Vernon Brown: 0:00

Welcome, welcome, welcome to Conversations at the Well. My name is Vernon Brown and I am here with an awesome, awesome guest Dr Walker. Today's episode is going to be diving into the 2025 mayor's race here in Canton, mississippi, so we encourage you to grab your cup of coffee whatever your drink of choice is and meet us for this next Conversation at the Well. Good morning, good morning, good morning and welcome to Conversations at the Well. We have an awesome episode today. I am joined by who?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 0:31

Dr Camelia Walker Say doctor again. Dr Camelia Walker.

Vernon Brown: 0:35

Newly? I guess it's not ordained newly. What's the word Proposed, newly proposed, newly earned? Yes, dr Camelia Walker, and you're not just here as a doctor, but you're here tell us about what you're here for.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 0:50

I'm here to have conversations about my candidacy for mayor of the city of Canton, mississippi, so we're gonna have a doctor mayor.

Vernon Brown: 0:56

I know right, doctor mayor. Okay, the doctor is in the house. I'll tell you I'm super excited about this conversation because, you know, I'm not necessarily from Canton, like, we've only been here for the last two years, three years somewhere around there. But in that time we've kind of been able to observe a few things, and I think it's specifically for this election that we have coming up here. I'm super excited to hear a lot about the ideas and a lot about the new people and new voices that we'll have coming into office. So I appreciate you spending some time with us. Thank you for having me, absolutely. So before we get into politics and policy and all the details and all the tough questions, I'm going to start out easy on you, okay, so I want to talk about you as a person. If you were to walk up to someone new and they said, well, who exactly is Dr Walker? What would you say?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 1:39

Well, I would, of course, let them know that I'm a dog mom, first, because I have my two little Yorkies, connor Lee and Chloe Jean. They're my light and joy. I would also let them know that I'm a daughter, I'm an auntie, you know. I guess they would like to call me the rich auntie, because I don't have the kids Right.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 1:55

But I'm also a Christian, I'm a child of God. I enjoy my being in fellowshipping with my church members. I being in fellowshipping with my church members. I also enjoy being a part of the community. I love the city of Canton and even beyond the city of Canton, being community active and being able to just give back on any era or place that I'm able to. I enjoy that.

Vernon Brown: 2:16

You're originally born and raised here. Born and raised, what was that like?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 2:19

It was interesting, I guess I mean even when I look back over my life and just think about where we were then versus where we are now. There have been several changes in the dynamics of Canton. However, it's always been the momentum of the citizens that make it worth and make it joyful to say I'm a, I'm a native, I'm a Cantonian and I can live and breathe that because of the momentum that the citizens of Canton truly have.

Vernon Brown: 2:44

So once again, I keep using this as a cop out because I'm new. I'm new here, I'm not an original kid, so you know I'm kind of, I'm kind of nested or engrafted in. But but as we go into this election season, obviously the well is right on this, this main road here, and I see sign after sign and face after face on this particular road and looking at the different candidates, I think one could say that you stand out as something different, as something that's starkly different from a lot of the other candidates that are running and that have obviously ran in the past. I think in the eyes of voters they may see that. Some people may see that as a good thing, a fresh, new voice, but some may look at it and say no experience. Where have you been? How, what do you say to those people?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 3:31

Well, I would like to, of course, let them know that the world is ever changing, as well, as the city of Canton is ever changing, and there's no specific way that you should be. But it is important that we be able to change with the changes that are happening in our city, which requires fresh perspectives, which also requires new ideas, innovation, creativity, and that is going to be required for us to be able to communicate across the generations and even across the ethnicities in kenton. And that candidate that is myself, you know, as we you just identified and expressed, many of the candidates have already chosen to go that path, so the things that they've experienced then are not in effect right now, you know. So things have changed and it's about how do we now embrace the changes. Instead of being embracing what was gotcha, what do we embrace, embrace what's now and what's to come, so that what that's what makes me different, but that's also what makes me stand out is something fresh and innovative.

Vernon Brown: 4:23

So fresh, innovative, change. All these adjectives sound real good. They do. But to be more direct, some people are going to say you're too young, you're inexperienced, you don't know what you're doing. Yes, how do you answer that?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 4:37

Well one. I would like to, of course, let them know that experience is not something you just get in that position. If anyone goes into the position expecting to learn the job, then they really need to step back from it. You need to be able to do your research, understand the terminology that will be used, understand the sacrifices and the change that will be required of the job, but also the challenges and the strengths that we have as a city. That's something that I've been doing for the past four years.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 5:00

If had I been able to run for mayor in the previous term, I would have. However, god has given me that opportunity now which is why I took on the toll to be able to put the signs out, see if that would be able to resonate with the citizens, but also see what that would do for them, and it's made them hopeful. It's made them want to be able to ask me are you going to be the next mayor? I will surely vote for you. That enthusiasm and that love that I'm receiving from them is what motivates me and encourages me to keep going, not for myself but for the citizens, because they want new leadership, they want fresh leadership and they want to be able to witness the changes that will come in the city of Kansas.

Vernon Brown: 5:35

All right, you just shut me up, didn't you? Next question I have for you is for everyone who runs for an office and does some sort of public office or does something in the public sector, some kind of service. You don't just wake up saying I want to be mayor and I want to serve. You don't just wake up saying I want to be a representative. It's usually something that happens or something that puts you in that frame of mind, like, take me back to that time where you said I could and I want to be the next mayor of Canton.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 6:03

For a very long time I've sat amongst local citizens, or just my family members or loved ones, and they're always having a conversation about this. This is not happening. This is not happening. I finally took a step back to just observe what was happening around me personally and I was able to realize what they were saying, but even the more I wanted to research what was not taking place in the leadership, to see if I could be a fit to bring about those solutions that they were seeking. But even the more I realized that no one else was going to step up. So had it not been me then I would be constantly waiting to resolve things that they're looking to or looking for someone to resolve. So I chose to be that sacrifice and also be that person to step up, because I have the skills, I have the passion and I have the drive to be able to change it.

