Tallapoosa Four Years Later: Promises Made, Promises Missed

In November of 2021, a message was posted on behalf of Mayor Brett Jones thanking voters for his re-election and outlining his top priorities for Tallapoosa.

He promised that transparency, downtown development, recreation, law enforcement, youth and senior programs, and industrial park development would be at the forefront of his administration’s agenda. He wrote,

“There is a lot of work to be done and it will take time, but I promise that I will see it through.”

Four years later, it’s time to ask — were those promises kept?

Transparency

Despite being named a top priority, city transparency remains a major concern. Meeting information, code changes, and budget decisions are rarely shared in a way that keeps citizens fully informed or engaged. True transparency means more than public notices — it means public understanding and open dialogue.

Since the start of my campaign, I’ve maintained an open Facebook page that encourages real discussion and community engagement — a place where residents can ask questions, share concerns, and be heard. In contrast, Mayor Brett Jones only recently created his page, turned off comments, and uses it primarily to post what he wants the public to see.

Transparency isn’t about control — it’s about connection. Leadership should welcome conversation, not silence it.

Downtown Development

Downtown Tallapoosa should be the heartbeat of our community — a place where small businesses thrive and residents gather. Yet, many storefronts sit empty, and business owners continue to face roadblocks from overcomplicated codes and lack of city support.

Since launching my campaign, I’ve made it a point to highlight and promote our local businesses, share their stories, and encourage residents to shop locally. I believe in working with our business owners, not against them. Revitalizing downtown means removing barriers, simplifying the process, and supporting the entrepreneurs who make Tallapoosa unique.

Our downtown shouldn’t just survive — it should thrive.

Recreation

Helton Howland Park — once a place families gathered for games, picnics, and swimming — shows the signs of neglect. Our parks should be clean, safe, and inviting again, not left to deteriorate.

I’ve made revitalizing Helton Howland Park one of my central goals — ensuring we restore what made it special in the first place. Families shouldn’t have to leave Tallapoosa to enjoy quality outdoor spaces. By reinvesting in what we already have, we can make our parks once again a source of pride for the community.

It’s not about building more — it’s about taking care of what’s ours.

Youth & Senior Programs

Where are the programs that bring our generations together? Our young people need opportunities to be active and involved locally, and our seniors deserve consistent access to activities and support.

Through my campaign outreach, I’ve listened to parents, teachers, and community leaders about what’s missing — and the message is clear: Tallapoosa’s youth and seniors want more chances to connect, learn, and contribute. My plan focuses on creating affordable, community-driven programs that use existing spaces and volunteers to make these opportunities a reality.

When we invest in our people, we invest in Tallapoosa’s future.

Industrial & Business Growth

Promises were made to grow the industrial park and attract new jobs, yet little has been done to make Tallapoosa more business-friendly. When businesses can’t open, expand, or even stay because of restrictive policies, we all lose.

I believe the city should act as a partner — not a hurdle — for business growth. My plan is to streamline permitting, update outdated codes, and market Tallapoosa’s available commercial spaces to attract real opportunity. Growth should be responsible, but it also has to be possible.

Let’s make Tallapoosa open for business again.

A Clear Choice for Tallapoosa’s Future

Tallapoosa doesn’t need more promises. It needs a plan — and leadership that follows through. My vision is simple:

• Less burden on homeowners

• More support for local businesses

• Stronger community programs and transparency

  
  

Together, we can fix what’s been neglected, support those who’ve stayed loyal to this city, and move Tallapoosa forward — responsibly and transparently.

Because Tallapoosa deserves leadership that doesn’t just say it’ll get done — but actually does it.

Joe Glass for Mayor of Tallapoosa

The Clear Choice for Responsible Family-Focused Growth