From the Rich campaign:

Mobile, AL: After a night of celebrating Connie Hudson’s election to County Commission, Bess Rich announced her campaign for Mobile City Council District 6.
The goal: continue the conservative voice of District 6.

The irony: Nine years ago to the month, Connie Hudson succeeded Bess Rich as the conservative representative for District 6 and now Bess is stepping forward to offer continuity in today’s troubling economic times.

“In the current economic climate it is important for the residents of District 6 to have a conservative voice that will speak the truth and put their needs first,” said Rich. “I will continue the conservative voice of our district, pressing for a prioritization of spending on essential city services while reminding our city leaders that we can’t fix a spending problem with a tax increase.”

Rich spent two terms on the city council emphasizing a focus on essential city services, the prioritizing of city funds and fighting for an open transparent city government including televised city council meetings. Rich was known for speaking the truth regardless of the opposition and standing up to protect the taxpayers. In many ways Rich was a pioneer for open government, pressing for televised council meetings, initiating community meetings, opening a District 6 office at her expense and encouraging open lines of communication with the constituents in her district at a time when such activities were not so common in Mobile.

“Looking back, many of these things seem like common sense today, but it was hard convincing people at the time,” said Rich. “In the end we were successful in giving the people a voice and a seat at the table because even those who disagreed with me respected what I was doing and knew my only interest was for the people I represented.”

An example of her ability to work together would be the appointment of Bess Rich by Mayor Sam Jones to his transition team following the 2005 city election. Bess has also had a successful 7 year tenure on the Mobile Area Water and Sewer Board, serving as their Chair last year.

Rich has pledged to work together with Council President Copeland and continue in the footsteps of Connie Hudson, a path she helped establish. “I know what this position requires and I have big shoes to fill so I am making the commitment for this to be a full-time job for me,” said the council candidate waiving her cell phone in hand. “Starting today, if you want help with city problems and you want answers, call my cell phone 533-7890. I’m here and I will always be here to help you.”