On Tuesday, Pelham voters will choose their first mayor in almost a dozen years, and both of the candidates are well-known.
Election day in Pelham and the Birmingham region is Tuesday, August 26.
Maurice Mercer and Rick Wash, two members of the city council, are leaving their positions to run for mayor of the 25,000-person Shelby County town. Mayor Gary Waters, who is not running for a fourth term, will be replaced by one of the contenders.
Mercer is the president of the municipal council at the moment. Exactly one year before to election day, he declared his intention to run.
Mercer stated on his campaign website that he intended to promote the expansion of the city.
He wrote, “Community First is more than just a motto.” I want to be the impetus behind Pelham’s continued financial responsibility, transparency, and inclusivity.
His top concerns were economic development, public safety, and education.
According to Mercer’s statement on this page, “I have the experience necessary to unite our council, effectively advocate for our residents, and lead because of my role as a city council president and my service on various community boards.” Maintaining citizens’ safety, improving their quality of life, promoting education, and promoting economic growth are the main focuses of my Community First concept.
Mercer is a business accountant and owner of a small company.
Mercer highlights projects completed throughout his three terms in office, such as his backing of the city’s acquisition of the former Oak Mountain Amphitheater, mixed-use development along U.S. 11, and the opening of several eateries in Pelham.
Last but not least, according to Mercer’s website, “it will be crucial to collaborate with the council and city manager to maintain a fiscally responsible budget while providing excellent services and preserving our AAA bond rating.”
Rick Wash is a former corporate entrepreneur and Pelham police officer. He mentions his enduring relationship with Pelham.
Strong city schools, assistance for small businesses, and support for city workers are all seen crucial by Wash.
I’m prepared to serve once more because of my lifelong dedication to Pelham, my track record in business and public service, and my strong ties to this community.On his campaign website, Wash wrote.I’ve worked as a public servant in this city, owned a profitable small business, and held important leadership positions in both domestic and international corporations. I recognize the value of strategic planning, collaboration, and financial accountability.
Wash lists his extensive and diverse background in founding and running companies of all kinds as a strength he would contribute to the city.
He claimed to have experience overseeing big, intricate projects and to always remember the importance of teamwork in achieving a single objective.
According to Wash, Pelham must maintain its dedication to openness and fiscal responsibility while carrying on with the city’s responsible growth.
In his campaign newsletter, he stated that every dollar should be spent with the taxpayer in mind, making sure that we strike a balance between development and caution.
Support for public safety must also continue to be a top focus, he said. This entails supporting police officer equipment and training as well as adopting camera technology for community security.
Wash also advocated for the city’s planned growth.
He wrote, “Bigger isn’t always better.” In order to be prudent stewards of the remaining property and make sure that development is in line with our community’s values and vision, we must carefully plan for smart growth.
He demands, for instance, a thorough infrastructure plan to handle upcoming requirements like utilities, roads, and lights.
Wash stated that in order to support tomorrow’s prosperity, we must spend today.
The following are contenders for the five-member council:
Place 1: Michelle Power, David Coram (incumbent)
Position 2: Will Blake, incumbent Chad Leverett
Location 3: Chris Townes, Tim Reddock, and Cathy Cartagena
Place 4: Markus Snowden, Ron Griggs, and Darius Foster
Place 5: Russell Platt, incumbent Michael Harris
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