Campaign Website:
https://spiroformayor.com/
As part of PEP’s commitment to informed civic engagement, we invited the City of Mobile mayoral candidates to share their positions on key issues impacting Mobile’s economy and environment. Below are Spiro Cheriogotis’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: Mobile has made progress toward environmental stewardship, but we still have work to do. While many of our businesses have adopted cleaner, more efficient practices, areas near industrial corridors and underserved neighborhoods still face environmental health challenges. As mayor, I would prioritize collaboration among government agencies, such as ADEM and the EPA, industry leaders, and community organizations to expand monitoring, increase transparency, and invest in green infrastructure. A balanced approach allows us to grow responsibly while protecting public health.
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 vital to our economy, culture, and future. My administration will work to improve stormwater systems, strengthen flood resilience planning, and support habitat restoration efforts, such as oyster reefs and living shorelines. These efforts will be coordinated with state and federal partners to ensure compatibility with port and industrial development. I will build on current city programs such as the Three Mile Creek Greenway and Restore Act projects and push for greater integration between environmental planning and economic growth initiatives.
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: We need to bring recycling into the 21st century with smarter infrastructure and accessible options. I will work with public-private partnerships to expand drop-off sites, explore curbside pilot programs, and incentivize business participation through cost-sharing and recognition programs. By leveraging regional cooperation and seeking state/federal grant support, we can build a recycling program that is fiscally responsible and meets the needs of today’s economy.
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 and marine debris is both an environmental and economic priority. I will launch a citywide anti- litter campaign focused on education, enforcement, and community pride. We’ll expand public trash and recycling bins, improve maintenance in high-traffic areas, and support volunteer clean-up efforts. I’ll retain successful programs like the Mayor’s Litter Commission but increase support for neighborhood-led solutions and youth engagement. Technology and data will guide smarter deployment of city services to problem areas.
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: Green spaces and blue-ways improve public health, attract talent, and boost local pride. I will prioritize the expansion of trails, parks, kayak launches, and bike-friendly zoning, particularly in underserved neighborhoods. We’ll continue to support initiatives like the Three Mile Creek Greenway and look for new opportunities to partner with nonprofits and the private sector to fully activate opportunities at Brookley by the Bay. I also support sustainable zoning that preserves natural space while encouraging smart infill development.
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: Mobile must prepare for a changing climate without losing its economic edge. My strategy focuses on resilience and opportunity. I’ll work to expand energy efficiency programs in city facilities and promote renewable energy investment through tax credits and partnerships with the business community. I’ll support stormwater upgrades, tree planting, and flood mitigation that benefit both residents and businesses. I’ll also strengthen climate planning through data and coordination with state and federal resilience efforts.
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: As mayor, I will bridge the gap between education and employment. That means supporting apprenticeships, trade programs, and job training aligned with the needs of our regional industries from shipbuilding to clean energy. I’ll also promote relocation incentives to attract skilled workers and develop housing strategies that make it easier for them to stay. Collaboration with Bishop State, South Alabama, and local employers will be key to retaining and growing a qualified workforce.
Please share any other environmental, economic, or quality-of-life priorities not covered above.
RESPONSE: Environmental health and economic development are not competing goals; they are interconnected. My administration will embed sustainability into city planning, infrastructure investment, and economic policy to ensure a cleaner, stronger, and more inclusive Mobile. Whether it’s improving public transit, reducing emissions, or preparing for future storms, I will lead with balance, evidence, and accountability.
Note: Candidates are listed in alphabetical order.