City Council Election August 28
Homewood city elections are set for Tuesday, August 28.
Mayor Scott McBrayer is running uncontested, but there are multiple candidates for most of the ten city council positions, two from each ward, including council president.
Applications for absentee ballots may be picked up Monday - Friday between 8 a.m and 4:30 p.m at the City Clerk’s Office in City Hall on the second floor. For information on voting locations, call the City Clerk at 332-6107.
Polling locationsare Ward 1- Homewood Central Park Recreation Center; Ward 2- Homewood Senior Center; Ward 3- Edgewood Elementary School; Ward 4 - Homewood Public Library; and Ward 5 - Shades Cahaba Elementary School.
We talked with the candidates about their platform and vision for our city to help better inform your decisions when you visit the polls August 28.
Mayor
Scott McBrayer
Background: I have served on the City Council for eight years and as the Mayor of Homewood for four years. I received a business degree from Samford University in 1992 and a BA in mortuary science from Jefferson State in 1994. I have worked as the managing director at Ridout’s Valley Chapel in Homewood since 1990. With the support of my family, I am running for reelection.
Platform: I think we need to continue what we are doing. We need to continue investing in our neighborhoods and continuing to make Homewood great. Where I see Homewood in five years: I see our businesses continuing to grow and prosper, I see our infrastructure improved and I see some major projects that will make a considerable difference in Homewood.
President
Jackie Langlow
Background: I received a bachelor of science from the University of Mississippi and later a nursing degree from the University of Mississippi Medical Center. I currently work part-time as an R.N. I have served on the council for 12 years and am now running for president.
Platform: When you ask me what the most important things are in the city, that is a big question. I would have to rank public safety, sound finances and quality schools. Those are the top three that attract most people to an area. We are fortunate in Homewood to also have many amenities, like our parks and rec, walking trails, sidewalks, abundant shopping opportunities and quality restaurants. We have a diverse group of citizens that leads the city towards growth through many different cultures.
Why run for president: I decided to run for council president this election cycle because I have served the city as a whole, specifically Ward 5, for 12 years now. I feel like the experiences I have had the past 12 years with the city have been incredible opportunities for public service. From building the new middle school and redevelopment of downtown, to the traffic and public safety issues we deal with daily, and supporting the schools through community and city support, it has all led me to work not just in Ward 5 but also across the city with council members from all wards, as well as other cities. Over the past 12 years, I have chaired four of the five committees for the council. I have served as president pro tem under two council presidents. If elected to this position, I hope to set some hours each week to be at city hall where citizens, department heads and anyone who needs an appointment can meet and discuss concerns.
Where I see Homewood in five years: It is a simple answer but an important one: “strong.” Homewood stands out as a progressive, desirable community, and I believe we will continue to be a city that stands out as a leader for other communities. Aristotle said, “What it lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do.” We as a community have the tools in place to remain successful; we just need to keep doing the work.
President
Bruce Limbaugh
Background: I graduated from the University of Alabama in 1974 with a degree in business marketing and administration. I have been the president of Birmingham’s Limbaugh Toyota since 1996, and my family has owned the business for 23 years. I just completed ten years on the School Board, three of which I served as president. With the support of my wife, Debbie, and children, Matt, Brian, Chris, Amy, Lara and Victoria, I am running for City Council president.
Platform: After serving ten years on the School Board, I would like to encourage people to commit to public service. The Parks and Recreation Board, the Library Board, the Education Board, the School Board and the city’s Planning Commission are all in need of public servants. I want the citizens to know about all of the opportunities that are available to serve Homewood and to make it an even better place to live. School Board appointments are also in the near future, and I would like to be a part of that process as well. The school district creates a strategic plan every five years, and it keeps our school system in the pristine condition it is currently in. I would like to incorporate a similar plan to the City Council. We must serve the citizens with their input, and we must let citizens know that we are here to serve them and this community.
