Fairhope, Alabama
AUGUST 2020 MUNICIPAL ELECTION APPROACHING
Former mayor Tim Kant told the Times recently he is seriously considering contending for his old job in the upcoming municipal election; he said he opposed the salary increase for the next mayor that was enacted by the city council earlier this month (from $32,400 to $85,000/yr.) because it is a "part time" job. He said he would make up his mind about running for sure by April.
Council president Burrell says he is considering running for mayor as well; he put the present odds for doing so at 40%. If not, he intends to seek re-election to the council, he said.
As has been widely rumored, former city community affairs director Sherry Sullivan told us she is also considering a run for mayor, but has not decided for sure yet. She is currently working for Riviera Utilities (City of Foley Utilities Board) as its Director of Governmental Affairs and Economic Development.
Mayor Wilson has repeatedly told us she has not decided yet about running for another term; she defeated four term incumbent Kant by a 53-47% margin in 2016 (see table below).
The city's rapid growth and how to manage it effectively was the top issue in 2016, as it will likely be again next year.
COUNCIL MEMBERS WEIGH IN TOO
When asked within the last month, all of the other council members indicated they "intended to" or "probably will" seek re-election as well. Councilman Robinson defeated incumbent Rich Mueller in the 2016 election and Conyers narrowly beat incumbent Diana Brewer in a runoff. Robert Brown won the vacant seat of Mike Ford, who had retired.
All say they reserve the right to change their minds though; several private citizens have expressed interest too, but are not ready to announce yet. Anyone living within the city limits, 18 years or older is eligible to run for office.
AUGUST 2020 MUNICIPAL ELECTION APPROACHING
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| Former mayor Tim Kant. |
Council president Burrell says he is considering running for mayor as well; he put the present odds for doing so at 40%. If not, he intends to seek re-election to the council, he said.
As has been widely rumored, former city community affairs director Sherry Sullivan told us she is also considering a run for mayor, but has not decided for sure yet. She is currently working for Riviera Utilities (City of Foley Utilities Board) as its Director of Governmental Affairs and Economic Development.
Mayor Wilson has repeatedly told us she has not decided yet about running for another term; she defeated four term incumbent Kant by a 53-47% margin in 2016 (see table below).
The city's rapid growth and how to manage it effectively was the top issue in 2016, as it will likely be again next year.
COUNCIL MEMBERS WEIGH IN TOO
When asked within the last month, all of the other council members indicated they "intended to" or "probably will" seek re-election as well. Councilman Robinson defeated incumbent Rich Mueller in the 2016 election and Conyers narrowly beat incumbent Diana Brewer in a runoff. Robert Brown won the vacant seat of Mike Ford, who had retired.
All say they reserve the right to change their minds though; several private citizens have expressed interest too, but are not ready to announce yet. Anyone living within the city limits, 18 years or older is eligible to run for office.
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| Mayor Karin Wilson |
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| 2016 election results |
Comments
Yes. The truth hurts. #thefairhopeway
Not the same ol' same ol'.
In the USA, good ideas have a pedigree, not people. Good policy and bad policy are the exclusive domains of neither old-timers nor newcomers. Sages and fools populate both cohorts.
As for our founders spinning in their graves, their ideas were bad ideas. Fairhope thrives today despite its founders' socialist impulses. The quaint vestigia traces of their naive utopian fantasy are nothing more than a lagniappe--lending a little extra Southern color to our charming and blessed hometown.
Second is the lack of traffic controls to down town and the lack of presence of traffic enforcement.The speed of traffic ,to include city trucks and equipment is a disaster just waiting to happen.As for the attitude,well fairhope isn't called the fruit and nut section for nothing.
Of the four likely mayoral candidates I think the two who have never been mayor would do better but I am far from convinced that they will be that great either. There is enough bad blood between the candidates that will make the race entertaining.