Staff Report

August 3, 2000 10 PM

James "Alex" Neal is seeking the District 5 seat on the Troy City Council.

He said he is running because he wants to "represent you, your concerns and your community within District 5 in the city of Troy."

For those in his district, he asks: "What, then, is opposite of Wild West individualism?

"The obvious answer is community," Neal said. "The well-being of the community should be of higher value than individual advantage."

Neal said he wants to "serve, not ride" as a member of the council.

Born and raised in District 5, Neal has "a genuine interest" in the residents of that part of the city.

"I have witnessed all the changes within District 5 over the past 43-plus years and, yet, it still needs a change," Neal said.

"Together we will and can make a better District 5."

If elected, Neal pledges to focus on crime prevention, literacy programs for teens and adults, community partnerships and new job opportunities.

He said he pledges "full-time serve and continuous correspondence" of what is happening or being planned for the community.

"Troy is my home and I am committed to making a difference here," Neal said.

The municipal election will be held Aug. 22.