Why run for president: It is important for the City Council to work together to meet a general consensus on what is best for the city. Many of the new council members will be new electees, and it is important that we, as a council, band together for positive outcomes. We may not have the significant majority all of the time, but it is important to make sure that everyone’s voice and opinion is heard. Also, I think we have an opportunity to have a better economic development in the Green Springs area. We run a risk for the area to decline if we don’t make the right decisions now.
Where I see Homewood in five years: I see Homewood further developing the SoHo area and attracting new businesses and restaurants, as well as more patrons. I want to be connected to the senior citizen community, and I want to be their advocate. I want the senior community to know that their voice is being heard. For more information, visit votelimbaugh.com.
Ward 1/ Place 1
Michael Hallman
Background : I received both a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a bachelor of arts degree in philosophy from the University of Alabama at Huntsville in 2006. I work at Diversified Well Logging. With the support of my wife, Heather, I am running for a seat on the City Council.
Platform: What concerns me most about the city is the need for more adequate council representation. There are a lot of issues in regard to the lack of accessibility to the current representatives. The interest of the citizens is not at heart when the council makes decisions, and I would like to see that change. The current council doesn’t want to hear what the citizens have to say, and it’s time to bring people to serve and not be served.
Where I see Homewood in five years: I see Homewood continuing to have a community atmosphere and growing economically. I see the city having a plan to move forward to achieving the goal of being a more prosperous Homewood, one more interested in the needs of individuals, not large conglomerates. I see more planning and more community input. I see us not worrying about throwing businesses in places but focusing on community. The community is currently losing its economic base, and I would like to see that change.
Ward 1/ Place 1
Marcus Huskey
Background: I have an undergraduate degree in business management from Samford University and will be a Birmingham School of Law J.D. Candidate in fall 2014. I currently work as the chief of staff for Jefferson County Commissioner Joe Knight. I have been on the City Council since June 4, 2012 after replacing Tony Smith. With the support of myw black lab, Charlie, I am running for another term.
Platform: Right now Homewood is doing very well given the financial times that we as a state and nation find ourselves in. The city currently is running a surplus,and over the last few years the mayor and the council have been responsible stewards of taxpayers’ money. It’s imperative that the council keeps in mind the concerns of the citizens as it relates to the city’s ever changing landscape. In the near future, new sidewalks should be going in all over Homewood and repairs should be underway soon. The council members are ward representatives, and we should be just that – representatives of our ward. You, the citizens, are what make Homewood great, and I urge everyone to share ideas and attend committee and council meetings. We’re your representatives and we hope to represent you well.
Where I see Homewood in five years: I see Homewood continuing to thrive as a place where children can obtain a quality education, businesses can grow and expand, and families receive adequate police and fire protection. Homewood isa very walkable city, and it’s my hope that all of our sidewalk projects are completed, some of which are well underway today. In addition, I believe the newly proposed parks and recreation center will be a hot spot for families and children all throughout Homewood. Lastly and perhaps most importantly, I believe it’s crucial that all of our fiscal policies be implemented. The taxpayers deserve good, responsible stewards of their taxes and these policies\ put into place sound management practices that I believe will carry Homewood into a prosperous future.
Ward 1/ Place 2
Danielle Benfield
Background: I graduated from LSU’s dental school with a bachelor’s in dental hygiene. I work at Mountain Brook Smiles as the office manager. With the support of my daughters Elizabeth, Claire and Olivia, I am running for a seat on the City Council.
Platform: Since our city is landlocked, we must attract businesses in order tocreate revenue and maintain our property values and schools in order to continue to be a desirable city to live, work and play.
Where I see Homewood in five years: I see Homewood continuing to improve the sidewalks with the sidewalk project funding. I also see Homewood continuingto recruit new businesses to operate in the area. I see Homewood with a high standard of living as it is today. I wish to see the city continue to improve.
Ward 1/ Place 2
Thomas Hamner, Jr.
Note: The Homewood Star was unable to get in touch with Hamner.
Ward 1/ Place 2
Britt Thames
Background: I received a bachelor of science in business administration from Samford University. I work at TAMKO Building Products as the sales and production manager for the state of Alabama. With the support of my wife, Amanda, and son, Britton, I am running for a seat on the City Council.
