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In the running

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Yard signs and campaign fliers are popping up around Homewood as the city heads toward its 2016 city council and mayoral elections.

All 10 council seats, as well as council president and mayor, are up for grabs when Homewood goes to the polls on Aug. 23. Most of the 2012-16 incumbents are running for re-election, with the exception of Ward 1’s Michael Hallman, who is running for mayor, and both Ward 2 seats. A few candidates are running unopposed, including Council President Bruce Limbaugh, Ward 2 Place 1 candidate Mike Higginbotham, Ward 3 Place 1 incumbent Peter McClusky and Ward 4 Place 2 incumbent Alex Wyatt.

Inside this issue, you’ll find profiles of each candidate running this year. They include each person’s major campaign issues, how to follow their campaign progress and more. Our space is limited, though, so be sure to look for larger profiles of the candidates on thehomewoodstar.com.

Issues that candidates are talking about this year include street paving, business growth, support for schools and police, sidewalks and more. If you want to hear more about where candidates stand on these topics and others, be sure to attend our Council Candidate Forum on Aug. 16, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. 

Got a burning question you’d like to have answered? Email your question to sydney@thehomewoodstar.com for consideration to be included in the forum.

Finally, this issue includes important information about how to register to vote, where your polling place is located and what to bring to the polls. When Aug. 23 arrives, check out thehomewoodstar.com for coverage of polling results as they are announced.

We’ll see you at the polls!

VOTING

Homewood is divided into five wards, each with two council representatives (Place 1 and Place 2). 

You may vote for candidates in both of your ward’s seats, as well as the council president and the mayor.

All 10 council seats, as well the council president and mayor, are up for election for a four-year term.

WHO

- Scott McBrayer (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Mayor of Homewood

Why are you running? The reasons I am running for Mayor now are much different than the original reasons I ran.  When I was elected 8 years ago as Mayor, I felt our city had become complacent. There was not much development, our city was not in a good financial situation, and Homewood was not attracting many young people to our city. Today we have a vibrant economy and have had surpluses every single year for the past 8 years. Standard & Poor upgraded our rating to AA+. We have invested in our parks by rebuilding our Central Park and have added a new park, Patriot Park, in West Homewood. Our city has been selected as the most walkable city in Alabama for the past 3 years and we continue to build sidewalks, adding value to our neighborhoods and our homes.  

Main campaign issues: I want to continue the path we are on by supporting our wonderful school system financially, enabling our children to attend one of the finest school systems in the state.  We will continue improving our infrastructure such as our roads and bridges in the city. I am proud to serve with them and I am grateful you have allowed me to serve as Mayor. Our city was recently selected as the best city in the State of Alabama and we were also ranked as the 8th best place in the United States to raise a family. I also expect to continue the safety and well-being of our city by supporting the work of our police and fire departments. 

Political experience: 

Contact: Facebook: McBrayer for Mayor

- Michael Hallman

Office/place you are seeking: Mayor of Homewood

Why are you running? It has been my honor to serve the citizens of Ward 1, and the citizens of Homewood during the past four years. If elected as Homewood’s next mayor, I would like to maintain and improve current infrastructure. With this vision in mind, I believe we can achieve a true balanced budget by allocating the taxpayers’ money to more fiscally responsible pursuits. Together with open communication between our Ward’s constituents and I, we can have a voice that brings the City of Homewood to its best yet.

Main campaign issues: 

Political experience: Current Homewood Council Ward 1, Place 1

Contact: Facebook: facebook.com/electhallman; Twitter:

@Hallman4HWD

- Mary Ellen Snell

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 1, Place 1

Why are you running? I know that it is the right time to bring the full breadth of my skills,  experience, energy, and ideas to represent Ward 1 in working with the Council to impact our future.

Main campaign issues: Growth and improvement. Addressing Ward 1 values and needs with active, effective representation to plan, preserve, protect, progress responsibly. Improve infrastructure, preserve and maintain our neighborhoods, develop our green spaces, progress with community involvement, fiscal responsibility.

Political experience: No, but have helped others.

Contact: maryellensnell@gmail.com; Facebook: facebook.com/MaryEllenforHomewood; Twitter: @MEforHomewood

- Bruce Limbaugh (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Re-election for Homewood City Council President

Why are you running? My reason for running starts with a deep sense of loyalty to Homewood and its citizens. The Homewood of my childhood and my children’s childhood is only less important than that of my grandchildren, 6 of whom live here. I feel I have served the city well through past civic leadership as well as business pursuits and would like to continue to do so.