Vernon Brown: 6:48

So for those citizens who you know may not have the skills or the energy or the wherewithal to go and run, what can they do to influence change in this season, right now?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 6:58

Well, one, they can get out and vote, but they can also encourage other people why they should vote. You know, in the recent years, as we look at the numbers of people that have did or went and vote, it's very low, you know.

Vernon Brown: 7:09

And 70 percent low. Like 80 percent low.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 7:12

Like 60 percent low like 10 percent of us are only going to vote. In the previous year, prior to COVID, we had roughly 3000 people going out to vote. During 2021, we only had 1000 citizens going out to vote. So we have to address our voting apathy, which is why I'm hopeful that, because they are hopeful that I'm running, that we will have a larger turnout, but even the more we have to get involved, not saying that I'm not in pursuit or in support of that candidate, but be in support of the change for the city of Kansas, because that's the only way we will grow so no matter who you vote for, just vote just let your voice be heard, and that's an amazing way to help move whatever agenda you have forward.

Vernon Brown: 7:51

Yes, now one question I've been wanting to ask you is you obviously just received your doctorate degree. Congratulations about that from jackson state right jackson state university I love it and I know you can't buy one of those hard work so as you've been planning this run and as you've been studying to complete that. How have you managed both of those things? Those are two very huge and time consuming responsibilities.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 8:17

Well, one with God, because everything in my life, of course, I try my best to consult with God about it.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 8:23

You know, of course we're not perfect in how we consult with him, but when I, as I was pursuing my doctorate, I had a conversation with God. Like God, listen, you really think I can do both of these? Yeah, like you really think that. Because, as you say, researching and being able to conduct your research and finalizing it, and going before a board to present your findings, it's not easy, you know, and even the more being working a full-time job and doing that because you're passionate about what your personal goals are. But also, god had to explain to me that when you make sacrifices, have discipline and have focus, you can do everything that I instill in you. So I knew that I had a passion for cancer. I had a passion to become Dr Walker, but I also had a passion to be able to combine both, to be an inspiration to the youth, an inspiration to anyone who wants to go after their goals. So, in order for me to be the inspiration, I had to be that example.

Vernon Brown: 9:11

And you put forth the work to get it done.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 9:13

I did Got it Okay.

Vernon Brown: 9:15

So when we talk about mayors, I think a lot of the misconception is that you get the right mayor and everything changes, like that Like, like you can just almost like a I don't want to say a tyrant or or, or a king or something but you can just change everything, and that's not the case. So I guess the question for you is being that you're going to be working shoulder to shoulder with Alderman and other leaders, hopefully business owners. What is your leadership style look like? How can you lead that group of individuals towards this better, fresher, brighter idea of Canton that you're talking about?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 9:51

Well, my leadership style is based on partnership, communication and, of course, empowerment.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 9:56

You know it is important that not only do we look at each other and realize that it will take both of us working together, but we also empower each other.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 10:04

Whatever your skills set or your strengths are, I need to be able to allow that to be there, but also see how will it work best for or with my strengths.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 10:11

But even the more as it relates to partnerships, it will take, like as you said, not just the mayor. It will take the business owners, the board of aldermen, as well as the mayor and even those city officials that are in position to be able to work collectively to grow kansas, because we all have different aspects or different areas that we focus on. So you may see something that I don't. You may be working an end that I'm not, but if we come together, we all have that same vision, that our the same viewpoint and with us partnering together with our ideas, our visions and the way to best approach it, then we change, change the trajectory of Kenton. We change it for the best for more business owners to want to come. We change it for the best for more leaders to be uprooted in the city of Kenton. So in the long run, even when we have to pass down that mantle or their torch, kenton is still in good hands.

Vernon Brown: 10:57

So as a citizen, I know it's easy to look at what different leaders are prioritizing and say that doesn't help me. So where do the citizens' voices come into play? How can they influence the decision-making or what needs to happen, your ideas, what you vote for, what the aldermen vote for? How do they let their voices be heard?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 11:17

During town hall meetings, of course, and just one-on-one contact, with being able to communicate directly with their board of aldermen or even the mayor. If they have concerns, they should be able to call directly to the city hall and hear, you know, be heard out, but with being able to, throughout those town hall meetings, they express them with their board of aldermen, or their aldermen or the woman. They then come back during our meetings with the mayor and board of aldermen, we then discuss how do we address this, what is our plan of action? To be able to let the citizen know not only did we hear them, but we're going to respond through action to let them know that we heard them loud and clear, then follow up and follow through, because that's the only way they know that it's being addressed. You know, oftentimes we have a delay in our response. They feel that they're not heard and now they're discouraged and they don't want to be able to provide that input that we so desperately need in our city, but definitely through meetings and being able to effectively communicate their concerns.

Vernon Brown: 12:08

Gotcha, gotcha. Okay, now I want to move into some of the issues and some of the policies and hopefully some of the things that really resonate with the listeners out there. But I want to first ask when you kind of came up with your I guess top list or the things that you want to change your impact or influence most, how did you come up with that Were? You just kind of came up with your I guess top list or the things that you want to change your impact or influence most, how did you come up with that Were? You just kind of looking at the stars one day and it dropped down.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 12:30

If only, if only. But what I did was I communicated with the citizens. I actually did a research study, a personal one, where I was going door to door, knocking on doors and asking the primary question what can city officials do to encourage more people to get out and vote? And from that surveying and knocking on doors, I was able to get so much input. I mean, the citizens were very responsive, they were very open, they didn't hold back.