Platform: I want to make sure that Homewood is not satisfied with the status quo. We need to continue to use city funds responsibly as we reinvest in our infrastructure, schools, police and fire, amenities, etc. Economic development should also be a top priority. Bringing new business to our city in addition to nurturing and supporting the business base we already have is essential for a healthy municipality. I would like to see the citizens of Homewood begin to take a more active role in its governing. Websites, Facebook, Twitter and email should enable every citizen to be fully versed in the dayto- day operations of the city, if they so desire. In addition, given our size, each councilman should be fully accessible to his or her constituents.
Where I see Homewood in five years: We should continually reinvest in and improve our current infrastructure, such as sidewalks, parks and streetscapes. also believe we are long overdue for a new police/municipal complex. Overall, we should continue to improve Homewood while also striving to maintain the character that makes it such a unique and charming city. For more information, visit votebritt.com.
Ward 2/ Place 1
Fred Hawkins
Background: I received a bachelor’s degree from Auburn University in civil engineering in 1993. I currently work as vice president/ office manager of the Birmingham office for Engineering Design Technology, Inc. I have been on city council since August 2010. With the support of my son, Alex, I am running for another term.
Platform: My biggest concern right now is the blight seen in the condition of Wildwood and Green Springs corridors. Wildwood must be our primary economic development focus in the coming four-year term. This is our largest sales tax revenue producer, and we need to do what it takes to get this area revitalized. We have had initial meetings with Samford University about this issue to get their expert guidance from a business development perspective, and led by Peter Wright, we have established an economic development committee to work in conjunction with our chamber of commerce to focus in this area. We are also facing a serious need at our police station, court and jail. This facility is now out of date and very undersized. This will need to be addressed in coming years. Like every city, we have been hit hard with declining property values caused by foreclosures resulting from a national and local recession. I see this stabilizing and slowly turning around. Homewood has taken a very proactive approach to helping in this area. Last year, Tony Smith and I spearheaded the start of a sidewalk program, which I hope will be a yearly program to continually add to and upgrade our sidewalk network throughout Homewood. We have also started work on Patriot Park; we are designing a new rec/community center; we are now designing the phase 2 and 3 extensions to the Shades Creek Greenway project; we have federal grants to study a West Homewood Village concept and perform a city-wide sidewalk master plan and condition assessment (being completed now by the Regional Planning Commission for the Birmingham Area). I am also working hard to bring federal money to Homewood to beautify our I-65 interchanges at Oxmoor and Lakeshore. These projects are all designed to upgrade Homewood to bring new citizens into our community and help clear out the remaining distressed properties, which are holding our property values down.
Where I see Homewood in five years: In five years when all these projects are built, I see Homewood property values moving steadily in the positive direction. Our council and mayor are providing very progressive and proactive leadership whileother cities are raising taxes and cutting services. This leadership will continue to keep Homewood on top. As long as we do not listen to the “nay sayers” and negative attitudes which would like us to simply bury our head in the sand and hope all our problems go away, we will continue to thrive and prosper!
Ward 2/ Place 1
Bernard Mays
Background : I received a BS in accounting from Birmingham-Southern College and a MS in accounting from the University of Virginia and have been a certified public accountant since 2006. I am an accountant at Walter Energy. With the support of my wife, Stephanie, I am running for a seat on the City Council.
Platform: Homewood has weathered the latest financial storm by being a good steward of the city’s budget. I would like to see our community provide additional support to current local business owners and aggressively recruit new businesses to the area. I will support and work toward expanding business opportunities that will enrich the quality of life throughout all of Homewood. I will also work to provide more frequent information regarding the progress in our neighborhood and other happenings in local government, including information about public work projects, zoning issues, business incentives and financial considerations.
Where I see Homewood in five years: Our community is a special place with infinite potential. In five years, Homewood will still be a great place to live, work, play and raise a family— a place filled with friends, families and great neighbors. In addition, I would like to see the city have updated recreational facilities and a more diversified business district, particularly in the West Homewood community.
