22
March, 2025
Saturday
501 Park Road
To Foster a thriving inclusive Pleasant Grove by prioritizing responsible economic development, making our children a Priority, enhancing life through accessible infrastructure, public services and activity engaging residents in shaping the future of our city. This will ensure a vibrant and sustainable environment for all.
Establishing VA Benefits and Workshops for Veterans is a critical initiative to empower those who have served our country. These workshops aim to guide Veterans, Widows, Orphans and their dependents through the process of accessing their well-deserved benefits, including healthcare, education, and housing support. By providing hands-on assistance, resources, and expert advice, we can ensure that every Veteran has the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the VA system effectively. Together, we honor their service by securing the support they deserve.
Recruiting, hiring, and retaining qualified police officers and firemen is essential to ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. By implementing competitive hiring practices, providing ongoing training, and fostering a supportive work environment, we can attract top talent and encourage long-term careers in public service. Investing in these dedicated professionals not only strengthens our emergency response capabilities but also builds trust and security for all residents.
Ensuring transparency of financial resources is vital to building trust and accountability within our community. By providing clear, accessible reporting on how funds are allocated and spent, we empower residents to stay informed and engaged. Transparent financial management not only promotes fiscal responsibility but also ensures that resources are used effectively to address community needs and priorities. Together, we can create a system that reflects integrity and fairness.
I am James Stevens ‘Steve’ Wilkerson, a Marine ready to fight for the residents of Pleasant Grove. Just as I was dedicated as a Marine and VA employee, I am passionate about veterans and seniors benefits, children’s education, and maintaining the cleanliness of our quaint city. Serving is what I do best, so rest assured, this Marine will fight for you too.
I was born and raised in Bessemer, Alabama in 1960. I attended Jefferson County Schools: Addison Elementary School, McAdory Junior High School and McAdory High School, Class of 1979. I served on active duty as a United Stated Marine from 1980-2003. I was employed as a Veterans Benefits Administration employee from 2005-2018. After being away from Sweet Home Alabama for 40 years, Sandra and I moved to Pleasant Grove, Alabama where we proudly reside in the Woodlands Community.
For over 20 years, my passion for Veterans and their family members has resulted in my hosting multiple workshops providing education, guidance and mentoring of benefits they were entitled to. I am dedicated to continued service for our military population and prepared to fight for all Veterans and their families to ensure they receive all benefits they are entitled to, which in turn, will strengthen the communities and neighborhoods throughout Pleasant Grove, AL.
I was ordained as a Deacon in 2006 under the Pastorship of Gregory Bartell at Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church in McBee, South Carolina, where I served on the Deacon Board for 15 years. I later moved my membership to Greenview First Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina, where I served until 2018. I then joined Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church in Bessemer, Alabama, where I currently serve on the Deacon Board. My responsibilities include assisting the Pastor in leading souls to salvation, teaching Sunday school, and a member of the Male Chorus in honor of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
As a Marine and your city council candidate, I am dedicated to serving and reimagining Pleasant Grove with a mission-focused approach. By working shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors, listening to your concerns, and acting decisively on practical improvements—like enhancing public safety, revitalizing our parks, and supporting local businesses—we can create lasting change that strengthens our community. Just as I’ve done in service for our country, I’m ready to lead with integrity and determination, ensuring Pleasant Grove becomes a place where opportunity thrives, and every family is proud to call home.
Together, we can achieve far more than any individual ever could alone. It’s through unity and teamwork that we lay the foundation for creating something truly impactful and meaningful.
Address: PO Box 82, Pleasant Grove, AL 35127
Phone: 1-205-720-0567
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