The Demopolis Historic Preservation Commission has called a meeting to discuss the issue of a new sign ordnance for downtown Demopolis, but to Jim Webb, 24 and Jeff Davidson, 23 of Demopolis this meeting doesn’t mean anything. These two young citizens would like to see more of a focus on future of Demopolis instead of the past.

Both Webb and Davidson are graduates from Demopolis High School. Davidson just recently moved from Tuscaloosa back to Demopolis because he wanted to come back home.

“Don’t get me wrong everyone loves Gaineswood and Bluff Hall, but why does everything in the City of Demopolis have to be historical,” Webb said.

Davidson and Webb both think that the city’s love for old buildings is starting to go a little to far. Davidson said I wish they would be this pumped up about bringing in new industries and businesses as they were about saving old buildings. He also said think about what the city could build for the children of Demopolis with some of the money over $300,000 that has gone to repair the old high school.

“For the money the city is spending on fixing these old buildings, they could really build some useful things around Demopolis such as a YMCA, computer center, or just something to keep the kids of the streets,” Webb said.

They both agree that something needs to be done in a hurry to turn Demopolis’ opinion on growth and advancement around. Davidson said the problem with Demopolis is that it has a “That’s the way its always been done” mentality.

“The citizens of Demopolis are just scared of change,” Davidson said.

This is the reason why they both think that mayoral race this year is so important. Webb said the city needs someone who will fight for the future of Demopolis and bring in some new businesses. Davidson said that the new mayor would have to change the stagnant growth of Demopolis by bringing in some new industries to bring in new jobs and businesses.

“I just wish we had more options in the city. If we had a Wal-Mart Supercenter than Demopolis wouldn’t lose all the money that goes to Thomasville and Tuscaloosa,” Davidson said.

Even though Webb and Davidson’s views are a little different than the rest of the 8,000 people that live in Demopolis, doesn’t mean they don’t love living here. Davidson said I love this town and this will always be home.

Webb said that Demopolis is a nice place, but it just doesn’t have the resources to keep high school and college graduates here.

“I would rather live here than in Tuscaloosa any day of the week,” Davidson said.