Alan Stanfield and I am a candidate for Griffin City Commissioner District 4. I am a lifelong resident of Griffin with an established family history of more than 60 years in the community. My current position is a faculty member at Southern Crescent Technical College where I have been employed since 2001. In addition, I also serve the role of Chairperson in the Industrial Studies Department. I recognize the need for economic development, community revitalization, and establishing the city in the best interests of the citizens. My wish is to bring energy, new vision and a renewed purpose to Griffin.
I have spent my life living and working in Griffin. Over the years, I have developed an understanding concerning the needs of our city and will bring real solutions to the problems. There are several immediate needs that must be addressed and I have a plan to lead Griffin in a new direction. Some of these needs include solving the unemployment and poverty rates in Griffin which are alarmingly above the state average. Other areas of concern are the barriers to business and industry development that must be removed. I am experienced in industry and economic development. Part of my job at the college is to support businesses with employee training and development. I also work to attract new industry into our city and county. I am also a published author and speaker in leadership development. Griffin needs hometown experienced leaders like me to help revitalize our city.
I wish to serve the citizens of Griffin for many reasons. First of all, this is my hometown. I have the greatest vested interest in Griffin because my employer, my family and my church are all located in Griffin. Secondly, I have a great understanding of economic development that I want to apply to help our city prosper. My education and work experience over the past 10 years can provide the leadership required to be successful.
I am married to Kellie Stanfield and we have a two year old daughter. I hold an A.A.S. degree in technical studies from Southern Crescent Technical College, B.S. degree in business from Lee University, and a MBA from Mercer University. Visit www.stanfield4griffin.com for more information and to see my plan for our future.
What are your qualifications?
Since 2001, I have worked at Southern Crescent Technical to support local companies and employees with education and workforce development. Part of my responsibilities is to train workers and to establish economic growth through education. I often meet with current and potential businesses to determine their workforce needs. I have spent the last 10 years working alongside a vast number of industries and companies in our area. This provides me with a thorough knowledge of our economic structure and future needs.
Other qualifications include my education. I hold three college degrees in which two specialize in business and economics. I have a Bachelors degree from Lee University and a Masters of Business Administration degree from Mercer University. Coupled together, my experience in economic development and education in business are the right combination for successful leadership.
What would you identify as the greatest challenge?
Our greatest challenge here in Griffin is a challenge that is common to most other cities which is economic growth and development. One of the best ways that we can attack this challenge is by making full use of two of our best local assets which are Southern Crescent Technical College and the University of Georgia Griffin campus. Not only do these two schools educate our students but they also provide economic energy and drive. These two schools are important keys to economic success because they generate local sales tax and attract new businesses. The city of Griffin must development the strongest and most effective relationship with both schools.
How would you address budgetary concerns?
Economic downturn often forces difficult decisions to be made. However, effective financial management and planning can help minimize some of the damage incurred by a sluggish economy. If elected, I would utilize my education and experience to analyze the budget with great diligence. I would search for any excessive spending and eliminate any spending waste. I would work hard to retain jobs but, if necessary, I would consider not replacing retiring employees in order to meet the budget.
What would you do to stimulate local economic growth and development?
One of the best ways to stimulate economic growth and development is to establish Griffin as a business friendly city. We should start by evaluate all permitting and licensing procedures. I would look for any way to improve our business establishment procedures and work to remove any barriers that may hinder development. We must change our attitude and mentality towards economic growth. Our city is in transition from a manufacturing community to a more service oriented industry. Our mentality in the city government must also change to support this transition. As commissioner, I would become a “salesman” for new business development in Griffin. I would work to remarket our city as one that is open to economic growth. I appreciate our history as a mill town but I also want us to challenge ourselves to embrace new industries.
