Councilman Darryl Albritton seeks reelection to continue helping his city

PERRY – Election Day is getting closer in the City of Perry, and Councilman Darryl Albritton is aiming to continue representing District Three, Post One. He was first elected to the city council in 2019.

Albritton is a lifelong Perry resident and has worked with the Houston County Board of Education for approximately 30 years. During this time, he served as Principal of Kings Chapel Elementary School and Perry High School, his alma mater. 

He has three children, also Perry High School graduates, and two grandchildren. Outside the council chambers, he works part-time jobs to support his mother. 

As a councilmember, he has noted the city’s growth as a public concern. One of his priorities is to ensure growth is mindful. 

He believes the city needs to handle each situation independently and make the best decision for all stakeholders, a big task given the juggling of infrastructure issues and residents who oppose a subdivision being built near them. 

Albritton said many factors go into the process, but he tries to make each decision with as many facts as he can. 

“Trying to make the best decision for all parties involved, and try to be mindful of the taxpayer’s monies as it relates to fees and try to be a good steward of the monies,” he said. 

Albritton is proud of the work the city council has done and of the attitude displayed by other council members. While they sometimes do not agree, he is thankful they respect each other and can move on to the next vote despite their disagreements. 

“I’m very proud of that [to] just weigh in each situation. Trying to get as much information as possible is, to me, what we have to continue to do and make wise decisions. I think the city is positioned in the right manner and we just got to see it through,” he said. 

The cost of living remains a growing concern for residents, but Albritton believes the city needs to continue smart spending. He said they have to look at specific policies that may need to change to ensure the most value. 

“I’m a firm believer that we should be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money,” he said. 

On a personal level, Albritton shared that he purchased his home seven years ago, and it has almost doubled in value. He believes rising valuations are unhealthy and unsustainable because they drive up property taxes and homeowners’ insurance premiums. 

Albritton described it as a “trickle effect” because those issues can eventually affect the city. He said everything is more expensive, but he remains optimistic that the economy will settle down, which will also help the city. 

Crime remains relatively quiet in the city, but there have been cases this year. Albritton praised Perry Police Chief Alan Everidge and believes he is the right person for the job. He said the police department is in great shape under his leadership. 

To continue enhancing public safety, Albritton wants to continue emphasizing community patrolling. He said police officers in communities help build trust with citizens. 

Albritton shared that ongoing growth can lead to higher statistics. He believes Perry is in great shape with a fully staffed police department, which reflects positively on the city’s achievements, especially its leadership. 

Albritton appreciates Mayor Randall Walker’s downtown agenda. He believes supporting the vision has been good for the city and has noticed a more vibrant downtown. He said there are many activities happening and hopes to continue offering events for citizens. 

Albritton wants to be cautious about adding extra events. He said events affect spending and public safety, and he opposes aggressive initiatives. Albritton believes in maintaining what the city has and executing it more efficiently. 

“To be everywhere is to be nowhere. I would like for us to continue to fine tune what we currently have going on with the city,” he said. 

Albritton’s campaign has been going well, he said, with campaign signs placed throughout the city. He talks with people every day, both in person and through text messages. 

Albritton receives two to three calls each week from constituents, which he strives to assist, as he signed up to be a helper.

“People feel comfortable calling me since most of them have known me for a long time. I get a high out of putting them in touch with the right people, and just working through their problems,” he said. 

Albritton also gave a shout-out to the city’s department heads, who he described as young, bright and quick to respond to citizens. He said he is very impressed with their work. 

Albritton believes constituents should vote for him because he cares about his city and considers each problem without an agenda. As a former principal, he has learned that there are two sides to every story, which allows him to seek the fairest resolution. 

He mentioned that sometimes fairness may not appear fair; however, when they establish a precedent for conducting business in the city, they must adhere to established methods.

“I’m not somebody that is spontaneous and would make irrational decisions. I’m calm and I weigh every angle. Then I make my vote and it would be in the best interest of all citizens,” he said. 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.