By Kris Harrell

Kenneth Crum officially launched his campaign for mayor of Greenville on Jan. 14, speaking to citizens about his goals for the position and hearing others on their concerns. 

Crum, as the founder of the Butler County Concern Citizens, is no stranger to community involvement. 

“Mr. Crum is here to serve the people,” said campaign manager Jeremy Crum. “He’s not only a leader; he’s a servant leader, and he wants to see the citizens of Greenville thrive and get what they deserve.” 

The campaign launch started with an introduction of Kenneth Crum and his work. Jeremy Crum spoke to participants about the candidate’s time at Greenville High School and Tuskegee University. 

Afterwards, the event continued with a general and Greenville-centric trivia game moderated by Brittany Blankenship. 

Kenneth Crum then addressed the crowd, speaking to attendees first about his story of the founding of Butler County Concern Citizens before describing his work addressing issues he saw in Greenville. 

“I moved back to Greenville about 10 years ago, and when I moved back, I moved to be a caretaker and help my mother,” Kenneth Crum said. “As I was here, I saw so much that needed to be done in the community: so many concerns, so many things that needed to be addressed that weren’t being addressed.
“I just couldn’t sit, so we started a grassroots organization called Butler County Concern Citizens, and that was to address the needs of the community, and we’ve done that.”

Some of his priorities on the campaign trail include workforce development to create job opportunities for the youth of Greenville and promoting economic growth. 

Additionally, Kenneth Crum said that he would work to bring Greenville a transportation system to Greenville and more activities for the youth. 

“That’s my top priority: our youth. It’s not just a cliché with me, I truly, truly believe that the children are our future, but it’s not ‘abracadabra, you’re our future,’” Kenneth Crum said. “No, we have to do what it takes as adults to help them be better and to help them chart our futures.” 

After his speech, the candidate opened the floor to audience members to ask questions or voice their concerns. Attendees asked for his views on topics of workforce development, shelters and livable wages. 

The campaign will host additional town hall meetings to hear the concerns Greenville citizens are facing. If elected, the town hall meetings will continue into Kenneth Crum’s time as mayor.

“When we go to these communities, at these town hall meetings I want you to come out and let me know what needs to be addressed: how you feel, what’s going on in your lives so we can make it better,” Kenneth Crum said. “When I’m mayor, we’re going to make it better; those things that you bring to us at those town hall meetings; we’re going to have it chronicled, have it videoed and just know this, that when I’m mayor, we’re going to address every need that you have as citizens of Greenville.”

Nearing the end of the event, food and refreshments were served to the participants. There were also opportunities to talk and take a photo with Kenneth Crum. 

The next campaign event will be Jan 25 at The House of God Church, a gathering where participants can take part in a town hall meeting to meet and voice current issues to the mayoral candidate. Greenville citizens can learn more about future events on the campaign’s social media page, Kenneth Crum for Mayor of Greenville, AL, or on their website at kennethcrum.com.