Both incumbents campaigning to keep Ward 5 seats

Both Ward 5 city council representatives are running for re-election on Aug. 23. Rich Laws, who was elected in 2012, is running against Jennifer Andress. Peter Wright was appointed in 2010 to replace outgoing representative Allan Trippe and re-elected in 2012. He is running against Thomas Reid.

Laws and his wife Rebekah have lived in Hollywood for 25 years and raised three children there. He works for Armstrong World Industries, is an elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church and an assistant Scout Master for Troop 97. He previously served on the parks and recreation board for 10 years and is their council liaison.

Laws said his campaign issues include improving streets and traffic, supporting schools and new retail, improving parks, overall city safety and continuing to build sidewalks. This includes pursuing the pedestrian bridge over U.S. 280.

"I’m committed to expanding Homewood’s status as 'The most walkable city in Alabama,'" Laws said.

"The next 4 years will be exciting times for our changing city and I want to help Homewood grow in a positive direction and stay strong," he added.

Wright is an attorney at Sirote & Permutt and has lived in Hollywood for 21 years, with his wife Katie and two children. In his council position, Wright also serves as president pro-tempore. He is a member of the Homewood-Mountain Brook Kiwanis Club, on the board for Grace House Ministries and has helped coach several youth sports.

Wright's campaign topics of importance include the 280 pedestrian bridge, completing a new public safety building, street paving, school system support and development in West Homewood and around the city.

"I truly love the City of Homewood and so appreciate the opportunity to give back to the City that nurtures my family and my life in so many ways," Wright said.