By Megan Miller, Editor
PINSON – Pinson City Councilman Joe Cochran has announced his candidacy for mayor of Pinson.
Cochran is running on the platform of sustainable economic growth, education that fosters learning for all students, enhanced city services and public safety, according to a press release.
“Having lived in Pinson for 25 years and serving locally for 12 years, I believe few communities can compare. It is a wonderful place to live and raise a family,” Cochran said. “I will take an aggressive approach to bringing new companies and jobs to Pinson, while also focusing on education, quality of life, and continued infrastructure improvements. All of these areas are intertwined and must continue to be enhanced in order to maintain the strong sense of community that Pinson provides to all who live and work here.”
Cochran said that after spending so long serving as a councilman, now felt like the right time to step up and run for mayor. Cochran said that what sets him apart from other candidates is his aggressive stance on business, and his desire to build relationships between the city and teens and senior citizens in the community.
“What I’ve found is the teenage voice is lacking in the community,” Cochran said. “I want a committee of teen leaders to develop ideas to serve their needs in a better way, and we would do the same thing with seniors, developing a senior advisor committee.”
Cochran is currently serving his fourth term as a Pinson City Councilman, and serves as chair of the public safety/roads and streets committee. He has also served eight years as mayor pro tempore.
Cochran was first elected to city council when Pinson became its own city in 2004. Highlights of his work include establishing the Pinson Public Library, enhancements to the youth ballpark, development of parks and recreation areas, establishing a contract deputy program for enhanced law enforcement in the area and establishing a planning and zoning board.
In addition to this elected position, Cochran is the executive director of the Pinson Education Foundation, and is an active volunteer at Pinson Valley High School.