District 5 City Councilman Willie Moore III continues to serve the city he loves

Words by Justin Hunter | Images by Ryan McGill 

Every time Willie Moore III steps inside the Jasper City Hall council chambers, he carries with him a duty to improve the lives of not only his District 5 constituents, but every person who lives in the Jasper city limits. 

"I'm a city councilman that's a watchman over District 5, but also a councilman for the whole city of Jasper,” says Moore, who ran for the District 5 seat unopposed in November 2020. “By the same token, there are problems in my district that need to be addressed.”

Born at People's Hospital in the heart of downtown Jasper, Moore developed a love for his hometown from an early age. He graduated from Walker High School in 1977 and attended Walker College. Opting to enter the workforce instead of finishing his undergraduate education, he worked for seven years at ABC Drummond Coal Mining Company before beginning his career with Jasper Park & Recreation in April of 1986. 

"I enjoyed my time in recreation. The biggest thing I enjoyed about it was the challenge,” Moore says. “When you see that child smiling and having a good time, it warms your heart. Most people don't understand that we are providing recreation for the kids and seniors as well, and a way for them to learn life lessons, like how to be a part of a team, work well with others, and good sportsmanship."

Moore has had a successful career as an official for men and women’s basketball, volleyball, and softball, and is on the board of directors of Alabama USA Softball. He is now retired from the City of Jasper and in his current role as Oakman Park Director, has helped the town establish a recreation department. He is working with Oakman Mayor Cory Franks to build a partnership between the parent-run organizations and the city to improve youth sports. 

“I’ve always loved sports. Growing up, I had the dream of being a professional athlete, but that’s not for everyone,” Moore says. “And then I got into officiating and used it as another way to give back to my community.”

A lifelong resident of the Frisco community, Moore understands the struggles facing those who live in his district and is fighting to change the status quo. "I listen to my seniors in my community when they tell me what it once was like in Jasper and how far we have come," says Moore. 

He is forging ahead, listening to constituents' concerns, and pushing for increased police presence, better road conditions, excellent fire protection, a storm shelter, and low-income housing rehabilitation.

"You know things have gotten better with this administration because they are willing to listen to the proposals that I bring to the table,” Moore says. “I also encourage citizens who have concerns to come to city council meetings and let their voices be heard. If it's something I believe in, I'm going to stand with them because that is what I campaigned on.”

Moore’s accomplishments have earned him respect from his peers. For him, the primary result has always been serving others. “I give God all the praise for all the success He has put in my path,” he says. “It’s all about being a servant.”

The city is the greenhouse, and the citizens are the plants. The city council's role is to continually maintain and improve the greenhouse in order that every plant can thrive. The flourishing of Jasper is tied to the thriving of every single resident because the people make the city. 

"I want people to be to be proud of the entire city of Jasper, not just one area," Moore says. “It's the whole city that I'd like to see grow and bloom.” 78