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Cedrick Valrie, a professor of Practical Theology at Southeastern University, has declared his mayoral candidacy with the city. It’s Valrie’s first bid in local politics.
His only opponent in the Nov. 4. city election to date is City Commissioner Sara Roberts McCarley.
Valrie, 42, was born and raised by a single mother of four in inner-city Alabama.
“I know what it means to have food and financial insecurities, I know what it means to have dreams and aspirations that seem unattainable,” Valrie states on his campaign website.
“Yet, through diligence, a village of people and the help of Almighty God, I know what it means to step into a new, unfamiliar situation to serve people and engage in work that transforms people and cultures.”
Valrie has pledged to evaluate the budgeting process and ensure that decisions meet the needs of as many Lakelanders as possible.
He sees himself as a partner, he says, listening to and working alongside his constituents.
Valrie has been a professor at Southeastern for nearly 15 years, and he serves on the board at Church for the ONE. He believes this leadership experience has prepared him to be mayor.
He earned a doctorate in Leadership and Global Perspectives from the Portland Seminary at George Fox University in Portland, Oregon, and a master’s degree in Pastoral Ministries and a Bachelor’s Degree in Christian Ministries from Southeastern University.
He has been married to his wife Sarah for 18 years. The couple has four children and resides in South Lakeland.
Valrie was not immediately available for an interview.
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