Main campaign issues: Repairing our roads to the level of Oxmoor approximately 3 years ago; the need for a new city public safety complex; and continued positive development along the Greensprings corridor.

Political experience: Homewood City School Board of Education 10 years, president four years; Homewood City Council President, four years.

Contact: votelimbaugh.com; Facebook: Vote for Limbaugh; Instagram: @VoteforLimbaugh

- Andy Gwaltney

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 1, Place 1

Why are you running? I would like to utilize what I learned as a small business owner and manager for a large company to help move Homewood forward while ensuring the voice of my fellow Ward 1 neighbors is heard.  We also need to preserve our vibrant and unique neighborhoods for generations to come through an open dialogue.  

Main campaign issues: Continue pedestrian improvements in our wards, especially along Central Avenue considering its successful revitalization. I would also like to work toward a solution to improve parking in our business districts. Communication with the ward is key to being successful.  I will make sure I’m accessible to the residents of the ward through regular newsletters and round table discussions.   

Political experience: None.

Contact: Facebook: facebook.com/voteforandy; Twitter: @voteforandy; Instagram: andygwaltney

- Britt Thames (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 1, Place 2

Why are you running? Over the last four years, I believe Ward 1 citizens have come to know me as someone who keeps them informed and is willing to help them when they need it. I have loved playing a role in my neighbors’ Homewood experience. Homewood is in great shape and has an exciting future. I want to be a part of that future and see many of the plans and projects that we have set in motion come to fruition. For example, the 18th Street revitalization project, citywide repaving program, new municipal facility and several others are coming up. 

As a member of the Finance Committee, I know that our City is on solid financial footing. I want to continue to be a part of responsibly allocating our funds and ensuring that footing remains strong. 

Main campaign issues: I would like to ensure that we continue to upgrade and maintain our infrastructure, such as roads, sidewalks, parks, etc. Public safety has always been a top priority for me, and the construction of a new municipal building will provide much-need resources to our police force. I would also like to continue to focus on economic development in areas such as Wildwood and West Homewood. Finally, I want to continue having an open and active working relationship with the people in my Ward.

Political experience: This will be my second campaign for City Council after serving my first term (2012-16).

Contact: bthames1@gmail.com; Facebook: facebook.com/BThamesWard1/?fref=ts

- George Terry

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 1, Place 2

Why are you running? I decided to run because I talked to my neighbors and I live in Rosedale, so I’ve been speaking to some neighbors and they have some issues about the road conditions and lighting, even lighting by the library, where some places are dark. So I thought I’d take it upon myself, maybe let our voices be heard all over Homewood. And I was speaking to others in Edgewood and Overton and they were saying the same things, so I was getting it all over Homewood.

Main campaign issues: 

Political experience: None.

Contact: Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012526728103

- Don Little

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 2, Place 2

Why are you running? I am running for City Council because I want to give back to the community in which I live and this is the best way I can think of to do so. 

Main campaign issues: For me the main campaign issue would be the revitalization of the Green Springs corridor along with the continued development of the West Homewood area, in particular the area off of Oxmoor Road and the area surrounding Patriot Park. I am also extremely interested in keeping our schools great as that makes Homewood a desirable place to live and also keeps our property values high. I am also a big proponents of Parks and Recreation. 

Political experience: None. Served on Parks and Recreation Board for 14 years.

Contact: Facebook: Don Little for Homewood City Council Ward 2 Place 2

- Mike Higginbotham

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 2, Place 1

Why are you running? 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. The Council is a unique opportunity to have a lasting, positive impact on all of them and, with our Council member retiring, the timing seemed right to take on this new challenge.

Main campaign issues: Here’s a philosophical matrix that describes my approach:

Political experience: Elected to two terms on the Birmingham Board of Education.

Contact: facebook.com/HigginbothamforHomewood

- Andrew Wolverton

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 2, Place 2

Why are you running? I am running to help serve the needs of our community.  Lots of great things have been happening in West Homewood including neighborhood Bike Rides (Slow Your Roll) and street festivals as well as businesses (Magic City Sweet Ice, Oak & Raleigh, Seeds, Homewood Diner, Simply Ponds and Gardens, etc)!  I want to help see the growth and development continue in a very purposeful and intentional manner.

Main campaign issues:  

Political experience: None.

