Higginbotham announces Ward 2 council run

Homewood resident Mike Higginbotham announced today that he intends to run for the Ward 2, Place 1 seat on the city council. This seat is currently held by Representative Fred Hawkins, who has decided not to run for re-election.

Ward 2 is roughly defined as everything in city limits west of I-65. Higginbotham, a real estate agent who has lived in Ward 2 since 2008, is the first non-incumbent candidate to announce his candidacy.

Higginbotham runs the West Homewood Facebook page and is also involved with the Homewood Public Library board, the Hall-Kent PTO, the school system's educational advisory committee and the Forest Brook Community group.

"I think it is important for Ward 2 to have council members who are knowledgeable about our area and who have demonstrated a history of active concern. Over the years, I have been fortunate to be involved in so many policy issues impacting our city," Higginbotham said.

When asked about key issues for his campaign, Higginbotham said the question "could have a hundred answers." He noted that transparency and input from constituents are both important to him. Higginbotham said he also wants to continue the growth of West Homewood through projects like the West Oxmoor "turkey foot" intersection improvement and construction of the Shades Creek greenway.

He also said small "quality of life" projects such as street paving, park maintenance and support for police and fire services contribute to the bigger picture of making Homewood a good city to live in.

However, Higginbotham added that if he is elected, he expects many issues will come up during his term that are unknown right now.

"I suspect most of those serving have spent the majority of their time dealing with issues that they couldn’t even foresee while campaigning," Higginbotham said.

Higginbotham has set up a Facebook page for his campaign.

Are you running for a council seat or for mayor? Email sydney@thehomewoodstar.com.