Vernon Brown: 12:57

You want to know we're going to tell you.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 12:58

Yes. So through being able to survey the citizens, the people that are actually affected by the decision making, I was able to identify what our priorities, now that the citizens have said this. Then I did my research to identify what is going on in the board meetings, what is the most common issues that's coming up and also what are they saying is the common issue. Because in those board meetings you hear our mayor, board of aldermen and even our department heads expressing what their concerns are and you put them together and then I prioritize my key priorities from there.

Vernon Brown: 13:27

Gotcha. Okay. So third time I'm going to say it I'm not from here.

Vernon Brown: 13:34

We moved here from Atlanta a few years ago and I think one of the unique things about an Atlanta experience is when you're in that kind of place, being a minority is not an excuse, like because there are so many people doing amazing things and changing the world literally from within the four walls of that city. So when we moved here and you look at a city like Canton you look at a Glastonbury, you look at a Madison you see that there's so much development, so much growth, so much change happening in those neighboring cities. But then when you got to look at Canton, you're like come on, somebody, turn the car, turn the engine, turn the key. So what do you think is the biggest thing holding Canton back from growth? Is it because we're minorities and we're not good enough? Or what's the reason why everyone else seems to be growing, at least going? What is that? North, north, no, south of us, everyone's growing down there, but it kind of seems like we're a little bit idle here in Canton.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 14:23

Well, surely not because we're a minority. Um Canton, I like to look at us currently as a sleeping giant, and the reason that is because we have so much potential. I mean, as you said, we can do so many things. We see it happening around us, but, um, the issue seems to be one our, the collaboration, of our leadership. There's a lot of disconnect and you know things that they're going back and forth on.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 14:51

So we need to be able to have a, a, a front that is in unity. But in addition to that, we have to have strategic planning. We have to be able to not just say we are united front and we all agree, but what is the plan? How would we approach these concerns? How would we approach economic development? How would we be able to approach whatever they're doing? But, even more, identify what's our goal like, what do we want to look like? I know we get in that at that space of constantly comparing ourselves to surrounding cities, but we were. We came about in 1836. We can be far more greater than those surrounding cities. So we have to find that. Look for k Kenton. That's far more greater than what we see around us because of our rich history and tradition and based on their strategic planning, towards the effective leadership. Once we get a mayor and board of auditors that will work together through a united front to truly understand that this is what we need to do for the people, then all of that will change.

Vernon Brown: 15:41

So I've seen numerous strategic plans that have been done over the over the years. There's a plan here, there's a plan there. Everybody seems to have a plan. Yes, how do we go from planning on paper to actually taking actionable steps, to where we can see? We're not there yet, but I can see we're moving and the car is starting. I can hear it cranking over versus sitting idle. How do we make progress in that?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 16:07

in. How do we make progress in that area? Well, one we use the strategic plans, not just make them so they can sit as words on the paper, but we actually go back and utilize that to be our guide, because that's what it's there for. When you look at that strategic plan, what is the turnaround time? What is that timeline or the timeframe to be able to complete it? Also, as a mayor, being able to enforce that, you know, if that's going to be something that we're implementing or utilizing tax dollars to pay for, I need to be able to make sure that I'm responsive and letting the citizens know your tax dollars pay for this and this is what we're doing with it, but also making sure that I remind the Board of Aldermen that this is what we agreed on and we have to be able to enforce these things. Moving forward.

Vernon Brown: 16:46

So with any organization or group of leaders, such as alderman and alder women, they're going to be those that like you and those that hate you, and some of those in the middle who are like I'm not sure about her. How do you work with those who are for you as well as those who, seemingly, are very much against you?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 16:58

But it's important that every job, that you don't go in with personal feelings, um, and you just keep the priority of the people as the forefront of why you're doing what you're doing. I mean, life is like that, you know, you don't go into any place liking everybody in that place and you may not be liked in every place by every individual, but you, you go to work, to work, get the job done. You stay employed, you know so, with that being my guiding reason for serving as mayor, I I'm okay with being able to disagree, I'm okay with not being liked, but it is important that I do my job and make sure that I'm satisfying in serving the community, because that's what I wanted to do.

Vernon Brown: 17:33

Got you. Now we hear a lot of innovation and change and development and um pushing forward and in movement, but Canton is rich in history. How do we move forward without leaving that very important historic portion behind?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 17:53

Well one, being able to work alongside the Historic Preservation Commission Committee. It's going to be important that with them, we always keep whatever history we have in its light, you know, but also being able to leverage their strength, since we know that we are the city of rich history and tradition. How can we monetize that? How can we be able to make sure that everyone knows that and even utilize that as maybe using tours or making it a museum or even just being able to keep it in the light of our youth, keeping in the light of those that are working alongside it, but making sure that people from atlanta, when they come here, they knew about it. But just keeping that as the light and not allowing that to die out is what I hope to do as I keep on going forward with the city of rich history and tradition gotcha.

Vernon Brown: 18:38

So we're not, we're not getting rid of the history.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 18:39

No, you can't do that, okay, okay, I'm just it's on record now it's on camera.