Contact: Facebook: facebook.com/WolvertonWard2

- Patrick McClusky (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 3, Place 1

Why are you running? Homewood has been my home for 38 years, I and love it to my core. We have so many good things going on in the city right now, that I would like to see them through.

Main campaign issues: I would like to see progress in Wildwood that we are currently working on, and to see the growth in Edgewood continue.

Political experience: Seven years on Homewood City Council; chairperson of the Public Safety Committee.

Contact: facebook.com/patrick.mcclusky.1?fref=ts

- Walter Jones (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Re-election Ward 3, Place 2

Why are you running? I want to ensure the high quality of life we all enjoy in Homewood.

While serving the citizens of Homewood, I have overseen projects ranging from the renovation of the Library, the construction of the new Senior Citizen’s Center, the construction of the Greenway Trail, the revitalization of Green Springs Highway, the construction of the new middle school, the new soccer complex, the revitalization of Homewood Park, the new Recreation Center and pool, the revitalization of Patriot Park, the new Fire Station, the revitalization of the Edgewood Business District and the SOHO project downtown.

While serving as the Chair of the Finance Committee, we have been judicious with the money you have entrusted to us. While other cities have struggled financially, we have maintained a surplus each year — in fact our average surplus has been more than $700,000. During that time, we have continued to dedicate one penny of sales tax to the Board of Education, and this must be maintained. 

Main campaign issues: Continuing the quality of life we all enjoy in Homewood: We have always been at the forefront regarding quality of life. With our demographics showing Homewood becoming a younger City each year, I have focused our efforts on providing more Parks for families and updated facilities such as the Homewood Recreation Center. The other projects that must be addressed are a comprehensive traffic and paving plan for the City as well as an updated Public Safety Building.  Based on our continued younger demographics, I am working with the Board of Education to address our increased enrollment in all schools.  Lastly, we need to focus on maintaining our current businesses and developing new business districts that will increase revenue for our City. This revenue will allow us to maintain the high standards for our school system, and the city.

Political experience: I have served on the Homewood City Council from 1996-2004 and 2008-present. During that time, I have served as the Chair of Finance, Public Works and Special Issues Committees. I have also served as the President Pro-Tempore and the liaison to the Board of Education. I also represented Homewood on the Birmingham-Jefferson County Transit Authority (MAX) for six years. I served on the Edgewood Revitalization Committee and the Board of Education Strategic Planning Committee.

Contact: walterjones.hwd@gmail.com; Facebook: facebook.com/walterjones.hwd; Twitter: @walterrjones

Courtesy of Fred Azbik

- Fred Azbik

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 3, Place 2

Why are you running? It was just a good feeling. Walter’s been in there 16 years. I have nothing against Walter, I like him. It just seems to be the time.

Main campaign issues:  

Political experience: Member of the Planning Commission. 

Contact: No campaign site as of press date.

- Barry Smith (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 4, Place 1

Why are you running? I have served on the Council for two years, since being appointed to serve out the term of Jennifer Champ Wallis, and in that time I have been proud of the work we've done as a council. I strive to be responsive to the people in my ward. I have enjoyed getting to know my neighbors and helping them with issues of importance to them. There are so many things, like street paving and sidewalks, that we’ve started that I want to see through. As a member of the Finance Committee, I know how fortunate we are as a city, and I would like to be a part of that continued success.

Main campaign issues: Obviously the safety of our streets and neighborhoods is a main concern, whether we’re talking about the actual physical state of our streets or the issues of speeding and safety. I think it’s important to continue the exciting growth we have in Homewood but also be mindful of preserving the beauty of our neighborhoods. I’m a proponent of a new public safety facility for our Police Department and would like to be a part of the group that sees that through.

Political experience: Prior to assuming my seat on council, I had never held elected office before.

Contact: N/A

Sydney Cromwell

- Wayne Qualls

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 4, Place 1

Why are you running? If elected, I will work closely with other elected officials in solving some of the concerns that we are facing. One of those concerns is our city streets. Our streets are basically in a complete state of disrepair and for the most part, all streets need to be repaved. I know that there is a repaving program going on right now to repave a portion of our streets and seal some others. Although this is great news to see, the current repaving plan to me is just a patch job and will not resolve the issue that our streets currently need and that is the need to repave all of them. I will make this one of the top key issues of my campaign.

Main campaign issues: 

Political experience: None.

