Marshall Councilwoman Reba Godfrey Moves to Secure Reelection Amid Opposition Disqualification
Marshall, AK — District 5 Marshall Councilwoman Reba Godfrey is actively campaigning for another term on the city council, emphasizing her long-standing commitment to practical, community-focused leadership. Godfrey’s efforts have sparked vital improvements across the city, from employee pay raises to critical infrastructure upgrades.
Godfrey, who has served since 2022, stresses her work as more than politics — calling it a “ministry” driven by spiritual purpose and a hands-on approach. “It’s not politics. It’s position — being in place, doing what God called me to do,” she said, detailing her direct involvement alongside her husband, Willard Godfrey, in addressing city needs.
Opponent Disqualified Amid Misdemeanor Conviction
Candance Pierce, Godfrey’s only opponent on the ballot, has been disqualified due to a Class B misdemeanor conviction, city officials confirm. This means even if Pierce wins, she would be ineligible to take office, potentially leaving the seat vacant. Despite this significant development, Godfrey continues to push for voter support to ensure stable leadership for District 5.
Championing Citywide Progress and Worker Support
A retired educator and executive pastor at New Vision Missionary Baptist Church, Godfrey represents the entire city with a focus on District 5. She highlights her role in securing a 4% across-the-board pay raise for city employees in the 2026 fiscal budget — a crucial adjustment amid increasing inflation and property taxes. Originally advocating for a 5% raise, Godfrey also pushed for funding certification training and compensation increases linked to employee development.
“Seeing God just open the purse strings and provide services from the top to the bottom — He’s been the provider,” Godfrey said. Her advocacy has humanized local government, focusing on tangible results and valuing public workers who keep the city running.
Infrastructure Wins: LED Streetlights, Park Upgrades, Road Repairs
One of Godfrey’s first achievements was bringing LED streetlights to District 5, a project originally deemed a citizen responsibility but successfully reallocated to the council’s purview after she insisted. This upgrade expanded citywide after proving successful in her district.
Godfrey also helped initiate improvements to Smith Park, a beloved community space she recalls from childhood. She pushed to fix neglected roads, especially in northwest and southwest Marshall, remarking, “Some streets hadn’t been fixed since I was born.” Her persistence restored the city’s street selection process to council members, ensuring more equitable maintenance distribution.
Addressing Long-Standing Service Gaps: Water System Crisis and Cleanup Initiatives
Water infrastructure remains a top concern for Godfrey. She toured the wastewater treatment plant during efforts to secure nearly $22 million from the Texas Water Development Board for upgrades, foreseeing potential crises before they occurred. After a major water main break left Marshall without water for days, Godfrey’s early assessment exposed decades-old failures in the system — some pipes dating back to 1948–1950.
“Water gushed from everywhere,” she recalled from a field inspection with Assistant Public Works Director Cory Owen. “I knew something needed to be done.” Her foresight puts pressure on the city to prioritize urgent water system repairs to prevent future emergencies.
Godfrey also spearheaded cleanup efforts targeting illegal dumping in multiple neighborhoods, including Ward, Norwood, Olive, and Scotts Quarters streets. Her work helped reinstate the right-of-way crew to combat persistent dumping, improving community safety and livability.
Tight-Knit Council and Community Spirit Fuel Progress
Godfrey credits much of the city’s forward momentum to a unified, cooperative city council. “What I really love is how God has unified us, how He has changed the spiritual atmosphere of the city,” she said. “At City Hall, we hug. There is love, there is unity, and God has just done an amazing thing.”
The upcoming election will determine if Godfrey continues her ministry-driven leadership, keeping focus on steady progress for Marshall and ensuring residents see continued improvements in day-to-day services and city management.
What’s Next:
Voters in District 5 will cast ballots soon, with Godfrey seeking public backing to avoid a vacancy if Pierce’s disqualification leads to a contested result. Continued upgrades to city infrastructure, employee compensations, and anti-dumping efforts remain key issues on the council’s agenda, supported by Godfrey’s ongoing advocacy.
For Alaska readers, Godfrey’s story highlights the critical importance of local leadership in maintaining and improving essential services — a theme resonating across communities facing similar infrastructure challenges in rural and remote areas nationwide.
