In the running

by

This month, Vestavia Hills voters have a few decisions to make.

All four positions on the Vestavia Hills City Council as well as the mayor’s position are contested, with 11 candidates running in total.

Elections in Vestavia Hills are held every four years, unless there is a special election, on the fourth Tuesday of August, which falls on Aug. 23 this year. If necessary, a runoff election will take place on Oct. 4. 

The vote is the second municipal election since Vestavia Hills voted to take on a council-manager form of government, with the mayor having a voting and presiding role on the city council and the city manager acting as CEO and managing daily operations. The four “places” of the City Council — 1,2,3,4 — are elected “at-large,” meaning they do not represent any particular geographic area, but rather the entire city. Three of the current city council members are running for re-election to their places, with Jim Sharp retiring and not seeking another term.

The Issues

Several of the candidates have expressed that their focus, if elected, would be on responsible economic development. In the last few years, the city has undertaken several public-private partnerships for commercial development across the city. The incumbents all say they want to continue this growth, and many of the additional candidates agree that bringing new businesses to the city is important to them as well. However, some have mentioned that they want to engage in more “responsible” development by being more selective of the types of projects and scope of development within the city.

Other issues the candidates want the new council to focus on include improvements to the parks and recreation facilities around the city, including the addition of more options for all ages. Others want to strengthen and increase support for the police and fire departments, including pushing for additional staffing and resources. Working on the council’s relationship with the Board of Education and bolstering the school system is also a common goal.

The Vote

Those wishing to vote must be a resident of Vestavia Hills for at least 30 days immediately prior to the election, and must also be qualified to vote in Jefferson County. The last day to register to vote is Wednesday, Aug. 10.

Absentee ballots are available from the city clerk’s office at City Hall, which is located at 1032 Montgomery Highway. The last day to apply for a regular absentee ballot is Aug. 18.

Voters can check their registration status and eligibility, as well as find an application for an absentee ballot at alabamavotes.gov.

WHO

Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Mayor of Vestavia Hills

Why are you running? I really want to continue to try to move the city forward as we have done over the last eight years, and I want to finish up some of the projects that we’ve started and look at some of the newer projects that we can start that will only enhance our community.

Main campaign issues: 

  • Continued growth
  • Continue to listen to our citizens and work toward what they’re asking of us
  • Parks, athletic fields
  • Bring funding sources into the city
  • Working to make sure Chamber and school systems are on board with the direction the city is headed

Political experience: Mayor of Vestavia Hills since 2008

Contact: Facebook: facebook.com/butchzaragoza2016/?pnref=story

Ashley Curry

Office/place you are seeking: Mayor of Vestavia Hills

Why are you running? I have a strong interest in Vestavia Hills, a vested interest. I have been in Vestavia for 30 years, my children grew up here and went through Vestavia Hills schools and now my grandchildren are not far from entering into the school system. I have a true interest in serving the city. 

Main campaign issues: If elected mayor, I will work to do the following: 

  • Enhance and encourage transparency and accessibility of city governance;
  • Preserve the strength of Vestavia schools;
  • Foster collaboration and a sense of community among the different sections of Vestavia;
  • Work toward achieving the goals set out in the Vestavia Vision Plan.

Political experience: Not an elected office; I have served in an appointed office on the Park Board and the Library Board.

Contact: Website: curryformayor.org; Facebook: facebook.com/ElectAshleyCurry/?fref=ts

Rusty Weaver

Office/place you are seeking: Vestavia Hills City Council,

Place 1

Why are you running? The majority of my service to our community has been through the youth sports programs where I have coached essentially year-round for the last decade. I feel it is now time to get involved more in city matters beyond the ballparks. We need more transparency in our city government and a focus on fiscally responsible development. There also needs to be a renewed commitment to excellence in our school system and parks and recreation system.