Vernon Brown: 18:44

You cannot do that now, I know I know as part of any type of race there, there are obviously things you want to do that both you want to talk about, and things that you kind of hold close to your vest as your plan. But one thing I do want to dig into is specifically as it pertains to businesses here in Canton, both on the square and around. I'm not from here, but from the little bit that I've seen, we've seen businesses close their doors or go up for sale or buildings fall in disarray, and I guess my question is what are you going to do specifically, like what are a few things that you plan to do to help bring more businesses back to Canton?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 19:23

Well, of course, make the process for you all much easier. You know to where. When you come in, you say, hey, I want to bring a business, what do I do? You should be able to be provided a list of things that you do and it should be like a checkoff OK, I went to the permit department. I went to the city of Kent to do this. I went to the board. You want to be able to know that process before having to say, ok, step one is completed, I'm done, and you don't know what's next.

Vernon Brown: 19:45

I thought y'all just wanted me to get my steps in when I opened, because I was running all around the city I want to be able to make it, where you don't have to stress about that and you don't want to take back wanting to come to Kenton.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 19:56

Once you get that paper, you're able to say, well, this is all we have to do, and it should really be all you have to do. But even the more as it relates to those buildings that are dilapidated, we want to be able to enforce codes. There are codes in place for that, but we have to enforce them, and if there are codes in place that are outdated, we need to revisit them. So we're revisiting them. Then we can be able to come together to see what applies to kenton now, not what did, but where are we currently with these codes and is it? Is it working, you know? And if it's not working, we need to revisit that and change them. But also, being able to make kenton, we have to fix it to where it's attractive because, believe it or not, when people know that we're serious about growth, they will come. But we have to show them that we're serious through the look of Canton.

Vernon Brown: 20:40

So by making Canton better for Canton, other people want to be a part of it.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 20:45

When home looks good, home will take care of home, but even the more you'll have businesses wanting to be a part of your home.

Vernon Brown: 20:50

Yeah, Now let's talk about something that's special to you. Let's talk about youth. I did some research on your social media and you're really.

Vernon Brown: 20:59

You're really connected to not just youth as far as like toddlers and little but, but just people who are growing up, the people who we look at and say you can do anything you want to do in this world. You can do anything you want to do in this world and tell us a little bit about what you want to do to support our youth, to make our youth more competitive and to give them the tools that they need to succeed, not just here, but outside as well.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 21:18

But one is going to be very important that we meet them where they are. What does that mean? You know, if they are in a place where they like technology, we have to meet them at their technology stage. If they're in a place where they don't want to play kickball, we have to meet them there but truly understand where they are, then identify the steps to get them where we need them to be, Because they may not be exposed to things that we know that exist in the world. We have to expose them to things.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 21:44

We also have to make sure that we're planning effectively planning them out. So, if we want them to be homeowners, Are we talking to them about credit? Are we talking to them about being able to save money? Are we talking to them about bills, that budgeting? You know, these are critical things that we can do and put in place now so that when they get there, they're not, you know, feeling like they have to now become a part of a poverty stricken mindset, or even not be contributors to the community and givers, but be able to make sure that we are putting things instilled in them that will be able to help Canton later, but even help themselves. In addition to that. Something else that I would like for us to do is be able to implement STEM science, technology, engineering and arts, mathematics. We want to be able to make sure we're emphasizing that, because that's becoming a part of the world now. We have a lot of students that are not engaged with that, so we want to keep them engaged in all of those extracurricular activities beyond just education.

Vernon Brown: 22:37

Got you so science, technology, engineering, math, art, helping to give them an opportunity to be competitive outside of these four walls, not just here, but no matter where life takes them.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 22:47

Because, when you think about it, Vernon, an interview like this. We want our students to be able to do this. We don't want them to be saying well, mom, what do I say? Dad, can you, can you prep me? We want them to be able to go not knowing what the questions are and just respond. We want to make them those type of citizens, but even those type of individuals in the world.

Vernon Brown: 23:07

So, as a Canton native, how were you able to get to where you are today and what, I guess tidbits or pieces from your background could you actionably instill in?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 23:21

our children, to give them the same opportunities. Well, one. I had a praying grandmother. You know prayer, of course, but I never ceased. I always took hold of every opportunity that was provided, whether it was being able to run for campus queen or, you know, whatever it was. I always took hold of every opportunity that was provided, whether it was being able to run for campus queen or, you know, whatever it was. I wanted to be able to take hold of any opportunity that was presented to us, and I was also not afraid to reach for the sky, but all the more I had teachers that pushed me.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 23:43

Camille, you do this, camille, you do that. And I, yes, ma'am, yes, ma'am, and I did it. But I went to college. I took hold of opportunities there as well, and after college, I came back and poured into my community and I kept that cycle going. But what I want to be able to do, as it relates to now instilling in this community, as we said earlier, I want to be an example for them. I want them to know that I did it and you too can. But even after that, what's next? You know you have to keep a plan for the next thing that's going to take place in your life.

Vernon Brown: 24:14

And that's a good. Here's a question, not even on my paper, but I think it's a good question why are you here? And what I mean by that is so many of us raise our children, go off to college and go pursue something like, go do something, and so we find the best of Canton, quite frankly, often changing some other world, changing some other city, changing some other business, and so the question for you is what You've done all this amazing stuff? You're a very young doctor. You're doing all of these cool things in our community. What brings you, what continues to bring you back home?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 24:48

It's home. I have family here. I have loved ones here. I have the youth here. It's always a need for someone that's from the place to be able to build that place up. I can't expect someone who's been here two to three years from now to be able to build a place up that I've given up on.

