Mobile County Commissioner Randall Dueitt is raising questions about how economic incentives are handed out—and who gets left waiting.
His concern? Longstanding local companies like Master Boat Builders in Coden.
The business has been part of the community for decades, and now they’re ready to grow.
But Dueitt says the request for funding has sat idle for nearly a year.
Meanwhile, new proposals are getting fast-tracked. “These companies are the backbone of our community,” he said. “We need to make sure they’re included when we start handing out incentives.”
New Training Facility Moves Forward
Just last week, the commission discussed contributing $125,000 to AAA United States for a new training facility that will help staff Airbus.
Dueitt supported the plan, but said he didn’t realize it would come at the expense of the request already waiting in line from his district.
He’s not opposing growth, and he’s not against any one company.
His point is simple: if there’s money for new arrivals, there should be money for the companies already rooted here. “I want the same opportunities for the local folks putting in the work every day.”
Balancing Priorities with Limited Funds
Commissioner Connie Hudson responded by laying out the reality: the funding pool isn’t endless.
The county gets more requests than it can fulfill, and each one has to be evaluated by the value it brings—jobs, tax revenue, and long-term growth.
“There’s only so much in the pot,” she said. “So we have to look at what gives the most return.” In the case of AAA, the job training angle tipped the scale.
Hudson stressed that the goal is to help local businesses thrive while also staying competitive in attracting outside investment.
Making the Case for Small Business
Dueitt’s message is about balance. Big companies like Airbus, Austal, and the steel mills matter—but they aren’t the only ones driving employment.
Smaller operations may not make headlines, but they keep people working across the county every single day.
He’s not calling for special treatment—he’s asking for fair treatment. “I just want to make sure they’re getting a fair shake,” he said.
Job Growth Is the Common Ground
Commissioner Merceria Ludgood echoed a practical view. She’s looking at jobs and payroll—plain and simple.
“How much are we paying people, and how many people are we paying?” she asked. “That’s the calculation.”
No final decisions have been made on Dueitt’s request. But the discussion is turning heads.
Behind every funding request is a story about work, growth, and community investment—and whose future gets prioritized.
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