Main campaign issues: 

  • Strong community and local values
  • Team work

Political experience: None

Contact: Facebook: facebook.com/VoteRustyWeaver/?fref=ts

John D. Henley (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Vestavia Hills City Council, Place 1

Why are you running? When I initially ran for City Council four years ago, I felt this was one of the most important times in Vestavia Hills’ history with the change in the form of government. In the last four years, the City of Vestavia Hills has transitioned to the new manager/council form of government, built a new municipal center, has had the opportunity to enter into several public/private partnerships to spur economic growth in Vestavia Hills and has implemented a vehicle/equipment replacement plan for our city. 

I want to continue the work I have been involved with in the last four years to include implementation of the forthcoming Wald Park Plan, continued economic development through public/private partnerships and implementation of the park plan at Altadena Valley. We also have to continue to work on our aging infrastructure as issues are identified and continue implementation of the sidewalk master plan. I am active in our community so I have an opportunity to talk with our citizens on a daily basis about their issues and concerns but also with what is going great in our city. I always encourage anyone to contact me with any questions as I am always open to listen to any concerns our citizens have.

Main campaign issues: I have been fortunate to have been a part of the Vestavia Hills Board of Education Strategic Planning Committee, the Library in the Forest Strategic Planning Committee and the Wald Park Strategic Planning Committee. We need to build on the momentum we have gained in the last four years. We must continue to be fiscally responsible and make sure we have adequate resources in the event of a future downturn in the economy.

I always will have a focus on what I call the basic blocking and tackling items. Police and fire protection must always be the top priority along with trash collection and other basic city services. 

  • Continue to work on economic development through public/private partnerships
  • Continue to work with community partners such as the BOE and the Chamber
  • Finalize and implement a strategy for Vestavia Hills’ parks
  • Continue implementing the sidewalk master plan.

Political experience: Vestavia Hills City Council, Place 1.

Contact: facebook.com/ReelectJohnHenley/?fref=ts

Kimberly Cook

Office/place you are seeking: Vestavia Hills City Council, Place 2

Why are you running? I am running to strengthen the voice of citizens in our community, to ensure that everyone has a seat at the table. Our city can be a forerunner among Over the Mountain communities if we work together to protect the reputation and integrity of our school system and ensure responsible economic development. We need leaders who understand and respond to the priorities of our citizens — who engage citizens in developing smart solutions.

Main campaign issues: 

  • Increase transparency;
  • Protect the integrity and reputation of city schools;
  • Promote responsible economic development, focused on developing new sales tax revenue
  • Provide safe roads and sidewalks;
  • Engage the community in problem-solving and decision making;
  • Support existing retail business.

Political experience: None.

Contact: Website: cookforcouncil.org; Facebook: facebook.com/cookforcouncil.org/; Twitter: @CookforCouncil

Kim Benos

Office/place you are seeking: Vestavia Hills City Council Place 2

Why are you running? Vestavia Hills is my home, and I believe in the immense value of each and every person who shares this place with me. Vestavia Hills has a spirit of community that has had a profound impact on my life and inspired me to serve and give back. 

Serving with accountability and integrity has always been of utmost importance to me. It would be an honor to utilize my skills, knowledge and experience in business, community leadership, governance, and strategic planning to ensure the unity, prosperity and quality of life for all citizens of Vestavia Hills.

Main campaign issues: 

  • Bringing together our community, engaging citizens in a meaningful way
  • Responsible planning and management of our city’s resources
  • Balanced, quality economic development
  • Supporting, retaining, and expanding existing businesses
  • Working with community partners (Chamber, BOE)
  • Enhancing services and amenities that appeal to seniors
  • Sidewalks and walkable areas
  • Improving recreation and athletic facilities 

Political experience: Vestavia Hills Board for Education for 8 years

Contact: Website: kimbenosforcouncil.com/; Facebook: facebook.com/kimbenosforcouncil/?fref=ts

Steve Ammons (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Re-election to Vestavia Hills City Council Place 3

Why are you running? Vestavia Hills is my hometown. I grew up here, am raising my family here, and chose to build my business here. Over the past eight years, the mayor and council have worked to improve the quality of life through economic development initiatives that have bolstered the city’s tax base, while maintaining that hometown feel. I want to continue and build upon the good work we started when I was first elected.

