The Platform
Serving The Community
My platform will feature the following:
- Support for Small Businesses, startups and existing businesses, to include minimizing city permit fees, license fees, and employment taxes. Defining what is a small business is step one.
- Encouraging infrastructure improvements to align with any recruiting of large businesses. If a moratorium of such recruitment is needed, then that will be supported. Let’s prioritize the elimination of end of day bottlenecks costing our citizens gas money and delaying their return home.
- For every financial incentive given to large businesses, similar support should be provided to our small businesses, new and existing. Budget constraints and funds management may be the key to making this happen.
- Find ways to support our historic downtown businesses, and make Opelika a haven for small businesses.
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Site Content
Some Background Info
At the age of 61 Ernie decided to become a business owner after retiring from the state as a computer programmer for the Department of Transportation. He and two business partners opened the Rock 'N Roll Pinball arcade and The Jaillhouse bar and entertainment venue. Both businesses have flourished in downtown Opelika since opening in November 2020.
A Military Career
Ernie enlisted in the US Air Force in 1976 and served 20 years before retiring in 1996. He was trained in computer programming and his last eleven years were spent at Gunter's Standard System Center.
Early Life
Even though his family was Navy, they didn't get moved around and they settled into a small town in southern California. It is these small town roots that helps Ernie appreciate the charm of Opelika.
Putting It All Together
Ernie's small town roots, his military background and his ownership of a successful business gives him insight and compassion for others trying to help Opelika maintain its friendliness and charms. He truly believes we can stay small and live large.