Bob Parsons
Two decades ago I moved to Auburn; the intervening years have truly made it my home. I cherish its character, its genial quality of life, and above all the kindness of its residents who contribute so generously to its warmth, integrity, and prosperity.
A lot about life in Auburn reminds me of my childhood home in Mudgee, Australia: our downtown’s small-town charm, the neighborhoods dappled with sun and shade and blooms, the unmistakable sense of community and culture. I even have a soft spot for the heat!
Choosing to live in Auburn was easy. Our school system is the envy of the state; my wife Ashley and I have witnessed firsthand the deft touch of its teachers in nurturing the different learning styles of our boys. Auburn University is a jewel that adds richness and rigor to our community. Our Parks and Recreation Department presents us with an array of top-quality facilities and programs, and our Police and Fire Departments consistently deliver on their mission to safeguard the lives and property of all Auburn citizens. Indeed, there is so much to be thankful for here on the Plains.
Serving as an Auburn City Council member is a natural extension of my 27-year career in public safety. Since arriving in this country I’ve been employed as a 911 operator in Chicago, a 911 operator in Opelika, and a firefighter in Opelika, where I was twice nominated as Firefighter of the Year and awarded Firefighter of the Year in 2015. Currently I am Opelika’s Fire Inspector. Public service is my passion. It is what I’ve always done; it is what I do best.
I feel a responsibility to serve as a steward for the city’s future generations. To many of us, it feels as though a barrage of development, both urban and suburban, threatens the character of our town and our neighborhoods. We fear that the “lovely” is being slowly drained from our “loveliest village.” This is something we can’t permit to continue.
I believe my presence on the Council helps to provide the Auburn family with a more balanced, representative body, wherein all citizens’ voices are welcomed and considered. To all my fellow residents of Ward 6, I pledge that I will work tirelessly to ensure your City Council represents a broader, healthier range of commercial, aesthetic, academic, and neighborhood interests, rather than the short-sighted economic self-interest of the few.