Words by Anna Lee Vaughn | Images by Justin Hunter
Hezikiah L. Walker Jr. has assumed the role of the Mayor of the City of Dora, succeeding former mayor Randy Stephens, who resigned due to illness. Following Stephens’ resignation, Walker submitted his name to the city council for consideration, and through a council vote, he was elected and subsequently took the Oath of Office on December 7, 2023. Walker is set to be formally sworn in come January 2024.
A Dora native with an impressive 31 years of military service and close to four decades of experience working for the Alabama Department of Public Safety as a State Trooper, Walker was serving his third term as a Dora City Council member before assuming the mayoral position. His initial interest in politics was fueled by a desire to enhance the community and transform it into a place that appeals to the younger generation.
“When I was younger, I had no intention of coming back here because I thought it had nothing to offer. So, I don’t want young folks to feel that way and go off. I want them to come back to this city and see what it can offer,” Walker says.
Mayor Walker is set to serve the remainder of the current mayoral term until the next general election in November 2025. Given the unique circumstance of his first official term being split in half, his primary focus will be on completing projects initiated by former mayor Stephens, including the development of Heritage Landing off I-22 and the annexation of the surrounding land. The Heritage Landing project is anticipated to have a positive impact on the community, both socially and economically, and Mayor Walker eagerly anticipates actively contributing to its successful fruition. Additionally, he plans to organize programs for children, teenagers, and senior citizens, fostering community engagement and enjoyment.
Mayor Walker expresses his honor at being a part of this historic election in Dora, marking the town’s first person of color to hold the mayoral position. “I want to entice not only the general population but other minorities to say, ‘If he can do it, I can do it.’ And if I work with them and give them something to look forward to, I can be a shining light to some of the young folks with political ambitions. I realize what matters most is what I can do for them, all the citizens of Dora.”
Mayor Walker is married to Karen, and they have two sons Phillip and Benjamin, and six grandchildren. He is a lifelong member of St. John Baptist Church in Dora,
The Walker Leader congratulates Mayor Walker on this achievement, and we look forward to seeing what he has in store for the city of Dora! WL
