District 4 challengers say distressed community in need

CANDIDATES

JAMEL BROWN

Age: 20

Occupation: Unemployed, but receives love offerings because of his role as assistant pastor at New Home Baptist Church on Hill Street

Political experience/history: This is his first time being on a ballot. He failed to qualify as a candidate in the 2009 special mayoral election.

Education: He earned his GED this summer. He plans to attend Selma University to study theology.

Family: Single with no children

Website: Facebook and Twitter (username is repjamelbrown)

Key parts of platform: Improving the infrastructure; implementing programs to reduce crime; increasing government transparency; and supporting public education.

JAMES BROWN

Age: 56

Occupation: Currently employed as a lifeguard at the Cleveland Avenue YMCA. He is a retired corporate human resources manager and was honorably discharged as a captain from the U.S. Air Force Reserves.

Political experience/history: A previous candidate for District 4

Education: Bachelor's of science degree in sociology and two master's degrees (one in counseling from Alabama State University and another in business administration from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Family: Widower who has one son

Website: Facebook

Key parts of platform: Putting the youth and elderly first; advocating for an increased usage of public parks; encouraging more businesses to start up or relocate to District 4; and allowing residents to be more engaged in the decision-making process.

DAVID BURKETTE (I)

Age: 53

Occupation: Driver's education teacher at Sidney Lanier High School

Political experience/history: He is finishing his first term, which was his first public office

Education: Graduated from Jefferson Davis High School in 1976; two bachelor's degrees from Alabama State University (one in physical education and health and the other in recreation and driver's education); two master's degrees from Alabama State University (one in physical education and another in school administration); education specialist degree in educational leadership from ASU; currently working on a doctoral degree in sports law and management from the United States Sports Academy.

Family: Married with two grown children and two grandchildren

Website: www.council- mandavidburkettedistrict4.webs.com

Key parts of platform: Continuing to improve the infrastructure of District 4, especially in the Hunter Station, Old Hayneville Road and Old Selma Road areas; cleaning up the district; and tearing down dilapidated houses.

GERTLENE RUDOLPH 'BIG SISTER' MILES

Age: 70

Occupation: Retired from SouthTrust Bank; former loan officer at MAX Federal Credit Union; former employee of Comala Credit Union.

Political experience/history: A previous candidate for District 4

Education: Graduated from Carver High School in 1955; took classes at Alabama State University, Troy University Montgomery and Massey-Draughn Business College, but did not earn a degree.

Family: Divorced with three adult children and five grandchildren.

Website: None

Key parts of platform: PACTS (Progress, Action, Cleanliness, Togetherness and Safety); addressing black-on-black crime; and eliminating gang activity.

ALBERT SANKEY

Age: 67

Occupation: Retired construction worker; pastor and founder at Jesus Christ Missionary Baptist Church

Political experience/history: A previous candidate for District 4

Education: Graduated from Carver High School in 1976.

Family: Divorced with three grown sons

Website: None

Key parts of platform: Address the needs of the neglected areas in the district; improving the infrastructure in the older parts of the district, such as the Hunter Station, Old Selma Road and Old Hayneville Road area; creating a long-term vision for the district.