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

Bill Appling

Ben Reynolds

Campaign Website/Social Media:

Bill Appling:

voteappling.com

Facebook, billappling4district4

Ben Reynolds: reynoldsformobile.com

Current Occupation:

Bill Appling: real estate and small business owner

Ben Reynolds: Mobile City Councilman District 4

Previous Public Offices Held (if any):

Bill Appling: none

Ben Reynolds: Mobile City Council District 4 Representative

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

Bill Appling: I’m running because I believe District 4 deserves a representative that listens to residents, shows up, and fights for the people that actually live here. I have spent the better part of my life downtown, learning from some of the best and brightest on how to improve streets and roadways while reducing crime and improving livability. I am ready to bring that knowledge and experience to District 4.

Ben Reynolds: I’m running for re-election to the City Council because I care deeply about the future of District 4 and the city of Mobile as a whole. I have seen both the challenges and the opportunities our community faces. My background in business and public service has given me the tools to advocate for policies that foster growth, improve quality of life, and create sustainable solutions for our residents. I believe my experience in working with diverse groups, from business leaders to neighborhood organizations, qualifies me to continue to be the voice that represents District 4.

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

Bill Appling: Our biggest issue is crime. But a huge issue is how neglected Highway 90 is… We can tackle both if we focus on improving Hwy 90 by fighting crime, removing businesses that don’t meet community standards, and improving the streetscape. Making Hwy 90 safer, with appropriate lighting, scaled to humans and not an interstate, walking and bike paths, and semi enclosed bus stops with seating that allows users to rest while not allowing people to over stay. These are only just a few of the ideas and amenities I have previously worked to accomplish. The list is long, and starts with hard work and dedication, something I am no stranger to doing. The improvement of Hwy 90 will resonate into our neighborhoods with safer neighborhoods, cleaner streets, and increased community spirit.

Ben Reynolds: The most important issue in District 4 right now is improving infrastructure—particularly our roads and drainage systems. We need to address flooding, especially in areas that are prone to heavy rainfall. If re-elected, I will continue to prioritize funding for necessary improvements, including modernizing our drainage systems and resurfacing roads. Additionally, I’ll work with local experts to ensure that we build sustainable infrastructure that can withstand future growth and climate challenges.

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

Bill Appling: I will advocate for smart development that respects neighborhoods and infrastructure. I will push to strengthen partnerships between the Chamber, local schools, and workforce development programs to prepare our residents for the jobs we want to attract. Business retention starts with a city that is safe, clean, and responsive, and I will make sure Mobile checks those boxes.

Ben Reynolds: I will continue to advocate for policies that streamline processes for starting and expanding businesses, invest in workforce development, and ensure that we are attracting industries that bring high-paying jobs to Mobile.

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

Bill Appling: I support performance based incentives when they are truly earned and come with clear benchmarks, accountability and community benefits, Incentives should never be giveaways.

I believe we must prioritize companies that respect our city, hire local, and contribute to the community over the long haul. I also believe that existing businesses should have access to support when they are growing, expanding, and creating new jobs.

Ben Reynolds: I believe we should focus on industries that align with our strengths and potential for sustainable growth, such as logistics, healthcare, and technology. Incentives should be targeted towards existing businesses in the city as well as new business moving to the city.

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

Bill Appling: I will advocate for targeted support, access to microloans from local lenders, and try to reduce the burdens in zones that have been left behind. We should be investing in underserved communities to help make them more sustainable. I will fight to make sure the city sees all small businesses as the backbone of our economy, not an afterthought.

Ben Reynolds: By reducing bureaucratic red tape and offering programs that foster innovation, we can help small businesses thrive in all parts of the city.

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

Bill Appling: I will work to cut red tape, simplify permitting, and make Mobile a place people not just want to do business, but can do business. As a small business owner and developer I have worked and fought first hand with city departments that tend to be over burdensome. I have heard horror stories of the difficulty wading through the swamp of regulations to get to the finish line. I will review and advocate for changes to help ease the burden on business owners.