Vernon Brown: 25:05

Wow, say that again. It is important. Wait, no, go back.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 25:08

Say that one again you know I can't expect anyone that's not from here to build up a city that I'm not willing to build. I can't give up on my city, so I'm willing to make the sacrifice and putting a pause on whatever my personal goals are so I can be able to be a servant for my community, because we need that right now.

Vernon Brown: 25:27

So that's why I'm here, right there. But I got more questions. You're not going to get off that easy. I want to talk about crime, and it's a difficult topic because you know there are some who kind of lean in on to stop crime you need more police officers. And there's another group that says you don't really need much police officer, you need more community involvement, more activities. Get people off this stuff like that. Where do you fall between those two? I guess often taken positions.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 25:53

It's not an either or we need both. The reason that is is because one, we still have to make sure that our police have the resources and tools that they need to be successful as a police department, because they still represent the city of Canton, but also we still want to be able to have prevention programs in place to where we are supporting our citizens. But in addition to that, there is a lower arching problem that we're not really discussing poverty. And when we think about the root cause of crime, the root cause of all these things, if we address and be able to provide job opportunities, be able to address mental health concerns and all of those overarching issues that we're basically hiding, and all of those overarching issues that we're basically hiding, then we can reduce the crime. We then can be able to reduce prevention programs because we're providing them with support on another level, that's, making them feel better about themselves and not needing to go out and commit crimes.

Vernon Brown: 26:42

So if you were to say I think oftentimes we say we make these lofty statements, I want to change crime, I want to reduce crime, I want to make Canton a crime free city, and a lot of times making lofty statements like that is not effective. But if you can do one small thing, make one small change in your first term, what do you think that would be?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 27:02

Something for the kids. If I could leave my first term and there would be anything that I want to make a priority to do, it will be something for the kids, because when we think about crimes, specifically in Canton, it's usually around that young adult or early, you know, when they're in their teenage years. We need to be able to get them back, you know, be able to address that generational divide that we have, where we're not understanding them, where we don't know how to meet them where they are, but being able to have a leader that can truly prioritize that, we can be able to make a greater place.

Vernon Brown: 27:36

Now, hard question, difficult question but a question of, quite frankly, I've heard time and time again. Now, when it comes to you being able to help and support that youth, that young adult group or demographic of people, someone can look at you and say, well, where are you going to get the experience to do that? From what do you say to them?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 27:55

Well one I'm an educator. I mean I live, breathe and eat this, you know. But I mean, when we think about kids, because I'm an aunt, I see my nieces and nephews all the time. Because I'm an educator, I'm able to now go across the experience of having it from K-12 to higher education, where I can see, across the board, every stage of development for each one of these students. I'm able to understand what attracts them, what they're attracted to. Is it TikTok, Snapchat? I'm able to understand why they like to listen to their music, but being able to hear them, see them and not just view them is important to me and that's my experience with that.

Vernon Brown: 28:33

In most cases, when you look at civic involvement or involvement within, or even just knowledge of what's happening from a government perspective, it's usually you get people who are in their 40s, maybe 50s, but mostly older people, not the younger generation, that really care about what's going on. How do we get them involved or even knowledgeable or caring, or even change the perspective that government does care about them? They do matter. How do we make that happen?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 28:59

Well one. We need to get a candidate like myself before them, because it's important that they know the person. There's again just a divide. They don't know the candidates. They don't. They've never seen them. They don't. They don't know their track record. You know they may have heard what they've done when they've served, but they never saw them in school making good grades. They never saw their success outcome. They never saw when they were struggling as a child and then they saw their upbringing. So to be able to have real life experiences with people outside of just politics is what they need and what they want to be able to see, because they know you personally. So that's what it's going to take for us to be able to get them more involved.

Vernon Brown: 29:37

Now, we love our kids. Our kids are amazing, but as we age and as we get older, our priorities kind of change a little bit. Well, what do you think is important to those voters who may not have it, whose children may already be out the house? They're living out, they're retired, they're golden years, they're enjoying life back home. Well, what does Canton government have for them?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 29:57

Well one. It has a safe environment. It goes back to that safety because now that they are retired they still want to stay in a place to enjoy retirement and we wouldn't want them jumping on the ground or trying to figure out how to dodge a bully in their homes or trying to figure out if the bully is going to come through their window. We want them to be able to enjoy those retirement years through safety. No-transcript in addressing whatever concern miss sue may have down the street.

Vernon Brown: 30:42

We want miss sue to know that we care, but we care about her being a citizen in the city of kansas well, it's crazy that you brought up Ms Sue, because Ms Sue whispered to me before this and Ms Sue said we have a flooding, or at least we had have, depending on who you talk about. Talk to. There's a flooding issue in Canton. We first moved here. There was a I don't know which dorm it was, but people were displaced, there was water everywhere. I mean, houses were filled up with water and flooding and I understand projects have taken place and construction has happened to do things to fix it. But from your perspective, walking in, knowing that's an issue, what can be done? To either fix it, keep it fixed, make sure it doesn't break, depending on where it is. What's there to be done?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 31:24

I will say one big word communication. It is going to be important that we communicate with MEMA and FEMA to identify resources to support Kansas City and those flooding zones.

Vernon Brown: 31:32

I've heard of FEMA. Who's MEMA?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 31:34

MEMA is Mississippi, mema MEMA M-E-M, mema M is Mississippi and L is federal. But with being able to work alongside them, through those flooding maps, we can identify or know which areas are critical flooding zones. Communicate that with the citizens, make sure they have flooding insurance, make sure that they are aware that they are in a flood zone and even when it rains, we should be able to send out something. As it pertains to this week will have rain. Be able to know that you should protect your, you know, evacuate, do whatever you can be, do but communicate with them and even with those meetings with MEMA and FEMA, be present to know what are they offering, what are they saying about the city of kenton has?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 32:14

Have we our maps need to be changed? Are we up to date with our maps? And even after the, what ordinance do we have in place? And with our ordinance, are we enforcing the plan that we put in place to be able to abide by that ordinance? So to always go back to the mayor being able to ensure that the ordinance is enforced, but the plan is being able to be followed and executed.

