West Homewood resident Don Little has qualified for the Ward 2 Place 2 city council seat in this year's municipal elections. The seat is currently held by Vance Moody, who is not seeking re-election.
Little has not held an elected office before but served 14 years on the Parks and Recreation Board and is currently a member of the Board of Adjustments and Appeals, though it has not met since his appointment.
A "semi-retired" teacher and coach of more than 30 years, Little is now an online teacher for ACCESS Alabama and New Mexico State University, works part time for the Birmingham Barons, drives Homewood senior citizens two mornings a week and is a substitute bus driver for Irondale Middle and Shades Valley High School. Since qualifying as a candidate, Little has suspended his volunteer driving of Homewood seniors to campaign.
"I want to give back to the community in which I live in and this is the best way I can think of to do so," Little said.
Little said his main campaign issues include revitalizing the Green Springs corridor and West Homewood, especially in the Patriot Park and Oxmoor Road area. He also supports the Parks and Recreation Department and Homewood City Schools, both for the quality of its education and the effect the school system has on property values and Homewood's overall desirability.
In his time on the Parks and Recreation Board, Little was involved in the Homewood Community Center and Patriot Park projects, as well as renovations across the city's parks. The senior center's construction was also completed while he was on the board, though it started prior to his appointment.
"The project I am most proud of being a part of, though, was being significantly involved in the process of getting the land for Patriot Park designated as a passive park along with the design and development of this park," Little said.
Little has set up a Facebook page for his campaign.