Ward 2/ Place 2
Vance Moody
Background : I have a bachelor of science in engineering from Auburn University. I work as global marketing manager of Kennametal Tricon Metals and Services. I have been on city council for four years, and with the support of my wife, Paula, and children Katie, 21, Cameron, 14, and Colton, 4, I am running for another term. Platform: I don’t have a lot of concerns about the city; overall, we are on a very favorable trajectory. In our ward, we have a significant investment in Patriot Park, the re-design of the West Oxmoor corridor, street repaving in Forest Brook, sidewalk additions and approval for extension of the Greenway. We are working with the Regional Planning Commission for the “West Homewood Village” zoning and planning. We do have some redevelopment work to do on Green Springs and in Wildwood, but as the overall economy turns, more interest will develop. Given that we’ve come through the worst economy since the Great Depression with surpluses each year and have done so without reducing services, I’d say we are in a very strong position going forward.
Where I see Homewood in five years: I really see the next five years as more consolidation and execution of the items currently under way. We know in terms of infrastructure that our major concerns are the police station, recreation center and the I-65 corridor/interchanges with Oxmoor and Lakeshore. We have ALDOT projects working for the I-65 corridor and have preliminary plans for both the police and recreation center. We also need to find a way to get COLAs to our employees. We were able to hold pay steady, while other cities were cutting and laying off and I’m proud of that. Now it is time to get more competitive with our pay structure.
Ward 3/ Place 1
Patrick McClusky
Background: I have an undergraduate degree from UAB and currently work for the United Foodservice Sales Company. I have been on the City Council for three years of a four-year term. With the support of my wife, Leah, and children Braxton, Brittan and Leighton, I am running for another term.
Platform: I want the economic development in Homewood to continue to expand. I want to address the Wildwood area in particular by attracting new businesses there, while keeping current businesses in the area happy and thriving. I think Homewood is in great shape. We are doing what the people want and I look forward to seeing the sidewalk project start to take effect all across the city.
Where I see Homewood in five years: I feel like Homewood will be in even better shape as a city in five years. With increases in economic development, more sidewalks for pedestrians, an expanded Greenway and unmatched school system, we are poised for continued success as a city. The spirit of our community is what defines us, and we will undoubtably remain the great city that we are today.
Ward 3/ Place 2
Fred Azbik
Background: I have been a resident of Homewood for 50 years and have served on the Planning Commission Board since 2010. I passed the State of Alabama Board as a master plumber and master gas fitter and was certified by the Environmental Protection Agency in 1989. I currently work as the director of plant operations at Trinity United Methodist Church. With the support of my wife, Diane, and children, Samantha and Nathan, I am running for a seat on the City Council.
Platform: First, in my opinion, for some things, although very good and needed, the thought process seems to be on the fast track, and some more input needs to be shared before a decision is reached. Second, the teens and young adults need to be heard from more because this will one day be their community and the problems that come with it. These are two very small items, but in the long run are well worth the time and investment.
Where I see Homewood in five years: Currently, Homewood was mentioned as one of the most walkable cities. We need to make sure this continues because we are able to walk many places now. Of all of the Over-the-Mountain cities, Homewood is the only one that has a downtown. With a downtown area and a very nice plaza at city hall, this needs to be used more as an entertainment district. I would like to see all of downtown become an entertainment district one as vibrant as the one in Edgewood. I would also like to see the Oak Grove area have its own entertainment district and think Patriot Park is the perfect place. These are places where communities can walk to have lunch or dinner as a family or as a community. Our schools are our best resource for the future of Homewood. Because these schools are the best in the nation, the city, along with the school board, needs to make sure this resource and the man power that goes with it and comes from it continue not just for the next five years but forever.
Ward 3/ Place 2
Walter Jones
Background: I have an undergraduate business marketing degree from the University of Alabama, as well as an MBA from Samford class of 1998. I work as the national account manager for Automatic Data Processing (ADP). I have been on city council since 1996 and have served three terms. With the support of my wife, Sharon, daughter Emma Grace and sons Hill and Winston, I am running for another term.