Vernon Brown: 32:34

So I'm going to go deeper on this one, because what I heard is let me know I'm about to get flooded, let me know my house might be destroyed, which is important, yeah, but how do we make it so my house don't get flooded or destroyed? Is there anything that a mayor or city can do to stop that from happening? I didn't know. I bought a house, now I have it, now I own it. How do I stop my stuff from getting broke down?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 32:53

Well, one. Before any home is bought, it will be determined on what area that's in. So if it is in a flooding zone which is why that map is critical to hail then you will be able to share that throughout their house buying process. At that point, that citizen now is aware of it and it's then up to them if they choose to buy it, but also being able to have their flood insurance so that if something does happen, then you are protected.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 33:18

But even the more, make sure you have cushion funds so that when these things do happen, then you have a plan B, because we want this to be your only plan A and that's your only opportunity to be able to say this is my life. We want you to have things in place, but also, if it's possible, be able to see if those houses can be built on a higher ground. What can the homeowners or those people do to ensure that it's not a critically flooded area? But there may be some concerns when it rains, but they won't lose everything. So just effectively planning and communicating throughout their house buying process. Okay.

Vernon Brown: 33:53

Now, obviously, you're not the only candidate, and I believe specifically well, I should say from my perspective. So the worst thing that you can see is a candidate focus on putting down another candidate. So I'm not going to ask you about any other candidate, please don't. But what I do want to ask you is, as voters, look out and see all of the candidates that are available, why are you different? Everyone through this season is talking about how they can fix this, how they can fix that hot button issue. I think everyone has the same issues in mind. What's different when they look and when they go to the polls and they see Dr Walker there?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 34:32

Well, one is my passion and my heart, for it is the sacrifice that I've made to be able to get here. You know it's important that the citizens truly understand that I value their input. This is not something that I'm just approaching with saying I want to do. I'm going to work alongside the mayor and board of Alderman. I want to be able to work with those city elected officials. I don't want to be able to just say that people need training and development and leave them high and dry. I want to be able to work with our department heads to make Canton better for all of us, but even more, address their concerns and make sure that the citizens know that I hear you, I value you and I want you to know that I'm going to be able to address that.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 35:11

That makes me different, because my passion is not just something because I'm from Kenton. I have a passion because God assigned us to take care of these people, like we are supposed to be servants to these people. We are supposed to be able to take care of your grandmother, someone else's grandmother. Not because I know you, vernon, but because it's our due diligence to do that for these individuals. My passion makes me different, but even the more as a citizen that has been able to establish love, establish good care and I don't meet strangers I'm able to know that I'm willing to answer any hard question you got. I don't know what you're going to ask me, but I'm willing to put myself out there in the fire and be able to take that on, because I want you to know and value me as your mayor. I want you to look at me as a leader and know that I'm capable of being the voice for you when you're not in a room. But I'm passionate about it because I truly love you as a person, but I love this city as well.

Vernon Brown: 36:05

True, so we are in what I like to call promise season. There are interviews and there are, you know, meet and greets and all of these things, about all these amazing things that that hopeful elected officials are promising to the people as it pertains to you. How can you actually get any of this stuff done?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 36:25

Well one I don't have any promises. I'm so sorry. If there was anything that I could promise you, it's going to be that I'm be at work every day. I will be there every day, I will be fighting for you every day. I will pray to god for you every day.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 36:36

But I can't make promises, vernon. The reason that is because, again, the world is ever changing. The things that I could promise you today is based on what I see now. But next year, after elected, after July 1, who's to say that won't change? So me working every day, no matter what that change is, will be able to ensure that I'm getting something back to be able to respond to you. But in addition to that, with the promises that we have seen or are hearing, it's important that they be able to say is that true? Like, can that really be done? Say is that true? Like, can can that really be done? Like, do your research to know that? But also, when we hear people this is not the first election that we've seen in the world when we've heard people in the past promise of something, how often have we heard people say that they ain't even tell they ain't do what they said they were gonna do?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 37:22

yeah that's what we heard. So why even buy into people promising you something when you know that that's not to come to pass? That's not so it's so important that we we get a different buy in, different buy in from just taking on those promises, but a buy in where you want to be heard and you know what they're actually telling you is accomplished or even be capable of being accomplished. So that's the approach that I would take as far as promises.

Vernon Brown: 37:45

So that's the approach that I would take as far as promises. So, after the election and all the dust settles and you know, you let's say you find yourself in the role of mayor there's going to be a group of voters that didn't vote for you, that don't believe you have their best interest at heart, that don't believe their voice will be heard to those voters.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 38:11

What can you say that will let them know that I understand you didn't vote for me, but I still hear you. At the end of the day, I'm not running to be a mirror of only a specific group of people that voted for me. I'm running to be mirror for the city as a whole.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 38:20

So, being able to represent every individual. That will include those who may not have voted for me. They would include those who have. They would include those who didn't even vote. But it's important that, regardless of the status that they are, the approach that they took to the candidacy for mayor, that I still serve them and no matter how they feel, I will still love them. No matter how they feel, I will still be able to hear them out and serve them and be able to address their concerns. So I just want to be able to be the mayor for the whole Canton not partially, but the whole Canton, regardless of their vote.

