DAPHNE, Ala. — Four other candidates who interviewed for the District 4 city council position stated their case Wednesday in meetings with the council, and one of the losing candidates is not new to missing out on the District 4 seat.

Gary Reyes ran for the same position in 2008, but narrowly lost to Greg Burnam, who resigned in July. Reyes said he lost two years ago by 31 votes, so he went to 31 houses to see if people still supported him.

Reyes cited the recycling program, the borrowing of money and construction on Whispering Pines as three of the city’s biggest problems.

“Whispering Pines Road is still in really bad shape. I hope we are not done with it,” he said.

“We shouldn’t continue to borrow money just to fix things,” he said.

Reyes said the biggest asset he would bring to the council is his free-spirit mentality and the desire to serve the community and the council in any aspect.

The other three candidates for the open position — Douglas Dugot, Robert Ciani and Randy Fry — also spoke about their qualifications and plans if they were to be elected the new councilman.

Douglas Dugot

Dugot, the first to interview with the council, has 12 years of local government experience and feels Daphne government is doing a great job and provides excellent services to the citizens. However, he said he feels more could be done to help the youth become active.

“The one thing I would address is teenage volunteer programs,” Dugot said. “I was raised on a farm in Texas. I knew the value of hard work. I don’t think kids today are as fortunate.”

Robert Ciani

Ciani, like Dugot, said he believes the city council has done a great job in providing for the public and making decisions. He expressed interest to bring more businesses to Daphne and to fix Lake Forest road problems.

Ciani did state that he wants to begin using “Do Not Litter” signs along the roads and public property, because he feels there is too much littering in Daphne.

Randy Fry

Fry, president of the Creek Side Neighborhood Property Owners Association, mentioned bringing more businesses to the city, but he said that a balance is needed.

“You have to balance being pro-business with the direction and needs of the city,” Fry said, addressing city leaders. “Yes, I am pro-business, but you (council members) are in that position to do what is best for the city.”

Fry was chosen by council members to oppose Kelly Reese in the vote for the District Four council seat.

However, the council voted 4-2 in favor of Reese.