Platform: I’m concerned with the increased traffic and congestion throughout the city, as well as cut-through traffic in neighborhoods. I also hope to see the completion and implementation of the sidewalk plans that the council is currently addressing. I want to continue to listen to the concerns that the community currently has with the Park Board and the facilities, including upgrades to the Senior Citizen’s Center, Central Park and the Community Center. I also hope to assist the Board of Education in determining what to do with the newly acquired property on Valley Avenue.
Where I see Homewood in five years: Within the next five years, I see Homewood continuing to prosper as a city with many exciting projects that will be completed within that time. I see it being a much more walkable city with all the sidewalk and Greenway projects complete. From a financial standpoint, I see the city in great shape with new businesses open, including Target and many others on Green Springs Highway. The downtown area and Edgewood will continue to prosper with new restaurants and shops. I see exciting projects completed, including the new Community Center at Central Park. I see a new Central Office for the Board of Education being complete with good options for additional green space. I see a very active Community Garden System within Homewood. Generally, I see Homewood continuing to be a wonderful city in which to raise a family. The last thing I would say is that we will be a dominant force in 5A Football and have several championships!
Ward 4/ Place 1
Billy Beers
Background: I attended the University of Montevallo and received a paramedic degree and certification from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 1979. I am a retired firefighter and currently a self-employed building contractor. With the support of my wife, Jeri, and daughter, Carrie, I am running for a seat on the City Council.
Platform: I want to see property values continue to rise and to keep things running as they currently are. I want to be a good steward of the taxpayers’ money while putting my experience as a retired firefighter and small business owner to good use. I would like to address the parking issues in the downtown area and make the area more accessible to residents and patrons.
Where I see Homewood in five years: I see Homewood with new facilities, like the Recreation Center, and continuing to have a thriving and healthy downtown atmosphere.
Ward 4/ Place 1
Jenifer Champ Wallis
Background: I graduated with a BA from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2002 and again in 2005 with a master’s degree in public health. I also graduated from the Cumberland School of Law in 2005. I am an attorney at Wallis Law Firm, LLC., which I founded in 2010. With the support of my husband, Rick, I am running for a seat on the City Council.
Platform: I would like to see more transparency in city government, and I would like to see more information given to citizens so they can easily take part in city government .
Where I see Homewood in five years: I see Homewood improving on the strengths we have. We have strong families and a strong community. I’d like to see more residents stepping up to make a difference in their community.
Ward 4/ Place 2
Heather Reid
Background: I graduated cum laude from the University of Montevallo in 1995 with a BM in vocal performance, secondary in piano. I work as a global accounts manager with HelmsBriscoe, an international site selection company. With the support of my husband, Kevin, and children Kelsey, 16, and Kaleb, 9, I am running for a seat on the City Council.
Platform: Overall, I am pleased with the direction in which Homewood is moving, and most of my concerns are being addressed. While I know that not everything can be tackled at one time, I am proud to know that we have a budget surplus, even in this time of recession. While most communities are struggling and making cutbacks, Homewood still continues to thrive. This is due, in part, to the awareness that citizens have to keep our dollars in Homewood. Keeping our dollars in Homewood not only benefits our city but also benefits our schools through the one cent sales tax. Our small businesses are part of what makes this possible and part of what makes Homewood unique and successful. Most of the changes that I would like to see are already happening. The revitalization of the West Homewood area is important to Homewood as a whole. I have many friends who both live and work in West Homewood, and I am delighted to see the attention that West Homewood is receiving. I know that attention will not cease but continue. I am also proud of the strides we are making toward a new community center. I have a very personal reason for this support. When my sister was five years old, she was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She has paralysis on her left side, as well as blindness, deafness and a multitude of other physical restrictions. When my children have an event at the community center (birthday parties, baseball parties, end of year parties, etc.), my sister can never fully participate in the events because she has no access to the upper deck. Yes, we can carry her up the stairs, but what about the Homewood families who cannot? I am most excited about the ADA compliance that a new community center will bring. Additionally, having been involved with the Park and Rec with baseball, I have a personal understanding of the importance of having adequate space and facilities for kids to develop their sports skills and sportsmanship. It is proven that children who participate in sporting events make better grades and develop the skills needed to follow directions, learn how to work within a team and foster a sense of pride upon learning the game.
