(Robert de Buys Facebook page)
Vestavia Hills resident Robert de Buys on May 24 announced his intention to challenge Steve Ammons for his place on the Vestavia Hills City Council. Ammons currently serves as Mayor Pro-Tem.
In a May 24 news release shared on his campaign’s Facebook page — Robert de Buys for Council —the 13-year Vestavia Hills resident explained his decision to run for Place 3. He believes Ammons "hasn't been an advocate for Cahaba Heights and has arguably undermined our neighborhood."
"I am running for City Council to ensure that my girls grow up in schools and a community that have their best interest at heart,” du Buys said.
In the release, de Buys said he became politically active after the city of Vestavia Hills attempted to build a four-story, 150-unit apartment complex next to Cahaba Heights Elementary School. It was then, he said, that he helped organize the Cahaba Heights Community Foundation that went door-to-door and rallied Cahaba Heights to prevent its construction. The city school system ended up purchasing the land.
“The movement was a success,” said de Buys. “Vestavia Hills needs leaders that will fight for transparency in our city government and stand up for our communities. If the voters honor me with this service, I will strive to ensure that Vestavia Hills has a 5 and 10-year plan to protect and improve our neighborhoods, have responsible industry growth and ensure our schools remain the top in Alabama.”
According to the release, de Buys and his wife, Amelia, have been married since 1998 and been Vestavia residents for over 13 years. They have 2 daughters, May and Amy, who will attend Vestavia Hills Elementary School-Cahaba Heights and Liberty Park Middle School when school resumes this fall.
