Central SGA member interviews Goodwater mayor
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Central High School SGA member Christopher Prowell, left, with Goodwater Mayor Karleyun Lauderdale. Photo submitted
Special to the News
Central SGA member Christopher Prowell took a segue from his interviews with candidates for the 2026 general election to interview recently elected Goodwater Mayor Karleyun Lauderdale.
By Christopher Prowell
Lauderdale is setting an ambitious agenda for the city, focusing on modernizing infrastructure, revitalizing downtown and building stronger connections with residents.
In a recent interview, the mayor spoke candidly about the challenges facing Goodwater and the steps his administration is taking to improve quality of life for residents.
The mayor identified outdated infrastructure as the city’s most pressing issue.
“This town was established, I believe, in the 1880s,” Lauderdale said. “Over the years, I’m sure they had some upgrades, but pretty much a small town like this, you pretty much have what they put in the ground when it was developed. So one thing I would say is the infrastructure, that’s number one on my list right now.”
He also discussed efforts to renovate key buildings such as the Goodwater Youth Development building and the senior citizen building, along with enforcing ordinances to either tear down or revitalize old structures.
“Our downtown area is a main focal point for us to get it together,” he said.
Although economic development is a top priority, the mayor also emphasized maintaining Goodwater’s small-town feel.
“We want more businesses to come into the city, but we also want to keep our small-town feel, our local heritage,” he said. “We definitely want economic development here, but we want to keep the character of the city.”
Alabama Highway 9 sees heavy traffic from travelers, which he sees as an opportunity.
Lauderdale shared, “I met a couple over at Piggly Wiggly just a few weeks ago. They were heading to Faulkner University to their son’s game and came through here from Georgia. They stopped because it’s convenient. That’s exactly the kind of traffic we want to capture downtown.”
Lauderdale acknowledged that adjusting to the city budget as a newly elected mayor has been challenging.
“The biggest issue for me is finding out what was being done with the budget, how it was being allocated and whether departments were operating optimally,” he said. “It’s about getting the right people in the right place for the right positions and rebuilding the trust of the community in city leadership the last administration lost.”
The mayor is proud of his close relationship with the police and fire departments. He appreciates the critical role volunteers play in maintaining emergency services.
The mayor also encouraged residents to get involved.
“The citizens are the bosses,” he said. “The people sitting in the council seats work for the people. The people don’t work for us. Closed mouths don’t get fed. Engagement is key.”
Lauderdale encouraged residents to attend public hearings and stay actively involved.
Lauderdale added, “One of the accomplishments I’m proud of is our local community park. We added a walking path, workout stations and play areas with help from the Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative program and the University of Tuscaloosa. I’m also proud of deciding to run for mayor. I came back and saw that my town really needed help.”
He emphasized the qualities he values in leadership such as patience, compassion, temperance, and wisdom.
“You don’t need yes-men; you need people who tell you the truth,” he said, referencing King Solomon as an example of wise leadership.
Looking ahead, Lauderdale’s vision for Goodwater includes modernizing infrastructure, downtown revitalization, economic growth balanced with historic preservation, and increased transparency and communication with citizens.
Prowell would like to thank Mayor Lauderdale for allowing him to interview him and sharing his vision.