Where I see Homewood in five years: Hopefully in five years, Homewood will continue her leadership in the Over the Mountain area. I hope that our school test scores still rank among the top in the state. I hope that our small businesses are still thriving and that we can bring even more variety and diversity into our business community. I hope that all citizens feel as if they are represented well and that they are heard. Knowing that disagreements occur, I hope they occur with dignity and integrity. I hope that each segment of Homewood feels a greater ownership of the city as a whole, and that all individuals realize that their participation and input into the city and her functions will only help Homewood become greater. For me, it took “jumping in” and getting busy to understand that each voice truly does count. Find your niche, discover your talents, use your skills and make a difference.
Ward 4/ Place 2
Joe Stephens
Background : I received a BA in organizational communication from the University of Alabama in 1996. I am the owner and financial advisor of Cahaba Wealth Management. With the support of my wife, Heather, I am running for a seat on the City Council.
Platform: Homewood is a wonderful community – that is why Heather and I decided to call it home. Friends laugh when I tell them we chose to move to Homewood because of the sidewalks. For us, they encompass everything that is great about Homewood: neighbors, schools, local businesses and first class public amenities. I want to be a part of protecting and growing these assets in a responsible manner.
Where I see Homewood in five years: I would like to see an increase in the number of local businesses; a continued surplus in the city budget; and fewer vacancies on our boards, commissions and authorities.
Ward 5/Place 1
Richard Laws
Background : I received a degree in engineering from Mississippi State University in 1985. I am a sales manager at Armstrong World Industries. With the support of my wife, Rebekah, and children, Ashley, Ben and Anna Francis, I am running for a seat on the City Council.
Platform: I like the small town feel that Homewood provides. Everyone knows everyone, and I enjoy being a part of something like that. We have an amazing school system, and I have enjoyed watching my children graduate from it. I have been on the Park Board for four years and want to become even more active in Homewood. I hope that by being on the council, I can become more involved and be a part of what makes Homewood such a great place to live. I think the mayor and the council have done a good job at putting Homewood in fine financial footing. We have Brookwood Mall and retail spaces, including the new Target, that will allow us to expand our community. We are landlocked, so we have challenges to deal with in determining the best use of our space. I don’t see this as politics. I see this as 11 neighbors getting together to determine how we can make our city great.
Where I see Homewood in five years: I hope to see Homewood the same way it is now and that the school system and Parks and Recreation system continue to better the city. If we can get the Parks and Rec Board, the City Council and the mayor to move in the same direction, this city will be even better.
Ward 5/ Place 2
Peter Wright
Background: I have an undergraduate degree from Washington and Lee
University, as well as a law degree from University of Alabama Law class of 1995. I currently work for Sirote & Permutt, PC. I have been on city council since February, 2011 and with the support of my wife, Katie, daughter McKeever and son Oliver, I am running for another term.
Platform: I want Homewood to stay on the forefront of change and to continue to preserve what we have. I love this city, and I’m happy to be where we are in regards to economic growth. I’m looking forward to more progress in business growth and education, as well as in the sidewalk projects and current plans for the rec center.
Where I see Homewood in five years: I see the completion of a lot of sidewalks and renovations. I see the rec center completed and constructed, and I see a new police department building that has been relocated. I see a vibrant economy including a stable and strong property value. I see a continued top-notch school system that excels at all levels and sets the bar for systems all over the state. I hope to see advancements in the development and remedies of the Wildwood area. I see the completion of the greenway, though I don’t know the exact path, and I see Homewood in the western section having a really strong connection to the Red Mountain Park area. I think a lot will have been advanced in five years with a lot of hard work ahead. We have two principal intersections that intersect our community, and I hope we can develop new and innovative ways to draw in travelers to our community.