Campaign Website:
https://www.prine4mayor.com/
As part of PEP’s commitment to informed civic engagement, we invited City of Mobile mayoral candidates to share their positions on key issues impacting Mobile’s economy and environment. Below are Paul Prine’s unedited responses, shared with PEP members, their employees, and the community.
Note: Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.
PEP has supported environmentally responsible businesses for 25 years. In your view, is the Mobile community healthy environmentally? What specific environmental improvements or changes are still needed in the Mobile area? Which groups—such as government agencies, businesses, or community organizations—should take the lead in addressing these issues?
RESPONSE: Healthy communities are the foundation of a thriving city. As a port city, Mobile faces the unique challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. From the complex issues surrounding port dredging to the ongoing concerns about coal ash contamination, government must serve as the first line of defense in protecting the health and safety of its citizens. Collaborating with stakeholders and organizations that bring both expertise and credibility is essential. Only through evidence-based consensus and long-term planning can we create sustainable solutions that protect our environment and serve generations to come.
Mobile Bay is one of our region’s most valuable natural and economic assets. How will your administration improve water quality, stormwater management, flood resilience, and habitat restoration, such as living shorelines and oyster reefs, while also supporting ongoing industrial and port development? What existing city efforts in this area would you continue, strengthen, or change?
RESPONSE: Mobile Bay is not just a geographic feature—it’s the lifeblood of our region’s environment, economy, and way of life. My administration will take a balanced, forward-thinking approach to improve water quality, strengthen flood resilience, and restore critical habitats, while ensuring our port and industrial sectors continue to thrive.
PEP businesses have expressed a strong interest in better recycling options locally. How would you expand and modernize recycling access in a way that is financially sustainable and attractive to the business community?
RESPONSE: Recycling is a business and economic development issue. The strong interest from PEP businesses in better recycling options presents an opportunity for the City of Mobile to lead in modern, sustainable waste solutions. My administration will take a practical, data-driven approach to expand recycling access in a way that’s both financially sustainable and aligned with the needs of the local business community.
What specific measures would you take to reduce litter, marine debris, and landfill waste in Mobile? How would you expand and modernize recycling access in a financially sustainable way, and how would you engage the public? What programs from the current administration would you retain or revise?
RESPONSE: Reducing litter, marine debris, and landfill waste in Mobile is essential for preserving our environment, protecting public health, and maintaining pride in our city. My administration will take a proactive, community-focused approach that combines infrastructure, education, enforcement, and smart partnerships to tackle these challenges head-on.
Quality of life is a key criteria for talent attraction and that includes outdoor recreation. How will you support the development and maintenance of green spaces, trails, blue-ways, and sustainable zoning practices to improve quality of life and encourage economic growth? Which current and/or new initiatives or planning efforts would you continue or adjust?
RESPONSE: Under my leadership, we will prioritize the development and maintenance of parks, trails, blue-ways, and smart zoning practices to build a Mobile where people want to live, work, and invest.
What is your strategy for ensuring that Mobile remains both economically competitive and environmentally resilient amid climate-related challenges, including extreme weather and sea level rise? How would you support energy efficiency and renewable energy investment? What current or new climate or energy initiatives will you continue or implement?
RESPONSE: To keep Mobile economically competitive and environmentally resilient, we must lead with innovation, preparation, and partnerships. My administration will take a proactive, business-smart approach that protects our people, grows our economy, and strengthens our infrastructure through energy innovation and climate readiness.
Businesses and industry are challenged with recruiting and retaining workers wh have the appropriate amount of training and experience. What will you do as mayor to both train locally and attract work force from other regions?
RESPONSE: A strong workforce is the foundation of a strong economy. As mayor, I will take a twofold approach: develop homegrown talent through targeted training and education partnerships, and position Mobile as a destination city to attract skilled workers from other regions. We must meet the needs of business and industry with real strategies.
Please share any other environmental, economic, or quality-of-life priorities not covered above.
RESPONSE: NA
Note: Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.