As part of the Mobile Chamber’s 2025 Election Guide, we invited each candidate running for Mobile City Council and mayor of Mobile to respond to a series of questions to help inform our members and the public ahead of the August 26 municipal election. 

The Mobile Chamber’s 2025 Election Guide is a nonpartisan resource focused exclusively on the mayoral and city council races that will shape the future of Mobile. These local leaders are instrumental in setting policies that impact economic development, infrastructure, public safety and overall quality of life.

While the Chamber does not endorse candidates, our goal is to provide voters with clear, factual information about those seeking public office, especially those committed to job creation, workforce development and fostering a strong, pro-business climate.

We encourage every voter to be informed and engaged. Your voice and your vote are vital to shaping Mobile’s future.

Meet the Candidates from each district for Mobile City Council:

District 1 | District 2 | District 3 | District 4 | District 5 | District 6 | District 7

Meet the Mayoral Candidates:

Spiro Cheriogotis | Barbara Drummond | Connie Hudson | Paul Prine

Candidate Robert “Beau” Fleming is running uncontested in Mobile City Council District 5 and will be sworn in on November 3, 2025. The Mobile Chamber looks forward to working with future Councilman Beau Fleming as he serves the citizens of Mobile.

The responses from the City Council candidate are printed in their entirety below and are unedited.

Candidate’s Full Name

Robert L Fleming III, DPT (Beau)

Campaign Website/Social Media:

Beau Fleming: www.beauknowsmobile.com

Current Occupation:

Beau Fleming: Physical Therapist

Previous Public Offices Held (if any):

Beau Fleming: NA

Why are you running for Mobile City Council, and what qualifies you to represent your district effectively?

Beau Fleming: I am running for District 5 City Council because District 5 is my home. It’s where I grew up, and it’s where my wife Elizabeth and I are raising our 4 children. It’s also where my business is located. Professionally, I am a local physical therapist, currently in my 16th year of practice, with a clinic located at the intersection of Bit and Spur Road and University Boulevard. My wife Elizabeth works for a local interior designer, also located in District 5. Elizabeth previously taught elementary school for 12 years. I felt called to serve District 5 to be an advocate for its citizens and ensure our neighborhoods remain safe, strong and family friendly.

I think a strong focus on our families will ensure long-term success for the City of Mobile. If given the opportunity to serve, I will emphasize quality of life issues, while also working to make sure the next administration, whoever it is, continues to push along major projects; like relocating the airport, finishing the new civic center, and most importantly building the new Mobile River bridge. I will also support the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department and the Mobile Police Department by fighting to make sure they have all the resources they need. Crime, safety and quality of life go hand-in-hand, and it’s important our officers and first responders are equipped appropriately to execute their duties. As a small business owner, I want to make sure Mobile is as business friendly as possible.

I will collaborate with city departments to make starting a business more efficient, and help ease the difficulties of doing so, such as obtaining licenses and permits. Serving and supporting others has brought me joy since I returned home to Mobile to work as a physical therapist in my family’s business. Since 2009, I have had the privilege to serve on numerous boards, ranging from the arts to service organizations. In 2023-2024, I had the honor to serve as the President of the Mobile LIONS club. Prior to that, I was the Treasurer for the Classical Ballet of Mobile. I was also a charter member of the Young Advisory Group for the Providence Foundation. Currently, I am serving on the HES Leadership Board at The University of Alabama. District 5 is a heavily populated district, full of neighborhoods, all with families in my similar position. It’s full of great people who value safety and a good quality of life. I plan to address some of the concerns of traffic flow, and I also plan to address some of the areas affected by drainage issues.

Over the course of my campaign, I’ve had the privilege of meeting with neighbors, homeowner associations and business owners. Relationships have blossomed. To me, strong relationships are important because it improves communication and leads to progress. Every day in my physical therapy clinic, I work to establish a relationship with my patients, determine their limitations, and work together with them to solve problems. I feel this same principle can work for District 5. Throughout Mobile, but specifically in District 5, I think it’s important to continue to implement sidewalks, crosswalks and gathering areas. Walkability adds to quality of life and family time. I would like to assist in any way possible to see some restaurants thrive in our District. District 5 has great character, and I want to preserve that.

