Putting Community First: My Vision for Anniston Ward 4

My name is Ashley Wilson, and I’m running for Anniston City Council in Ward 4.

I have called the Anniston area home all my life. I grew up here, went to school here, and chose to stay because I love this community and the people who make it special. My husband and I are proud to call Anniston home. Like so many of you, we want this to be a place where families can put down roots and thrive.

I’m a public school teacher by profession. Teaching has taught me the importance of patience, listening, and meeting people where they are. It has also given me a deep respect for hard work and service. Beyond my career, I’m a wife, friend, and neighbor who believes in the power of community—collaborating to solve problems, supporting each other, and working toward shared goals. That perspective shapes how I approach leadership and why I want to serve our city.

I’m running for City Council because I care about Anniston’s future and want to help shape it in a positive, practical way. I’m not here to make empty promises. My approach is about listening, showing up, and working hard for the people of Ward 4. It’s rooted in community-first leadership—encouraging transparency, teamwork, and long-term progress that enhances the well-being of every resident.

My platform is clear and focused on real issues that matter:

Public safety must be a top priority.
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their home and neighborhood. Safety is essential not just for our quality of life but for everything else we want to achieve—keeping families here, attracting new businesses, and building pride in our city. Supporting public safety means backing our firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement officers while also addressing the root causes of crime. We need a balanced approach that values prevention, response, and trust between first responders and the community.

We need to take care of our city’s infrastructure.
Anniston residents deserve meaningful, visible improvements. That means repairing potholes, maintaining safe sidewalks, and investing in parks and public spaces that families can enjoy. These aren’t flashy promises—they’re everyday needs that impact our quality of life. As your council member, I’ll make sure these priorities stay at the top of the agenda.

Supporting local businesses is vital to Anniston’s success.
Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and give our city its unique character. We should make it easier—not harder—to open, operate, and grow a business here. That means reducing barriers at City Hall, listening to business owners, and investing in improvements that attract new investment while supporting the businesses we already have. A strong local business community means more jobs, more options for residents, and a healthier local economy.

I’m also running because of my commitment to education.
As a teacher, I understand the role education plays in building strong communities. While the City Council doesn’t oversee our schools, it can and should partner with them. That means advocating for students, supporting after-school programs, and helping create a city where families want to stay and build their lives. Education lifts the entire community, and I want it to be central to our vision for Anniston’s future.

Communication is another cornerstone of my approach.
If elected, I will be transparent and responsive. I’ll show up, take questions—even the hard ones—and work to get real answers. I want to encourage genuine dialogue with the people of Ward 4 so your concerns are not only heard but acted on.

Anniston is at a turning point. We face real challenges but also have tremendous opportunities. I believe we can grow while protecting the character of our neighborhoods. We can strengthen our economy while making sure no one is left behind. We can build a city that works for everyone.

That’s why I’m running. Because it matters. Because I care about this place and the people in it.

I’m asking for your support, your ideas, and your trust. Let’s work together to make Anniston safer, stronger, and more united—a city we’re all proud to call home. On August 26th, VOTE Wilson for Ward 4.