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

The responses from the City Council candidates are printed in their entirety and have not been edited.

If a candidate’s responses do not appear, the candidate did not respond.

Candidate’s Full Name

Cory Penn

Herman Thomas

Campaign Website/Social Media:

Cory Penn: Votecorypenn.com/ Vote Cory Penn

Current Occupation:

Cory Penn: Student Service Specialist

Previous Public Offices Held (if any):

Cory Penn: District 1 Council Member

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

Cory Penn: I’m running for re-election to the Mobile City Council because I believe in the power of service, community, and listening. I love my district, and I want to continue fighting for safer neighborhoods, better opportunities for our youth, and development that respects the people who live here.

What qualifies me is not only my experience as your current councilman, but also my deep roots in this community. I was raised here, educated here, and I’m raising my own family here. I’ve been a youth mentor, a minister, a nonprofit leader, an educator, and now a councilman — and in every role, I’ve worked to bring people together, solve problems, and lead with integrity.

I’ve helped bring major investments into our neighborhoods, improved parks and streets, and amplified the voices of residents who often go unheard. I’m not here for politics — I’m here for people.

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

Cory Penn: The most important issues in our district are public safety and infrastructure — especially drainage. Our residents deserve safe neighborhoods and streets that don’t flood every time it rains. These are basic needs that impact quality of life, property values, and peace of mind.

I’ll continue to fight for more funding and faster timelines for drainage projects, while working closely with city engineers and community members to identify and fix problem areas. On public safety, I’ll push for stronger partnerships between officers and residents, and youth programs that prevent crime before it starts.

We’ve made progress, but there’s more to do — and I’m committed to seeing it through.

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

Cory Penn: I believe strong partnerships are key to economic growth. I will continue working closely with the Mobile Chamber to attract and retain businesses by creating an environment where companies feel supported and residents are prepared for the jobs they bring.

That means advocating for policies that streamline the permitting process, supporting workforce development programs, and ensuring our infrastructure — from roads to broadband — meets the needs of growing industries. I’ll also work to make sure our local entrepreneurs and small businesses have a seat at the table, because they are the backbone of our economy.

Together with the Chamber, we can build a Mobile that is open for business and full of opportunity for everyone.

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

Cory Penn: I’m not opposed to offering competitive, performance-based incentives — as long as they create real opportunities for the people of Mobile. I support partnerships that help businesses grow, expand, and bring good-paying jobs to our city.

But it’s important that these companies are encouraged to invest in our local workforce and neighborhoods. I also believe the business could offer additional incentives for employees that choose to not only work in Mobile, but also establish roots here by living in the city.

Incentives should be strategic, accountable, and centered around long-term benefits for the people who call Mobile home.

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

Cory Penn: Small businesses are the heart of our community, and I believe their success is essential to Mobile’s future — especially in underserved areas that have often been overlooked.

I would advocate for increased access to capital, technical assistance, and mentorship programs for entrepreneurs in these communities. I support creating small business resource hubs that offer guidance on permitting, licensing, and marketing to help local businesses grow and succeed.

I also believe the City should prioritize reinvestment in commercial corridors, improve infrastructure, and provide targeted incentives that make it easier to open and sustain a business in underserved neighborhoods.

When we empower local entrepreneurs, we create jobs, reduce poverty, and strengthen the entire city.

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

Cory Penn: Yes, I fully support streamlining permitting, licensing, and development processes. A more efficient and transparent system not only attracts investment but also helps our local entrepreneurs and developers move forward without unnecessary delays.

I would advocate for modernizing our permitting system by expanding online services, improving communication between departments, and setting clear timelines for approvals. I’d also push for a dedicated point of contact to guide applicants through the process — especially small businesses and first-time developers who may not be familiar with the system.

Making the process faster, more predictable, and user-friendly helps everyone — from small business owners to large-scale developers — and shows that Mobile is serious about smart growth and economic opportunity.

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?

Cory Penn: My approach to infrastructure is rooted in equity, long-term planning, and impact. Roads, drainage, broadband, and other essential services are the foundation for a thriving community and a growing economy.

In District 1, we’ve seen how neglected infrastructure can hold back neighborhoods and businesses. That’s why I’ve prioritized drainage improvements, street resurfacing, and sidewalk repairs — and I will continue to push for funding that addresses both urgent needs and future growth.

Broadband is also critical. Expanding internet access opens doors for education, small business, healthcare, and remote work opportunities. I support public-private partnerships to ensure high-speed internet reaches every part of our city.

When we invest in infrastructure, we’re not just fixing problems — we’re creating jobs, attracting businesses, and building stronger, safer communities.

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

Cory Penn: Public safety is foundational to a thriving community and a strong economy. To make Mobile safer, I support increasing resources for strengthening the relationship between law enforcement and residents. When officers and neighbors work together, we build trust and prevent crime before it happens.

I also believe in investing in youth programs, job training, and mental health services that address root causes of crime. Safe neighborhoods encourage businesses to grow and attract new investment, creating a positive cycle of opportunity.

To make Mobile more business-friendly, I will work to ensure timely response to safety concerns in commercial areas and support initiatives that improve lighting, surveillance, and neighborhood ambassadors programs. A safe city is a prosperous city, and I’m committed to making that a reality for all Mobile residents and businesses.

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?

Cory Penn: Affordable and diverse housing options are essential for a thriving Mobile. Everyone deserves a safe, decent place to call home, whether you’re a young professional, a family, or a senior citizen. I support policies that encourage the development of affordable housing alongside market-rate options to meet the varied needs of our growing workforce and population.

We recently announced the Fred Marshall Court project, which will bring 50 new affordable housing units to District 1 — a significant step forward in addressing our community’s housing needs. I will continue to advocate for similar initiatives and partnerships that increase housing availability, improve quality, and ensure residents can live close to jobs, schools, and services.

By supporting smart, inclusive housing policies, we can build stronger neighborhoods and a more resilient Mobile for the future.

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?

Cory Penn: Public transportation plays a critical role in Mobile’s growth and equity. It’s not just about moving people — it’s about connecting residents to opportunity. For many in our community, especially seniors, students, and working families, reliable transportation is the difference between having access to a job, a doctor, or a classroom and being left behind.

I support strengthening our public transit system by increasing route frequency, expanding coverage to underserved areas, and improving bus stop infrastructure to make it safer and more accessible. I also believe we need to explore innovative options like on-demand transit, better coordination with employers and schools, and partnerships that reduce barriers to mobility.

A stronger public transportation system makes Mobile more inclusive, more competitive, and more prepared for the future.

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

Cory Penn: My vision for Mobile’s economic future is one where every resident — no matter their zip code — has access to opportunity, prosperity, and a high quality of life. I see a city that builds on its rich history and strategic location to become a regional leader in innovation, workforce development, and inclusive growth.

In District 1, that means investing in infrastructure, supporting small businesses, creating workforce pipelines for our youth, and revitalizing long-neglected corridors. Citywide, it means attracting new industries, expanding our port economy, growing tech and healthcare sectors, and making Mobile a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families.

Through strong partnerships, transparency, and bold leadership, I’ll continue to advocate for smart investments that move us forward — not just for today, but for generations to come.

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