Lastly, Mobile is in a transformative era. We have experienced a great deal of upward momentum. We cannot get complacent. We have to continue to grow. I want to see families moving to Mobile, not moving out of Mobile. I want to see all 4 of my children return to, or remain in Mobile, and have every opportunity to be successful. I want that for every family. My promise is to be approachable, available and as knowledgeable as I can be to serve my District, and this City, as best as I can. As we approach the upcoming election, I have learned a lot throughout this year. The biggest thing I’ve learned is, I have a lot more to learn. It would be an honor to serve District 5 and this great City. I think my community involvement, business history and personal connection with the district qualifies me to represent District 5 effectively.

What do you believe is the most important issue or project in your district, and how do you plan to address it if elected?

Beau Fleming: Currently, the biggest and most important issue in District 5 is the McGregor Avenue project. There is no doubt this project needed to happen, and I am hopeful it improves traffic flow for the district and the city upon its completion. The road construction has created traffic and safety concerns for the surrounding neighbors, and I have been in close contact with them since launching my campaign. If elected, I promise to address the problem of cut-through traffic and drainage concerns until the construction is complete. I don’t foresee there being any issues on the financial side of the project, but obviously if there are, I will make sure the funds are spent wisely and responsibly. I know Mobile already has roundabouts, however I plan to implement and produce material to help educate drivers how to safely navigate the roundabout at Dauphin Street and McGregor Avenue to promote efficient traffic flow and prevent accidents.

How will you work with the Mobile Chamber to attract and retain businesses in the City of Mobile?

Beau Fleming: The Mobile Chamber of Commerce is a vital resource for our region for business creation, growth, and development. Being a small business owner myself, I recognize the network the Mobile Chamber provides. The Mobile Chamber offers businesses the resources they need to thrive and prosper. I will work hand-in-hand with the Mobile Chamber when the opportunity presents itself to assist in economic development, whether it be attracting new business or retaining local businesses. I feel Mobile still needs to grow. We need to retain our young people and workforce to help with growth. Being pro-business will create more opportunities for the next generation to supply our workforce demands and help our city grow.

What is your position on offering competitive, performance-based incentives to support existing industry expansion and new company relocation to the Mobile area?

Beau Fleming: I want to see Mobile continue to grow. I understand decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, but I’m for competitive performance-based incentives that are both pro-business and pro-community. I want to attract business to Mobile, but I want it to be a win-win situation for our companies and the community. I want our citizens to be able to benefit from a company expanding in Mobile or choosing to relocate here.

How would you advocate for small business growth, especially in underserved areas of the city?

Beau Fleming: If given the opportunity to serve, I would support business growth city-wide. I will do whatever it takes to help obtain small business funding assistance through grants, support ARP funding, support minority businesses, and explore tax incentives to help start-ups and local business expansions. I want to see our small businesses continue to grow and expand, re-invest in Mobile, and help create jobs. I will also support collaborating with other support groups, such as the Innovation Portal, Bishop State Community College, and the local school system. Publicly, I would support “Buy Local” campaigns, encourage Mobilians to shop local, and encourage local businesses to use local vendors.

Do you support streamlining permitting, licensing and development processes? If so, what specific improvements would you pursue?

Beau Fleming: Yes, I support streamlining permitting, licensing and development processes. I would work to establish a “point-man” or department head to create consistency between licensing, permitting and inspections. I would also ensure there were clear directions available for contractors and architects, and if there is a system in place already, improve the accessibility to such requirements. I would also support pre-permitting plans based on community needs. I feel the current administration has made great strides trying to make the permitting process better, however I am committed to exploring every option to make it more efficient.

What is your approach to infrastructure investment (roads, drainage, broadband, etc.) and how do you see it supporting economic growth in your district and throughout Mobile?

Beau Fleming: I feel aging infrastructure is a major threat to the City of Mobile. I know it will be costly to address, but I think we need to invest in a new stormwater drainage system and continue to invest in road maintenance and re-surfacing. I support the Mobile County Pay-As-You-Go program, and I support the Mobile River bridge project. We have to continue to invest in our infrastructure and facilities given the economic impact it carries. We are positioned well in Mobile with our Port, Rail, and Interstate system. We have to prioritize infrastructure because of the economic ripple effect it has for our City and State. Locally, in District 5, I plan to continue to help walkability with new sidewalks and increase safety by adding more crosswalks. I would also like to invest in new fire stations and continue to improve traffic light function on major thoroughfares.