Contact: facebook.com/VoteForWayneQualls

Sydney Cromwell

- Alex Wyatt (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 4, Place 2

Why are you running? I want to ensure that we continue to foster an environment that sustains and promotes Homewood’s growth as a community while at the same time maintaining and preserving the attributes of Homewood that have always made it unique.

Main campaign issues: Homewood is in the enviable position of having a good bit of population growth over the last few years. Through that growth the average age of the population has significantly reduced as the number of families with young children has grown. It is important that we recognize and plan for the challenges created by this growth to ensure the character of our city as a destination for families.  

We also need to continue to encourage economic growth particularly in those areas that are currently being underutilized by the business community. 

Political experience: The only political office that I have held is the position that I currently hold. Appointed in June 2015 to replace Heather Reid.

Contact: awyattcc@gmail.com; Facebook: Alex Wyatt - Homewood City Council Ward 4

Courtesy of Jennifer Andress

- Jennifer Andress

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 5, Place 1

Why are you running? I’m really excited about serving Homewood. Anyone who knows me can tell you that. 

I’m a volunteer, I spend most of my time giving to places like the Bell Center and I’m going to be involved in the PTO for Homewood Middle School this year. I really enjoy working with the people who live in this city. I want to be involved in the future of Homewood. I want to direct its growth and it’s an exciting place to be.

I’ve loved working with the mayor and city council, and I’ve been in front of them before for sidewalks, the smoking ordinance and the digital billboard issues.

Main campaign issues: I’m very excited about sidewalks and was involved in getting them in my neighborhood. I’ve also worked with Ward 5 Place 2 representative Peter Wright on the Hollywood pedestrian bridge issue, which I would like to take on.

Communication is also very important to me. I plan on putting together an email newsletter for everyone in the ward to stay updated and talk about their needs.

I also support the school system and want them to have everything they need. 

We also need to continue to encourage economic growth particularly in those areas that are currently being underutilized by the business community. 

Political experience: None.

Contact: Facebook: Jennifer Andress for Homewood City Council, Ward 5, Place 1

- Rich Laws (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 5, Place 1

Why are you running? I’m willing to serve and enjoy giving back to our great community!

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. 

We need wise leadership and community cooperation for the next generation to succeed and experience “The 8th Best City in America to Raise Children.” Homewood is “home” for my kids and this community has been a blessing for our family.

Main campaign issues: Safety, sidewalks, parks, street paving and traffic improvement. I will continue to support our amazing school system and growing retail network.

I’m committed to expanding Homewood’s status as “The most walkable City in Alabama.”

I will continue to explore the pedestrian bridge over U.S. 280, connecting Homewood, Birmingham and Mountain Brook for runners, bikers and retail issues.

Political experience: Homewood City Council for 4 years.

Contact: N/A

- Peter M. Wright (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 5, Place 2

Why are you running? 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.

Main campaign issues: I want to see through to completion some important tasks for the city, such as a new public safety building, city wide paving improvements, ongoing development in West Homewood and elsewhere, continued city support for our top rated school system and work to revive efforts to construct a pedestrian bridge alongside the Hollywood bridge over Hwy. 280.

Political experience: I had never held an elected position prior to serving.

Contact: 527-0868; pwright@sirote.com

Courtesy of Thomas Reid

- Thomas Reid

Office/place you are seeking: Ward 5, Place 2

Why are you running? I’m running because I believe Homewood is a great place and I think I can bring more energy and more transparency to our City Council.

Main campaign issues: Main issues for me are fixing the roads, supporting the schools and parks, and bringing more transparency and awareness to the City of Homewood. Homewood is doing great things. Our citizens need to know about them and need to have a voice. 

Political experience: None

Contact: Facebook: Thomas Reid for Homewood; Instagram: thomas.r.reid; Twitter:

@thomasrreid

HOW

Register to vote:

Register to vote in the 2016 municipal elections by Aug. 8. Voters must be at least 18 years old, Alabama residents and U.S. citizens in order to register, and they cannot have been convicted of a felony or legally declared mentally incompetent.

Registration locations:

At the polls:

Photo identification is required in order to vote. The following forms of ID are considered valid:

If you do not have one of these forms of ID, you can apply for a free voter ID card through the Jefferson County Board of Registrars. You must be registered to vote and have a photo ID document, or a non-photo identity document that includes your legal name and date of birth, to qualify for a voter ID. Call 325-5550 to learn more.

Find your polling place and other voting information at myinfo.alabamavotes.gov.

WHEN

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