It’s Time for Real Solutions—Not Just Hope: Why Tallapoosa Needs New Leadership

Hope is not a Plan

Mayor Brett Jones’ recent statements on the Tallapoosa city website attempt to paint a hopeful picture of our future. He acknowledges that, "Some feel we are slow growing here and that policies are not bringing the prosperity everyone seeks. But change is coming, and we are preparing for it." He adds, "My hope for Tallapoosa in 2025 is that we will always be a community that helps and cares enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder and hand-in-hand to meet the challenges and opportunities in our future with love, compassion, and courage."

On the surface, these words may sound comforting. But when you take a closer look, they reveal a serious disconnect from the harsh realities our city faces today.

Hope Is Not a Plan

Hope is important. It keeps us going through difficult times. But hope alone is not a strategy. Tallapoosa doesn't just need dreams of a better future—we need clear, actionable steps that will lead us to that future.

The city's decision to invest heavily in developing a Master Plan—focused entirely on the future—while storefronts sit vacant, local businesses struggle, and our infrastructure continues to age and deteriorate is a prime example of misplaced priorities.

Let me offer a simple comparison: imagine a homeowner who spends thousands of dollars on estimates for a new swimming pool and elaborate landscaping while ignoring a leaky roof and a crumbling foundation. No responsible homeowner would do that. Yet, that’s exactly what our city leaders are doing. They are focusing on expensive, long-term visions without addressing the basic, urgent needs that threaten our community’s stability today.

Accountability Lies With the Entire City Council

While Mayor Jones is the public face of the city’s leadership, he is not alone in these decisions. The Tallapoosa City Council, with many long-serving members, shares equal responsibility for the city’s inaction and stagnation.

For years, we have watched as city leadership announced plans and projects that never materialized or failed to deliver meaningful results. Vacant buildings have stood empty for decades. Local businesses have closed their doors or struggled under burdensome permitting and outdated policies. Promises have been made. Hopes have been shared. But the results speak for themselves.

In fact, two City Council seats are up for election this year. I encourage any citizen who is passionate about making real change and improving Tallapoosa’s future to consider running for office. If you are interested, please reach out to me directly. I would be honored to discuss how we can work together to bring fresh leadership and new ideas to our city government.

Misguided Spending and Unclear Paths Forward

While it is a beautiful plan filled with inspiring ideas and thoughtful design concepts, beauty alone does not solve the pressing issues Tallapoosa faces today. The Master Plan was pitched as a visionary document to guide future development. But a vision without a clear, funded, and practical roadmap is just a dream.

Tallapoosa residents deserve more than dreams. We deserve:

• A streamlined permitting process to attract and support small businesses.

• Infrastructure improvements that are visible and measurable.

• Housing development plans that address both affordability and growth.

• Transparent leadership that involves the community in every decision.

  
  

Progress Under Pressure—Why Now?

This week alone, the current leadership will likely highlight two, possibly three grand openings as evidence of progress. After months of delay, it appears they will finally allow Country Bears and other venues will be able to expand their business at select events—an issue that will be discussed at the next City Council meeting. Two new package stores are also under construction and expected to open by early fall.

Additionally, there is talk of introducing a monthly night market and implementing some modest improvements on Odessa Street—the easiest and least costly part of the Master Plan. While these developments are welcome, they prompt an important question:

Why has it taken so long?

Why does it take an election year for momentum to build? Why is it only under the pressure of a vocal, motivated opponent that the city's leadership begins to act? Why, only after the launch of my social campaign, is the city making more use of social media—but still failing to broadcast City Council meetings, despite having the technology and public interest since the early days of COVID?

The answer is clear: without accountability and competition, progress stalls. It shouldn’t take the threat of political change to get our leaders moving. Progress should be consistent, not a reaction to electoral pressure.

It’s Time for New Leadership and Real Solutions

Tallapoosa is at a crossroads. We can continue down the path of "hope" and passive waiting, or we can take control of our future. I believe it's time for fresh perspectives, transparent governance, and leadership that isn’t afraid to tackle the hard problems head-on.

That’s why I, Joe Glass, am running for Mayor of Tallapoosa. But this isn’t just about me. This is about all of us—the residents, families, and business owners who care deeply about this community and are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to work.

I am calling on every citizen of Tallapoosa to join me. Let’s:

• Shine a light on the city’s most pressing problems.

• Discuss them openly and honestly.

• Work together to create real, meaningful solutions—not just hopeful words.

  
  

Hope is not enough. It’s time for action.

Join me in bringing Tallapoosa the leadership it deserves. Let’s build a future together—one solution at a time.