Public safety is a concern for residents and employers alike. What steps would you take to make Mobile safer and more business-friendly?

Beau Fleming: I believe public safety and quality of life go hand in hand. As a parent and business owner, public safety is a top priority of mine. All families in Mobile deserve to live, work, worship and play in a safe community. If elected to city council, I would place and emphasis on selecting the best leadership in the MPD and MFRD. I would address recruitment, support professional development and training, and use all available resources necessary to help target violent offenders. Identifying criminal hotspots, locating recidivist offenders, and gang activity should help our officers combat crime. However, I also want to emphasize preventing crime before it starts. I think partnering with neighborhood associations, youth groups and the school system is key. We also need to continue to foster our relationship with local, state, and federal agencies, and take advantage of the best technology to stop crime. If elected, I would support facility upgrades, pay raises and work conditions to help reduce attrition. There has to be a culture change in Mobile. It won’t happen overnight. Our children need safe places to gather; our citizens need safe places to shop. Bottomline, I feel we need more police officers. We currently have a shortage. I think if we can combine new technology with community policing, given we have the resources to do so, it will curve crime in Mobile. I also feel we have a youth gun violence problem, and I would support the return of a concealed carry permit requirement.

What is your approach to new and affordable housing in Mobile, and will you support policies that encourage diverse housing options to meet the needs of the workforce and growing population?

Beau Fleming: We have a need for more housing in Mobile. I would explore every option available. I would support new developments like the (HUD) Mae Eanes development, (ARP projects) like Woodcock, and work with developers to locate other areas for housing. I would be an advocate for affordable housing city wide to help neighborhoods stay together. When necessary, I would support rehabbing owner-occupied housing, work to provide rental assistance, down payment assistance and utility assistance.

What role do you believe public transportation should play in Mobile’s growth, and how will you support improvements that connect residents to jobs education, and essential services?

Beau Fleming: Public transportation is key to every growing city. Mobilians need access to public transportation to get to and from work, medical appointments, and school. I will support public transportation by helping to get grants and support from public-private partnerships to cover the cost of transportation. I’ll support shared ride services, such as MoGo. Mobile needs a combination of public transportation and other forms of travel that meets the citizens needs and is financially feasible.

What is your vision for Mobile’s economic future, and how will your leadership help advance that vision citywide and in your district?

Beau Fleming: My vision for Mobile’s economic future is to leave it better than I found it. I feel Mobile’s best days are still ahead of us. We have so much to be thankful for and to look forward to. I feel the growth and development of downtown is going to help us financially. I think the continued growth of companies like Austal and Airbus are going to be beneficial and create jobs. The building and completion of the Mobile River bridge and Bayway are going to help the airport and Port. The new Civic Center is going to make Mobile more of a destination. All of this growth and excitement requires us to be fiscally responsible. Mayor Stimpson has done a wonderful job improving the financial health of our city. His administration has managed the General Fund well and has implemented a responsible plan to pay down our debt. We cannot abandon this plan and go backwards. I feel from a business standpoint my experience has prepared me to lead our city and district 5 responsibly. My vision for Mobile is to be the city that provides the best quality of life for all citizens and provides the best opportunity to be successful.

Mobile Chamber’s 2025 Election Guide: Mayoral and City Council Races

The Mobile Chamber’s 2025 Election Guide is a nonpartisan resource designed to help voters prepare for the upcoming August 26 municipal election. This guide focuses exclusively on the mayoral and city council races that will shape the future of Mobile.

View the Mobile Chamber’s 2025 Election Guide.

Click the name of the mayoral candidate to learn about their positions and priorities:

Spiro Cheriogotis | Barbara Drummond | Connie Hudson | Paul Prine

Click the district to view the candidates for Mobile City Council to learn their positions and priorities:

District 1 | District 2 | District 3 | District 4 | District 5 | District 6 | District 7