Marshall Councilwoman Reba Godfrey Pushes for Another Term Amid Opponent’s Disqualification
Marshall, AL — District 5 Councilwoman Reba Godfrey is officially seeking another term on the Marshall City Council to continue her hands-on ministry of advocacy and city improvement. Godfrey, who has held the seat since 2022, is challenging a disqualified opponent, strengthening her chances to remain a driving force for the city’s progress.
Godfrey described her role as more than politics — calling it a “boots-on-the-ground ministry” guided by her faith and community commitment. “It’s not politics. It’s position — being in place, doing what God called me to do,” Godfrey told The Alabama Report. She and her husband regularly respond firsthand to city needs, ensuring swift action beyond council meetings.
Her opponent, Candance Pierce, has been removed from the ballot due to a Class B misdemeanor conviction, which city officials confirmed disqualifies her from office. Even a Pierce victory would lead to a vacant seat, making Godfrey’s re-election critical to continued representation for District 5 residents.
Driving City-wide Improvements from Street Repairs to Staff Raises
Godfrey, a retired educator and executive pastor at New Vision Missionary Baptist Church, emphasized her broad focus representing the entire city. She championed a landmark 4% pay raise for all city employees in the 2026 budget, advocating for even higher increases to offset inflation and rising property taxes.
“Seeing God just open the purse strings and seeing Him provide services for everybody in the city — from the top to the bottom — He’s been the provider,” Godfrey said, highlighting her push for certification training incentives alongside salary hikes.
The councilwoman also marked a milestone by securing LED streetlight installations first in District 5, a breakthrough that sparked adoption city-wide. “After the lights were turned on in District 5, other council members asked me for the number to turn them on, and we have them all over the city now,” she said.
Her focus extends to neighborhood revitalization projects like Smith Park improvements — a site she fondly remembers playing in as a child — along with tackling water leaks and dangerous tree obstructions to keep streets safe and accessible.
Persistent Fight to Fix Long-Neglected Streets and Fight Illegal Dumping
For decades, neighborhoods in the northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest parts of Marshall faced uneven road maintenance. Due to Godfrey’s persistence, the council restored members’ authority to select repair areas, finally addressing streets neglected since her childhood.
Illegal dumping, a longstanding blight, has also been a priority. Godfrey spearheaded cleanup initiatives in multiple dump-prone areas including Ward, Norwood, Olive, and Scotts Quarters streets. Thanks to her efforts, the city reinstated its right-of-way crew, improving oversight and enforcement.
Water System Upgrades: Foreseen Crisis Leads to Action
Godfrey’s early concerns about the city’s aging water infrastructure were spotlighted after a water main break on Spring Street caused days-long outages. She toured the wastewater treatment plant and raw water facilities during critical funding efforts for nearly $22 million in upgrades, understanding the urgent need to replace decades-old equipment.
“Some parts of that system were done in 1948, and some in 1950. I was born in ’53. I knew that something needed to be done,” Godfrey said, underscoring her proactive approach along with city public works leaders.
Looking Ahead: A Unified Council and Ongoing Commitment to Marshall
Godfrey voiced optimism about the city council’s teamwork and the spiritual unity she says has transformed the government atmosphere. “At City Hall, we hug. There is love, there is unity, and God has just done an amazing thing,” she said.
With her opponent disqualified and seats potentially at risk, Godfrey’s candidacy promises steady leadership focused on practical improvements and community well-being. Voters in District 5 face a critical choice to maintain momentum on multiple fronts, including infrastructure, employee welfare, and neighborhood quality of life.
As election day approaches, Godfrey is urging residents to support her bid and keep Marshall moving forward.
