GUEST COLUMN | Jason Barksdale: Clearing The Air

The following is an op-ed submitted by Northport business owner and mayoral candidate Jason Barksdale as a rebuttal to a guest column written by Kimberly Madison on Monday, titled 'The Ghost Council Haunting Northport.'

NORTHPORT, AL — While I respect Mrs. Madison’s right to express her opinion, I believe it’s important for the people of Northport to hear the full story and not be swayed by rhetoric that paints our city government in the darkest possible light.

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The idea that our city is run by a so-called “ghost council” is more political theater than fact.

Council members like District 1 Councilwoman Christy Bobo and District 2 Councilman Woodrow Washington were elected by the people of Northport, not appointed in secret.

District 3 Councilman Karl Wiggins was appointed by Governor Kay Ivy.

ALSO READ: GUEST COLUMN | Kimberly Madison: The Ghost Council Haunting Northport

They make decisions in the same open council meetings where every citizen has the right to attend, watch, and voice concerns. To call them “puppets” is to dismiss the very voters who put them in office.

Yes, there have been missteps in projects like the Community Center and challenges with the Kentuck Arts Festival.

But leadership is not about pretending mistakes never happen; it’s about learning, improving, and making sure our city moves forward. Dwelling only on the negative without acknowledging the good; like infrastructure improvements, growing small business support, and new community investments; is unfair and incomplete.

The op-ed suggests residents have “no seat at the table.”

That’s simply not true. Citizens have every right to attend council meetings, request public records, and meet with their representatives.

In fact, many residents regularly voice their concerns, and those voices often shape the final decisions. What Northport needs is not more division and name-calling but more constructive engagement between residents and leaders.

Mrs. Madison names me as “Jeff Hogg’s handpicked mayoral candidate.”

Let me be crystal clear: I am my own man, and my candidacy is not about carrying anyone else’s legacy.

I’ve lived, worked, and raised my family here in the City of Northport for 10 years. My campaign is rooted in serving the people of Northport with transparency, fairness, and accountability.

I don’t owe allegiance to any “shadow government,” I answer only to the citizens.

This election is not about tearing people down; it’s about building Northport up. It’s about how we handle growth, support our first responders, strengthen small businesses, and invest in our children’s future.

If we want a better city, we must focus on real solutions, not conspiracy-driven narratives that make Northport look broken, when in reality, we are a city FULL of potential.

Northport doesn’t need more division. We don’t need to pit neighbor against neighbor with accusations of corruption and secret deals.

We need leaders who will listen, learn, and lead. That’s what I’m offering, and that’s what I’ll continue to fight for every day of this campaign.

Jason Barksdale is a business owner and candidate for mayor of Northport. The views expressed in this guest column are his and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Tuscaloosa Patch or our parent company.