‘I will be a voice for the people:’ Perry City Council candidate Amy Fouse shares her vision for her city

PERRY – Election season has begun in the city of Perry, and candidates are starting to share their campaigns and distribute signs to supporters. Candidate for Perry City Council Amy Fouse has been a lifelong Perry resident with a passion for serving her community as a public educator. Now, she is going to the next level by running for city council, vying to represent District One, Post One. 

Fouse was born and raised in Perry and is a graduate of Perry High School. She said for approximately three decades, she has served as a public educator and has worked every day to make a difference in the lives of both students and families.

She said Perry has always been her home, and she has been blessed to be able to raise her family in what she described as a “nurturing community.” 

Fouse shared she and her husband are proud parents and remain active in their community. She said people can often find them downtown on Saturdays, supporting the Farmers Market or local events. 

“My deep roots in this community drive my commitment to ensuring Perry continues to thrive for generations to come,” she said.

This led to her being inspired to run for the city council. She described Perry as a wonderful place to live, which makes her want to make sure it stays that way as the city grows. Fouse said her decision to run for council comes from a dedication to improving everyday life for residents. She hopes to do that by ensuring fair utility rates, investing in infrastructure, and protecting the city’s unique small-town charm.

“I believe strong leadership means listening, asking the tough questions, and working together to find solutions that put people first,” she said. 

If Fouse is elected, one of her top priorities includes focusing on fairness, responsibility and growth that benefits the entire community. First, she wants to ensure that the city’s utility rates are fair and transparent, and that new development does not unfairly shift costs onto current residents. 

Second, she will push for “infrastructure first planning” by specifically ensuring roads, stormwater, and utilities are addressed for both current and future developments. 

Fouse said she is committed to protecting the city’s historic character and small town identity while supporting smart and responsible growth. She shared that she will achieve this by insisting on data-driven studies, transparent budgeting, and open communication with residents every step of the way. 

The city continues to grow, which Fouse believes is inevitable, but it must be managed carefully. If growth is managed, she believes it will strengthen the city rather than strain it. She said she will work collaboratively with the mayor and council to ensure new housing and business developments are paired with the required infrastructure, like roads, utilities, stormwater systems, and public services. 

“That means asking the right questions, conducting thorough impact and cost studies, and making sure developers pay their fair share so that existing residents aren’t left with the bill,” she said. 

Fouse believes smart and responsible growth is crucial because it protects the qualities that make the city special while preparing for the future. She said if the city grows too quickly without proper planning, there is a risk of flooding neighborhoods, overloading utilities, and raising taxes to cover mistakes. She shared that if the city grows responsibly by prioritizing infrastructure first, preserving its small-town character, and supporting local businesses, it can welcome new families and opportunities in a way that keeps the city strong for generations to come. 

Cost of living has been a concern for many residents, including those in Perry. Fouse said affordability is one of the most important issues facing families in the city. She shared she will work with the mayor and council to ensure the city manages taxpayer dollars responsibly, conducts independent audits, and pursues every outside funding source before raising fees or taxes. 

She believes new growth should pay its fair share through updated impact fees so the burden does not fall on long-time residents. 

“Keeping Perry affordable also means making smart choices—prioritizing infrastructure repairs before expansion, supporting small businesses that create local jobs, and protecting our historic character so that property values remain strong without overpricing our neighbors out of town,” she said. “When we make decisions with residents’ wallets in mind, we can keep Perry a place where families want to stay and where the next generation can afford to build their future.”

This past year, crime has been an ongoing issue in Houston County. In Perry, there was a quadruple homicide on April 4. Recently, the Perry Police Department arrested ten juveniles for entering 27 autos in a span of a month. Fouse believes the best way to address these issues is through smart, community-focused policing. She said by increasing patrol visibility, improving lighting, supporting victims of family violence, and engaging neighbors in crime prevention, they can make the city safer without losing their “small town sense of trust.”

“Public Safety isn’t just about policing, it’s about partnerships, accountability, and building a community where families feel secure,” she said.  

Fouse is also excited about strengthening support for small, locally owned businesses. She believes they are the heartbeat of Perry and the backbone of the local economy. She is also passionate about efforts to create a vibrant and welcoming downtown where residents and visitors can gather, shop, and enjoy community life. 

“I believe in bringing people together whether through events, civic clubs, or simply creating opportunities to connect [and] to ensure Perry remains not just a place we live, but a community we love,” she said. 

Fouse shared her campaign has been going well so far. She said she has been humbled and energized by the level of engagement and feedback from residents. Fouse has been building momentum through regular door-to-door conversations, informal question and answer sessions, and listening opportunities, which are helping her understand what people are worried about. 

Fouse has also expanded her online presence to spread the word about her positions, ideas and her plan to keep Perry moving forward without leaving anyone behind. She shared that she has heard from both long-time residents and newcomers, which has created an opportunity to bridge the community and unite it behind thoughtful progress. Fouse believes they are on a strong path, and she is committed to keeping her campaign about listening, honesty, and solutions. 

“At the heart of my campaign is a simple promise: I will always put the people of Perry first. This campaign isn’t about politics, it’s about listening to residents, asking tough questions, and making thoughtful, responsible decisions that protect what we love about our city while planning wisely for the future,” she said. 

Fouse believes the city can grow without losing its small-town character, support businesses without overburdening taxpayers, and strengthen neighborhoods by putting infrastructure and public safety first. She said she is running for the city council because she cares deeply about the community. Fouse shared Perry is her hometown, where she is raising her family, and where she wants the next generation to thrive. 

Fouse asked the community to join her in the effort. She said together, they can ensure the city remains not only a wonderful place to live but a stronger and smarter city for decades to come. 

She said she is not afraid to ask tough questions and believes in honest communication. 

She shared she will work every day to ensure decisions are made with residents’ best interests at heart. Fouse said a vote for her is a vote for smart and responsible growth, stronger neighborhoods, and a Perry that thrives for generations to come.

“Residents should vote for me because I will be a voice for the people, not for special interests. I have deep roots in Perry, and I understand both our strengths and our challenges,” she said. “My priorities are clear: protect taxpayers by demanding transparency and accountability, put infrastructure first so neighborhoods don’t bear the cost of unchecked growth, and support small businesses and smart development that reflect our community’s character.”

To keep up with Fouse’s campaign, visit her Facebook page here. 

Fouse is running against District One, Post One incumbent Phyllis Bynum-Grace. 

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.