Vernon Brown: 38:49

So for people who see you out and about and you're pretty visible in the community and say you seem unapproachable, what do you encourage them to do? How can their voices be heard?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 39:01

Just talk to me. I do apologize if I do seem unapproachable, but I am one of those people where, whatever your preference is if you prefer to inbox me, choose that method. If you prefer to email me, choose that. If you prefer to call, choose whatever works for you on your best approach to me, I'm open to that. I want to be able to be flexible and accessible to be able to accommodate those differences in our community. But also, with me running for mayor, I can't not be approachable. I chose to be in this seat so I have to remain approachable, because I'm addressing all people and all of us are different now, so I have to be able to meet them where they are, whatever that is.

Vernon Brown: 39:42

We talked a little bit before about promises being made and not seeing the fruit of those promises. And you know we elect these people and you know they're very present. They're out in the community and then after election season, it's hard to find them. They're locked in their office, so on and so forth. So if you were elected, how do you maintain or create a culture of transparency? What is that? Like, I know we say we'll talk, we'll do this, do that, do that. What does it really look like in real life Transparency, hearing from the people?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 40:15

How does that look in your campaign? Well, one it looks at my campaign as being able to be open and available. You know, before I came here, I had three events, but I make sure that I go according to a timeline, like again, being disciplined and focused allows me to be everywhere that I'm needed, but also making sure that I'm getting rest every night to be able to make those sound decisions and, once they're made, even throughout my campaign. Every Sunday I take out the time to make sure the citizens know what I've done that week. I want them to know what my track record is throughout my campaign so that once I become mayor, I keep that consistency up. What did Mayor Walker do this week? What was the success of the mayor and the board of Alderman? But keeping those updates and meeting them, whether it's through the radio station, through social media, through the website, wherever they would like to be able to receive those updates. Meeting them there, but keeping it going throughout consistency.

Vernon Brown: 41:02

Now some people may be hearing about this transparency, or even about you, for the first time here today. How can they see find connect? What options do they have?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 41:12

You have several options. They are able to, of course, email me at Camelia Walker for mere at gmailcom. They're able to visit my website, wwwcameliawalkercom. They're able to call me at 769-587-4782. They're able to even reach out to me on Facebook at Camelia Walker. They're able to reach out to me on Instagram at Camelia. Underscore Walker, tick tock, see Walker. Five to one. So you're not hiding, I'm not hiding. I mean, I'm here. I want them to know whatever they prefer. If they, if they want to stop by, just knock on the door, you know whatever works for them.

Vernon Brown: 41:49

I want to just meet them where they are. Got it. Got it Now. We're coming pretty close to a close at this point, but I think one thing that's really important is whether it's a presidential election. We know it's important that you vote for the president, but many of us know the power is the president pretty powerful, the power some other places too that we need to focus, and that's no different with our, with our local elections as well.

Vernon Brown: 42:08

So can you take a moment to kind of explain how Canton government works? You've talked about, obviously, mayor, which you're running for. You've talked about aldermen, alderwoman, city elected officials. How does all that work and how are decisions truly made?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 42:21

So we operate on a mayor board of aldermen form of government where the majority of the power alliance sits with the board of aldermen. The reason that is because when we're in meetings they're the ones who identify the ordinances, they vote on these things, but they are also the ones who oversee a specific ward in the city of kenton where we have seven, as it pertains to the ward is just a specific area got you okay um, as it pertains to the mayor, this is the person that maybe provide proposals for an ordinance.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 42:49

This is the person that oversees the department heads work hand in hand with them. This is the person that is the chief executive officer to be able to execute these things. But, in addition to the board of aldermen, these are also the individuals that are present when it comes down to us being able to work as a collective front. You know, because, when we think about it, if something is happening in a specific ward, you, the mayor and the board of Alderman has to work together to make sure what is your vision for that ward, where you have to communicate with your constituents to see what is their vision. So they work directly with the constituents, although the mayor does for everyone. They oversee a specific area of people, but in addition to that, we also have our elected officials or our appointed officials. We have our city clerk, our police chief, our fire chief, we have our landfill department head, we have our building and grounds. We have all of these different entities in the city of Canton that the mayor works hand in hand with, and even our chief administrator officer.

Vernon Brown: 43:47

So all of those people are encompassed in the growth in the moving forward of kenton, and that's how we operate so, although they may see you, yeah, there's an army of people not standing behind you, but standing with you, getting us to the ultimate it takes us.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 44:00

It literally would take us all, because if there was just a mayor making decisions, that's's one person. You have to get that input from everyone and being able to break that down, with all of us being able to go out in the community, hear those different things and then come back and make that decision. But even the more, the Board of Aldermen have to know what are we voting on, like? Why is this necessary? Tell me input, give me details. So it is up to the mayor to be able to, you know, provide them that input, provide them the details and give them that additional cushion that they need to make sound decisions.

Vernon Brown: 44:30

Gotcha, ok, now let's talk voting. So nothing happens without the community's vote. So talk a little bit about the difference in options they have for voting, whether you know it's just going to vote when. When do they need to go to vote if they can't get off to vote that day? What options do they have If they're traveling, someone's sick or something like that Kind of? Talk us through the voting plan, if you will.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 44:53

So right now we have absentee voting. That's available. They have from now right.

Vernon Brown: 44:56

Like right now. Like right now you can go tomorrow 8 am. Wow.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 45:00

And vote so again, as you said, they're working on that day. They may be taking care of a loved one on that day. They may even be out of town or out of the country.

Vernon Brown: 45:08

What is that day?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 45:09

April 1st for the primary specifically.

