DEMOPOLIS-People always say the third times a charm, but what about the fourth time. Maybe the fourth time will be the charm for Ben Sherrod, 67, of Demopolis as he is seeking to become the next Mayor of Demopolis in the August election.

He said the reason he keeps coming back and running in the mayoral elections is because he is committed to doing it. He said it’s all about serving the people of Demopolis and making a change in the way the city thinks about a few things.

“If I were elected mayor, I would like to see some changes in the way city acts towards development,” Sherrod said, “And a can do attitude instead of a make it as hard as possible attitude.”

He said he would also like to see more community involvement when he is elected mayor. He also said he wanted to get more people in the offices that want to serve the community and its entire people.

“I’ve always thought I could do it better than anyone else,” Sherrod said, “Confidence is something I don’t lack.”

He said he knows there are a lot of people running for the office of mayor, but he isn’t worried. He also said it’s good for the community that so many people think they can hold the position.

“There is a lot of people running against me, even though I wish they weren’t,” Sherrod said, “It’s a positive sign for the community.”

He said his leadership abilities and his abilities to amass a collection of various businesses and properties without even having a college degree speaks for themselves. He also said he if were elected, he would like to bring the Street Department out of the horse and cart days and into the 21st century.

“There are many new devices that can speed up the process and turn the department into the Street Department and not just the ‘Rubbish Department,” Sherrod said.

He said he would also like to find a very aggressive Police Chief, one that can help solve the drug problem that exists in the City of Demopolis. He also said he would like install an “Incubator System” for all the people who want to own small businesses.

“If we ever want to grow, then we need small businesses,” Sherrod said.

With the question of the Wal-Mart SuperCenter helping or hurting the city, he said he was in favor of the incoming Wal-Mart SuperCenter and any other progress that comes to town. He said even though he knows his lube station will suffer because of the SuperCenter, its still worth it to have them here.

“I’ve got to give it to Mayor Austin Caldwell for building a very strong foundation for the city,” Sherrod said, “But now I’m ready to build on his foundation.”

Another major question of this election is will he have the time to run the day-to-day business of the city as well as four businesses with in the city, he said yeah because my son runs all the day-to-day operations for the businesses. He also said sometimes he has to drive around and look for something to do.

He was born in Bibb County and moved to Birmingham, AL. He said he moved to Uniontown in 1945 and then to Demopolis 1958. He also said he was married to Barbara Sherrod, who has since deceased and he has one son, Ben Sherrod III and one daughter, Tara McKay. He also attends the Trinity Episcopal Church in Demopolis.