Williams running for Jacksonville City Council seat

By Gary Scott on December 9, 2016 at 1:18pm

Life-long resident Erin Williams is adding her name to the ballot for a seat on Jacksonville’s City Council.

WLDS-WEAI News caught up with Williams, who recently announced her campaign for alderman of Jacksonville’s Ward 1 in April’s Consolidated Election.

The City currently has two aldermen representing Ward 1 in Bill Scott and Jeff Hopkins. With Hopkins’ term set to expire in May, Williams says she decided to run for City Council after several community members approached her about the position.

“I had quite a few people around the neighborhood and a few other people in the city that encouraged me and thought it would be good if I ran. I also wanted to help our ward, I think Ward 1 has kind of been overlooked for a while. I also feel that I represent most of the average people in this ward and I want to try and help in the best way I can,” says Williams.

Williams believes her close connection and familiarity with Ward 1 makes her an ideal candidate.

“Actually I was born into Ward 1. I’ve lived here pretty much my whole life, I went to Jefferson School when it was still open, I went there all through grade school, so I know this neighborhood just as well, maybe better than anyone. I believe that it’s a great ward and it has a lot of potential, I just want the whole city to know that this ward matters,” Williams says.

As for her platform, Williams says there are a number of issues she would focus on if elected.

“I would like to see more business in Ward 1, I would also like to see the neighborhoods kept up a little bit better like they used to in the old days, just multiple little things. I’m going to try and help the entire City Council with all of the issues that are going to be brought against us,” says Williams.

Jacksonville’s Ward 1 encompasses the City’s downtown square as well as areas to the north and east.

Williams plans to do some campaigning, and hopes to get out and meet the people once the weather warms up.

The election will take place in April of 2017.