Main campaign issues: 

  • Quality of life;
  • Economic development;
  • Maintaining the city’s strong financial position through responsible budgeting and sustaining a robust reserve;
  • Working with our First Responders to make sure they have the assets they need to address public safety concerns;
  • Developing a vision for Parks and Recreation, which provides new recreational opportunities for all ages.

Political experience: Vestavia Hills City Council – Mayor Pro-Tem (2008-present).

Contact: Website: steveammons.com; Facebook: facebook.com/steveammonsforvh/; Twitter: @steveammons; Instagram: @steveammonsforvh

Robert De Buys

Office/place you are seeking: Vestavia Hills City Council, Place 3

Why are you running? I’d like to change our government so that it more accurately reflects the needs and desires of our citizens. I became extremely active in Vestavia Hills this year because of what almost happened in Cahaba Heights near the elementary school. I’ve worked tirelessly since then to hold our government accountable, shining bright lights where the public deserves more transparency.

Main campaign issues: 

  • Transparency and accountability of Vestavia Hills government
  • 5-, 10- and 20-year plans to protect neighborhoods and improve the city
  • [To] honor taxpayers with conservative stewardship of their money
  • [To] fight for business-friendly policies that promote responsible, sustainable growth
  • Infrastructure and quality of life improvements
  • [To] put the interests of Vestavia’s citizens first.

Political experience: I was president of a secret club in the fifth grade. Other than that I have never run for office.

Contact: Website: robertdebuys.com; Facebook: facebook.com/groups/466619030203423/; Twitter: @rdebuys

Paul Head

► Office/place you are seeking: Vestavia Hills City Council Place 3

Why are you running? First, I love this community and the people in it. I grew up here and attended Vestavia schools from kindergarten through 12th grade. I was able to get a great education and compete in athletics at a high level. Secondly, I have children ranging in ages from 5 years to 15 years. The decisions I will be making will have a direct and immediate impact on my own children.

My financial and construction background will also help the city in negotiating contracts, making decisions for the future and ensuring that our budgets and priorities match.

The bottom line is this … I will look at all issues the very same way: study, gather information, listen and make a decision based on what I believe is the best for this community. It’s really that simple. Those who know me would say I am a ‘straight shooter.’ I believe our community needs this.

Main campaign issues: 

  • Education
  • Parks and Recreation
  • U.S. News ranks us behind Mountain Brook, Spain Park, Homewood, and Oak Mountain, and nine other schools in the state. Frankly, this surprised me. We have a great history of education in Vestavia, and we need to make certain we improve.

Political experience: None

Contact: Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=100012759035839&fref=ts

George R. Pierce (I)

Office/place you are seeking: Vestavia Hills City Council, Place 4

Why are you running? I want to continue serving our citizens and ensure that Vestavia Hills remains an incredible place to live and raise a family.  I also want to focus on improving our athletic facilities, sidewalks, and streets and invest in staffing/equipping our Police and Fire Departments. We live in a great community that has seen numerous improvements over the past several years, and I want to help see these improvements to fruition and work hard to ensure that our city continues to move in a positive direction.

Main campaign issues:

  • More opportunities for citizen engagement;
  • Staffing and equipment for Police and Fire Departments;
  • Improved athletic facilities;
  • Continued economic development.

Political experience: 

  • Vestavia Hills City Council, Place 4 since 2008
  • Vestavia Hills Board of Zoning Adjustment for 12 years, six as chair.

