Etheredge reflects on service as Daleville mayor

As Etheredge recalls the first businesses he brought to Daleville, PrimeCare and Center Drugs, he laughs and says it’s ironic that they also happen to be his last.

Etheredge returned Center Drugs to Daleville after the business left for several years forEnterprise.

However, Etheredge said Daleville’s biggest achievement was recruiting the Computer Science Corporation’s helicopter simulation facility. 

“We worked hard to get that,” he said. 

Enterprise, Fort Rucker and Ozark were also competing for the business at the time.

“That was one of my proudest moments when we landed that, and what it has meant to the city,” Etheredge said.

The CSC is the reason Daleville is known as the “Flight Simulation Capital of the World.” 

Residents can look at Highway 84 and see all of the growth the city has accomplished, he said.

Whether it’s the CSC, Waffle House or Army Aviation Center Federal Credit Union, Etheredge said he’s never given up on recruiting businesses.

“I guess there’s different ways in recruiting businesses, but you’ve got to be consistent,” he said. “Don’t let them say, ‘No,’ and (don’t) give up.”

Under Etheredge’s leadership the city has seen a growing population, new businesses and more jobs.

Daleville City Council member and Water and Sewer Board Chairman Bob Slagle has known Etheredge for years, and Etheredge’s legacy in the city goes beyond his time as mayor.

Etheredge was the Daleville police chief for 12 years Slagle said, and before that he worked with the water board to install the original water system.

“He has a lot of knowledge and background on how things ended up the way they are,” he said. “Personally, I have a lot of respect for Wess, his knowledge and his background.”

Although Slagle and Etheredge have not always agreed, Slagle said he does appreciate the effort Etheredge has made to work with the boards.

“In a small city you have to work as a team,” he said. “(We) don’t have the depth in the city of Daleville (like they) have in the city of Enterprise.”

Etheredge said it’s teamwork that he is going to miss the most. 

“I’ll miss working closely with the city employees and the people of Daleville,” he said. “Daleville has some great employees. They’re loyal. They do a great job.”

Etheredge said he does believe the new council will do a good job because of its interest in Daleville.

“That’s the big thing with any elected official, (you have to) forget about what’s good for (you and) look at what’s good for the citizens in your city or county,“ he said. “That’s all you have to do to be successful.” 

Slagle said he thinks Etheredge has done a great job the last 16 years. 

“I’ve worked with Wess for quite a few years now and I have a lot of respect for him and I hate to see him go,” he said.

Etheredge said he’s not saying goodbye yet, just moving on to something else.

“I’ve been very blessed to have 16 years and (I am) very proud of what we’ve accomplished,” he said. “I’m not leaving Daleville. Daleville is my home. If there’s anything I can do to help anyone in Daleville, please contact me and let me know. (I) love all of you.”