Fairhope Municipal Election Candidates Finalized

Fairhope, Alabama


The qualifying period ended today at 5 PM for the August 23rd election; here is the list of candidates provided by the city clerk.  (Pending clearance of filing the appropriate state documentation).

Seven-term incumbent councilman Mike Ford is not seeking re-election due to health problems; Page n' Palette bookstore owner Karin Wolfe Wilson is challenging four-term incumbent Timothy Martin Kant for mayor. 

 (Anonymous comments will be screened before publication)


Comments

Anonymous said…
I've never been a huge Kant fan, but Karin Wilson as mayor? Sorry, but no thanks. My vote will be for Tim Kant.
Anonymous said…
Ought to be an interesting debate. Good for the city ... hopefully without too much of the usual mudslinging... .
Anonymous said…
Not real sure about Karin, though I like her, but just can't see anyone beating Kant Can't. Only in our dreams.
Anonymous said…
I expect Tim and his cronies to be especially nasty. I hope the citizens of Fairhooe wake up and vote for change. Integrity, honesty and transparency would be nice.
Anonymous said…
Who is Karen Wilson
Anonymous said…
Mayor Kant had done a lot for the City of Fairhope, Karin Wilson, not so much
Anonymous said…
I'm for electing someone that has our city and it's CURRENT citizen's best interests at heart. Not developers and NOT more tourists!
Anonymous said…
I never vote for the incumbent. I think everyone needs a shot at the easy money that comes along with holding a political position! Karin Wilson is probably the least political of anyone running. She, unlike the others has actually contributed to Fairhope as a business owner. Look at all the other candidates and what their personal motivations are? In my opinion you only get into politics for two reason; to help/better the community or the most common reason, for personal gain/power. Karin deserves a shot.
Anonymous said…
Anybody BUT lyin'Jack or crook'd Tim..........
Anonymous said…
Tim Kant gave his career life to the City of Fairhope, helped build the Public works, and was Fire chief for 30 plus years. The beautiful Fairhope was his vision many years ago and now one of the most beautiful cities in the United States. Since Mayor he has continued to improve roads, schools,parks, and hire employees that work very hard to provide great service no matter was situation may arise. Just because you may not care for a person personally, you can't deny the city is a great place to live. The appointment of Joe Pettis Police chief and the great job of the volunteer Fire department. Please open your eyes, the City is doing great where most are failing in many areas.
Anonymous said…
Most council members have done a overall good job this past term. Having to fix many problems from the past council you have a very well rounded group that has great knowledge and has advanced the city infrastructure into the future. They also have contributed to the beauty of the city but have also fixed roads, sidewalks, parks and many great things.
Anonymous said…
I don't understand why that one user is so against tourists. Don't you know that tourists help bring much needed money to the city? And what does CURRENT citizens mean? Do you not want other people to move to Fairhope? What about the young people who are just starting off raising their children. Don't they get the chance to live in a nice place as well? There's nothing wrong with change.
Anonymous said…
Sorry, he has worked for the city for 30 plus years, he is also retired fireman and was Fire chief multiple times is what I ment.
Richard Joned said…
kant worked for the city whileMayor Nix improved the city, he was not on the fire dept for 30 years, and was Chief for only 4 years. do some research before spouting lies!!!!
Anonymous said…
Mayor Kant gave his career life for a paycheck. Change good for who, those who have lined their pockets. I for one preferred Fairhope when the taxes were lower, the traffic was less, crime was less, noise was less and people were genuinely friendly. Fairhope was more beautiful 20 years ago. And this is my first post you open your eyes.
Anonymous said…
I agree with the user post about Tim Kany doing a lot for the city. However, I thought Mr. Kant was the City's horticulturist for 25 years, not Fire chief? I could be wrong.
Anonymous said…
I would like to see the list of Tim Kant's real accomplishments. The money pit library? The flower clock? The parking garage? That is his legacy.

I am thrilled to see an opponent to the good ole' boys network that thrives here in Fairhope.
Kudos and good luck to Karin Wilson. It is more past time for a change in leadership here.
Sam Losco said…
I think it's important to look at where we are today and really ask ourselves "are we happy?" Are you happy with the traffic? Are you happy with the parking situation? Are you happy with the back door deals? Are you happy with our town's preservation? Are you happy with the Library? I've lived here my entire life and since Kant has been mayor, this city has changed to cater to the tourist dollars. What city of our size spends $250k-$400k a year in flowers? I would rather see that money spent on permanent things, instead of being thrown in a hole to please visitors. As a local, I don't go downtown anymore. It's too crowded, parking is a nightmare, and there frankly is nothing there besides boutique stores, upscale eateries, none of which really cater to the middle class. People flock from all over to OUR parades and firework shows and the crowds are so bad, we just quit going. it's not worth the hassle. I miss our town not being featured in magazines and winning awards for "best places to retire" and "best kept secret in the south", and whatever awards that draw attention to us. The Fairhope I grew up on is gone and sold away in his administration. I want a mayor and council that will halt the explosive growth before there is no Fairhope left.