Contact: facebook.com/groups/380428478686211/

Bob Elliott

Office/place you are seeking: Vestavia Hills City Council, Place 4

Why are you running? I was approached about running in 2012 and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. My appreciation of the city and our residents has deepened with my continued involvement with the community. I offer a unique skill set built on my person ties to all parts of the city, my education in law and business administration and my experience as an entrepreneur and attorney. I believe this blend of experience, education and perspective offers value to Vestavia Hills. We’ve grown through strong traditions and leadership into the 15th-largest city in Alabama and third-largest city in Jefferson County. Our City’s strong roots allow us to continue to build as a community while opportunities present themselves at an ever-increasing pace. A comprehensive perspective and strategic vision informed by the history, resources and unique character of all parts of Vestavia Hills is essential to carry on the values of this City into a rapidly changing future. Friends, neighbors and citizens express their desire that I run again and offer their support, for which I am humbled and grateful. I am running because I seek to serve the community I love and in which I live. I would be honored to have the opportunity to serve Vestavia Hills.

Main campaign issues: 

  • Quality of life 
  • Economic development 
  • Community cohesiveness

Political experience: Ran for City Council in 2012.

Contact: Website: voteforbob.info; Facebook: facebook.com/groups/Vote4BobVH/; Twitter: @Vote4BobVH; Instagram: vote4bobvh

HOW

Registering to vote:

  • First time:  Applicants who are registering to vote for the first time must complete a State of Alabama Voter Registration Form and submit it to the county where they live. The applicant must provide a physical address — not a P.O. box — as well as their date of birth and an original signature. A State of Alabama Voter Registration Card will be mailed to the voter, and that will show the voter’s polling location.
  • Finding forms:  Voter registration forms can be found at the office of the Board of Registrars, satellite licensing offices and public libraries. 
  • Verifying information:  Voters who are already registered to vote should make sure their information, including name and address if there has been a recent change, is up to date. Voter registration does not transfer between counties even within the same state, and any voters who have moved into Jefferson County will have to complete a new registration. Name changes and changes of address within the county must be made in writing and forwarded to the board of registrars. Voters can check that they are registered to vote by entering their last name, county and date of birth at alabamavotes.gov.
  • Qualifications:  To vote in this municipal election, a voter must live in the city for 30 days before registering to vote and be registered to vote in your county precinct. Applications sent by mail should be postmarked before Aug. 10 and sent directly to the board of registrars.

WHERE

  • Absentee balloting, Vestavia Hills Municipal Center, 1032 Montgomery Highway
  • Horizon Church, 2345 Columbiana Road
  • Mountaintop Community Church, 225 Centerview Drive
  • Town Village Vestavia Hills, 2385 Dolly Ridge Road
  • Cahaba Heights Community and Senior Citizens Center, 4401 Dolly Ridge Road
  • Liberty Park Baptist Church, 12001 Liberty Parkway
  • Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church, 2061 Kentucky Ave.

WHEN

  • Aug. 8- Deadline for the city to select election officials.
  • Aug. 8- Last day to register to vote in the municipal elections.
  • Aug. 18- Last day to apply for a regular absentee ballot.
  • Aug. 22- Last day to apply for an emergency absentee ballot. Absentee ballots must be hand-delivered by end of business day on Aug. 22, or postmarked Aug. 22 and received by noon Aug. 23.
  • Aug. 23- Election day. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  • Aug. 30- Election results will be counted and certificates of election will be issued to all candidates who receive a majority. Runoffs will be planned for any seats where no candidate received a majority.
  • Sept. 5- Last day for candidates to contest election results. Candidates participating in runoff elections must continue their weekly campaign disclosure reports up until the runoffs.
  • Sept. 29- Last day to apply for a regular absentee ballot for runoff elections.
  • Oct. 3- Last day to apply for an emergency absentee ballot. Absentee ballots must be hand-delivered by end of business day on Oct. 3, or postmarked Oct. 3 and received by noon Oct. 4.
  • Oct. 4- Runoff elections.
  • Oct. 11- Runoff results will be counted and certificates of election issued.
  • Oct. 17- Last day for runoff candidates to contest election results. Candidates who do not win election must file with the Jefferson County probate judge to dissolve their campaign committee.
  • Nov. 7- Mayor and council members take office.