Steve Defee has announced his candidacy for Mayor of Luverne. The candidate declared his intention to run for the office in a post on social media.

“It is with great honor and a heart full of purpose, I’m announcing my candidacy for Mayor of Luverne, Alabama,” Defee said in his announcement. “I have a strong vision for our city, one rooted in growth, opportunity and a deep love for this community.
Though we may be a small town, we have a big heart, and I believe in a future where that heart beats stronger than ever.”

Defee has been a resident of Luverne for around 30 years, having grown up in Crenshaw County, and has been around the area his entire life. He worked with the Crenshaw County Highway Department for 14 years, serving as their superintendent before transitioning to the role of street supervisor for four years with the City of Luverne before retiring. 

“Having worked for the city – having seen the shape of the infrastructure – I have a heart-felt desire and a vision to fix our infrastructure and bring new growth to the city of Luverne,” Defee said. 

Additionally, Defee is pastor and founder of the Cornerstone Christian Fellowship as well as co-organizer of the annual Swamp Supper men’s event. 

Defee has been a pastor for 33 years, stepping into ministry at First Assembly of God on South Main Street and the Glenwood Highway. Defee was also an associate pastor with Greentree Christian Fellowship in Andalusia. 

The candidate said he hopes to bring transparency to the city, and take some lessons he learned in the pulpit into the office 

“[I hope] to make Luverne to be transparent and hold people accountable for who they are, what they stand for and what they believe,” Defee said. “If I tell you something, that’s what I’m gonna do. I’ve always lived under that philosophy.
“I share that from my pulpit, that I believe that your word is your bond. Your word should be something to stand upon because you’re going to give an account for who you are, what you stand for and believe in.”

As a method of fostering new growth, Defee declared his intention is to use possible incentives such as tax breaks for new businesses or tax cuts for existing establishments. Defee also said that one of his main focuses will be to bring in a new motel, restaurants and service stations.  

Defee said he wants to bring in new infrastructure. One goal he mentioned is a plan to work alongside the parks and recreation department to add more things for children to do in the local community. Additionally, he aims to continue refurbishing and rebuilding the drainage systems, electrical systems, water systems and pavement on the city roads. 

“I’m a citizen of Luverne who wants to make change for the people and that’s the bottom line,”  Defee said. “I am believing that I can make a change for the better of where we have been, and bring and make Luverne a more joyful, more economically valued place to live. That’s my desire; that’s my goal and that’s the number one reason I wanted to run for mayor – I want to make a change.”