It is time for change.
Anonymous said…
First Trump now Wilson. Neither is half-way qualified.
Anonymous said…
Gary Gover is a good guy. A card carrying environmentalist and member of the city's environmental and history preservation committees.

Boone runs home AND roadbulding businesses. You know what that means!
Anonymous said…
This is just another publicity stunt. Karin's only interest is herself and her store.
Anonymous said…
Agreed. How will she run fairhope AND her business? And what qualifications does she have to be Mayor? A quick spin thru public records shows a million plus mortgage on that property. I see some major conflicts of interest cropping up should she win....
Anonymous said…
To answer your question,,,,,,,,,,, I am not happy!
Publisher said…
This is the season for fiery political rhetoric, but some of these are nearing out-of-bounds ..... .
Anonymous said…
The thing we need most is MORE flowerclocks. I love 'em!
Anonymous said…
Anyone who thinks Kant has been good for the city has never worked for the city (with the exception of some of his favored minions), never talked to city employees, sat in on any of the boards or committees, followed any of the lawsuits, or really paid attention beyond surface window dressing. Back door deals-you bet! Fear of retribution-you bet! Ethics violations and conflicts of interest-you bet! I'm glad Tim is being challenged and I think Karin will use her business savvy and people skills to build an honest, fair, open administration. But Tim and his cronies know how to play nasty. He definitely has her beat there!
Anonymous said…
I explained, my mistake that he has worked for the City for over 30 years, is retired Fireman for over 20 years and was Fire chief also. But for some reason the publisher did not put my correction. Why are you so ugly on talking to people. If someone does not agree with you, you get ugly.
Anonymous said…
Thank you for my correction
Anonymous said…
Not a lie just miss typed. There are many flat out lies that are continually wrote, mine was corrected and reposted by the good publisher.
Anonymous said…
Most people who work usually get paid. Where is the proof if all this money that has lined his pocket. As many comments that are posted, someone would have convicted him by now. Kant has lived in Fairhope his whole life.
Anonymous said…
Having been in Fairhope for over 50 years there isn't Anyone on this ticket that has the city in mind.#choice#vote#none#oftheabove and I don't even have a twit account.
Anonymous said…
Some of Wilson's backers are real fruits n' nuts if you know what i mean!
Anonymous said…
Time for a change. Vote Mayor Kant out. No more back door deals. Mayor Kant approved massive apartment complex development and also needlessly doubling the size of Fairhope's airport will destroy Fairhope charm and decimate its property values.
Anonymous said…
It's difficult to understand what's not to like about having tourists, outstanding restaurants, beautiful sidewalks, excellent property values, outstanding schools, ......

However, we should value each others opinion and work together to create the best now and for future generations of Fairhopians.

Most of the "problems" described in these posts are "issues". There are plenty of small towns in America that have kept the small town charm while "managing" growth in a responsible manner. Vision, leadership, and community involvement are critical.

My family moved here because we feel Fairhope is an excellent place to live. Nothing has changed our opinion. Are some concerns expressed in these posts legitimate? Absolutely. Let's work as citizens to manage these issues instead of focusing on personal insults.

Anonymous said…
If you've moved here than you don't have any idea how great this down used to be and it didn't have most of the issues it now suffers from!
Anonymous said…
Have any candidate forums or debates been scheduled?
Anonymous said…
Wow, I grew up there and moved away 35 years ago because we youth at that time called it Nohope, Al. Because you had no hope of a job or opportunity worth squat. The city closed down on Saturday afternoon and did not open till Monday morning! Only things youth had to do was cruise the big pier and get in fights😧. If you got a job it was minimum wage on a shrimp boat, in a tater shed, or if lucky barely over minimum at a clock company like my families😕. Yea, things were cheap, but there was no income! You had to move away or drive an hour or more for a good job. Back in the 70-80's the big concern for town was how to keep youth there! Is that still the case? I do not know, don't live there, am just occasional tourist now! Should I go somewhere else four weeks out of year to spen my money?
Unknown said…
You do realize the annual salary for our mayor is $32K right? No one is in it for the money...