Vernon Brown: 45:12

OK, and let's break it all the way down. Ok, what is a primary?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 45:15

OK, great. So we have three Democratic candidates, and they're voted on during the primary. After the primary, though, whoever that one choice is, they then go to the general election. And the general election, you have the democratic, republican and independent candidates that the citizens get to choose on one person to be able to represent them as the mayor so it's not just show up once and it's done can't do that so first it's the primary.

Vernon Brown: 45:42

You said there are four candidates, three, three candidates from democratic um, some number for republican so for primary only democrat okay, got it. Okay. So only democrat. So three people are running and then the citizens will choose from those three people and only one of those three are going to move on to the other election, the big now in the event there's a runoff, because it could be a runoff before june 3rd just to be clear, a runoff for the general or runoff for the primary?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 46:08

So, based on two candidates that are very close in range, based on their voting outcome, they then have to go through a runoff and the citizens need to go back, and that's April 22nd. In the event there is one. Once they go back, then they decide on that one person and that person transitions and goes to the general election for June 3rd.

Vernon Brown: 46:26

So the focus date for right now is for the first April. 1st is the Democratic primary, where they would choose one of four fingers, one of three, one of three candidates that will later go on to the primary.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 46:39

Absolutely.

Vernon Brown: 46:40

April 1st is the general election date for the primary Right, the primary election date.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 46:44

Primary election day, but absentee voting is available even right now, from now to march 29th. Okay, so the only saturdays that we have for them to vote on, saturdays from 8 to 12, is march 22nd and march 29th. Every other day during the week they can go monday to friday, gotcha. So after that, the absentee. In addition to that, some people may be on, let's say, the absentee. In addition to that, some people may be on, let's say, military leave. They can't come here to vote absentee. They can request a mail ballot to them. So they have their right to request a mail ballot. Once they get that application to request it, they then will receive that absentee ballot in the mail and they'll mail it back, but it has to be postmarked by the march 29th deadline got you, got you okay.

Vernon Brown: 47:29

So we're gonna run through these dates to make sure you got them right. Yes, sir, absentee voting is from now until when march 29th, march 29th, the primary democratic primary is what day?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 47:42

uh, you can vote in person on april 1st, but you can vote. That's the primary. All of this is the primary, gotcha. It's just different types of voting period. Gotcha, absentee is only for a specific group of people. But if you're available on April 1st, you just go in and vote Gotcha. But if you can't be there, that's why you're voting absentee for now. Makes perfect sense, okay.

Vernon Brown: 48:01

Now, final question Actually, no, I have one more question before this. So I want to give you a chance to speak to undecided voters. I think when you do an interview, there's a huge group of people that are listening, that are your advocates. They love everything that you do good, bad or indifferent. But then there are some people who come to the table to say what she got to say and I'm a little undecided. I don't know what I want to vote for. I'm still trying to make up my mind. So I want to give you a chance to speak to those undecided voters, for voters who are listening, that are on the fence about voting about you. What message would you want to give them?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 48:31

Well one. I would like to say, of course, thank you for the opportunity to be a candidate and your interest in watching this interview, but in addition to that, I would also like to express that, if I had not thought I was capable, I promise I would not waste your time. I think it is so important that we see how I'm able to be a valuable candidate throughout this election period. But, in addition to that, see how accessible I want to be for you. See how passionate I am about this. But, in addition to that, know that I can and I will be able to be there for you with everything that you allow me to be.

Vernon Brown: 49:04

Got it, I love it, and so for our final question. This is a hard one. I want you to put on your thinking cap, as they would say in education.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 49:10

All right Put on your imagination.

Vernon Brown: 49:11

Put your imagination to work and it's four years from now. You've been elected mayor, You're finishing up your first term. It's 2029. Wow, this sounds so far away.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 49:30

I know right. First term, what does Canton look like? Oh my God, it's beautiful, well one. It's a place where we see developments.

Dr. Comelia Walker: 49:33

We see the dilapidated housing being addressed. We see improvements. We see our green spaces being enhanced. We see there being able to be a functioning leadership where we don't have to be able to be concerned if there will be bad representation. We see a unified front to where business owners are now saying, oh my God, we're outnumbered. You know it's so many of us Let me hurry up and get this Like we're competing for spaces at this point. But we also see children wanting to be a part of Canton, not just saying that I'm from Canton, but they want to be a part of the growth in Canton. We see that buy-in from the parents being engaged. We see more organizations and be able to come together for community events. We also see a thriving Canton where we are prosperous, not just thriving in our economic growth but also thriving in our communication, thriving in our love for each other, thriving in the way that we approach one another and be able to embrace the diverse ethnicities that we have in the city of canton.

Vernon Brown: 50:31

But even the more we see canton for what it's going to be and not for what it was and then, last but not least, we've touched on a few pillars of your campaign, but I'm sure there's so much that people can learn so much more you want to share other. We only had a short amount of time today. Where can people, people learn more about your campaign?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 50:46

I think it's important for it, based on wherever you are. If you prefer social media, find me on social media. If you are not a part of social media, feel free to visit my website, wwwcamilliawalkercom. If you want to contact me, use that contact tab, put your input in and I'll definitely reach out to you.

Vernon Brown: 51:03

Got it. Any last words you want to share before we close for today?

Dr. Comelia Walker: 51:05

I love you.

Vernon Brown: 51:09

No, but thank you so much for joining in with us. I hope you got something out of this for a regular conversation that the well listeners something a little bit different, but I think it's really important that we spend a little more time diving into what's happening in our very communities and listening to what's happening around us. No-transcript.