Editor’s Note: Mike Phillips and Robert “Bob” Wills are vying for the Bay Minette mayor’s post in the Oct.23 runoff election. Gulf Coast Newspapers talked to both candidates about pressing needs in the community. An interview with Wills will be published in Tuesday's Baldwin Times

BAY MINETTE, Alabama — Sixteen-year District 2 Councilman Mike Phillips said he is taking his first bid as Bay Minette mayor to give other residents a chance at his post and to spearhead improvements in drainage and the city’s growing drug problems.

Phillips cited the elusive fruition of the megasite in North Baldwin which has the potential for hundreds of jobs, spinoff industries and tax-base enhancements as a prime focus, and said his municipal, county and state contacts will be beneficial in industry recruitment.

But his priorities are to address drainage issues which have caused perennial residential and business flooding, and the availability of drugs in the community.

“We all want to push the megasite,” Phillips said Friday. “We need jobs to help the city, but we must address drainage.”

Phillips said engineering studies for improvements are in place, some of which can be bid and others can be in-house.

“We have engineering studies from five years ago,” he said. “We must pursue them. It’s a problem all over town. It takes a full council to address these issues. I was part of the council, but now it’s time to go forward and bite the bullet.”

Phillips said a police report in the last week of September showed two cases of marijuana on the Baldwin County High School campus, and that drugs are readily available in Bay Minette. He also said he would pursue replacing a drug-sniffing dog for the city.

“My kids are grown, but I have grandchildren,” he said. “I want a safe place for them to live. We have got to start working drugs again. We won’t tolerate it and we need to work it out. We never will get rid of them, but we have to keep trying.”

He said he is seeking grants for a new senior center, recreational and park improvements, including water fountains and restroom facilities at Brownwood Park and a facelift for Ulmer Park.

Phillips also said animal control complaints are an increasing problem and leash lawsmust be enforced.

“I love the city,” he said. “I am out in the public daily. “I am always available. Everyone should be treated fairly and I want to listen to complaints and suggestions.”

Phillips has served on numerous civic and governmental boards, including the city’s finance committee, past president of North Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, vice president of North Baldwin United, North Baldwin Utilities Board, Industrial Development Board, planning commission, beautification committee, Employee Services Committee, and other boards.