Ben Reynolds: Yes, I absolutely support streamlining these processes. The permitting and licensing procedures can often be a barrier to both small and large businesses. I will continue to work with the City’s Planning and Permitting Departments to create a more user-friendly system that places more priority on an applicants time.

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?

Bill Appling: Without investment in infrastructure, the city stops moving, we must make improvements in areas that are falling behind while maintaining existing structures. We must prioritize growth in areas that already have the infrastructure to allow the development to succeed and maintain these existing infrastructures properly. We don’t need to upend established neighborhoods for big developments that will overload existing infrastructure and cause chaos for the residents.

Ben Reynolds: Infrastructure is the backbone of economic development. I will continue to push for comprehensive investments in roads and drainage, ensuring that all areas of District 4—and Mobile in general—are connected and equipped for growth. Improved roads and drainage reduce costs for businesses and improve the quality of life for residents. I’ll focus on working with both public and private partners to make these investments a reality.

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

Bill Appling: Public safety is the foundation of a strong city. As a former Police Officer with the City of Mobile, and more specifically, Precinct 2, in which all of District 4 is located, I know firsthand when people don’t feel safe, they don’t shop local, or raise families here. we need increased training and recruitment of Police Officers, and we should work to increase the number of Police Officers we have on the department. Clean up of Blight, abandoned buildings, trash and neglected properties should be dealt with in a timely manner.

Ben Reynolds: We need to continue to ensure that our police and fire departments are adequately funded and supported. As we improve safety, we also need to focus on neighborhood watch programs and mental health services. A safer Mobile will naturally be more business-friendly, as employers seek out secure locations for their 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?

Bill Appling: I support responsible, well planned housing growth that meets the needs of the community, not forced upon the community. I am for growth, but the right kind of growth, in the right places and with residents voices at the table. We should look at home ownership and building wealth through ownership. Working with incentives for accomplishing down payments and guidance programs promoting ownership. Building strong neighborhoods through home ownership will grow our community effectively. But not all housing needs can be accomplished through ownership, we also need developments in areas that have the existing infrastructure in place to support multi unit developments, limiting the city’s expenditures for improvements necessary for these large developments while providing safe and secure neighborhoods and developments for the citizens.

Ben Reynolds: I support policies that encourage the development of diverse housing options, including workforce housing, mixed-use developments, and senior housing. We need to work with developers to create affordable options that meet the needs of all income families. Additionally, we must ensure that any new developments fit the character of the community and are sustainable for future generations.

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?

Bill Appling: We throw money and bandaids at public transportation and allow riders to stand in the weather and fend for themselves. District 4 needs bus stops that offer some protection from the weather and seating for passengers, while not being a location someone gathers to stay. Encouraging use of public transportation through public outreach, reviewing the timing and location of the bus stops and routes, and making sure we are using the service effectively to serve the citizens is a priority.

Ben Reynolds: Public transportation is an essential part of a growing city. It helps residents get to work, school, and essential services. I support substantially improving our public transportation network by making it more efficient, convenient, and cost effective. This will allow all residents, regardless of income, to have access to the opportunities Mobile offers.

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

Bill Appling: My vision for Mobile is one where small businesses thrive, neighborhoods are respected, and economic growth benefits everyone. We deserve leadership that prioritizes local investment, common sense, and accountability. While welcoming national and global partners to provide good paying jobs, elevating our workforce and quality of life.

Ben Reynolds: My vision for Mobile’s economic future is one where we are a hub for innovation, business, and talent, with a diverse economy that benefits all residents. This means investing in education, technology, infrastructure, and workforce development. I will push for policies that create jobs, retain local talent, and attract new industries. I believe Mobile can be a city where everyone can succeed, and through strategic investments in people and infrastructure, we will see long-term, sustainable growth.

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