Councilman Robert Hunter Announces Bid For Mayor of Columbia

Rickey Stokes

Viewed: 2199

Posted by: RStokes
[email protected]
3347901729
Date: Jan 10 2020 7:01 PM

COLUMBIA: The first person to throw their hat in the ring for Mayor of Columbia Alabama.

Current Columbia Councilman Robert L. Hunter announced his bid For Mayor of Columbia, Alabama.

At this time the current Mayor of Columbia, Rhonda Freeman, is not expected to seek election as Mayor.

Freeman stepped into the Mayor's seat when the Mayor resigned under a major cloud. Freeman, along with Robert Hunter, Jesse Ingram, Addie Buze, Charlie Lane ( not sure if missing any other council member ) rolled their sleeves up and straightened out a huge mess. The mess was created by the former Mayor.

Rhonda Freeman has been a long time council member of Columbia. The City Council selected Freeman to take over the reigns of Mayor. And she has done an excellent job of regaining focus and moving forward. And that was with the full support of the council.

The announcement from Hunter marks the first to announce seeking the Office of Mayor in Columbia.

LETTER FROM ROBERT HUNTER

I am excited and honored to announce that I am running for Mayor of the Town of Columbia.

I am a lifetime resident, having been raised in our town, and consider myself very fortunate to live in and serve this town.

I am starting my campaign by reaching out to you, my fellow citizens, and community leaders to ask for your endorsement and volunteer effort.

Just a little about my background for those who do not know me. I have a BS degree and an extensive municipal public service background, having worked thirty (30) plus years with the City of Dothan in four different departments (Engineering, Public Works, Dothan Utilities, Planning and Development).

I currently serve as co-chairperson on the City of Dothan’s DERF Board.

I also am an active member of the Columbia Historical Society and currently serve as president.

I am currently serving our town as your district 4 council member.

During my term there have been easy as well as difficult decisions made. For example, significant progress was made in which I have been instrumental or initiated such as:

? A Backup water well to supply water for our town

? Pursuing a sewer and water improvement grant (We still have many issues to address)

? Street repairs and repaving projects – Pursing funding

? Damaged and missing street signs are being replaced – In Progress

? The old library building is being remodeled to serve as a multi-purpose municipal center (court room, council chambers, and public meetings) – In Progress

? A dog ordinance

? A speed hump ordinance

? Paying of rescue EMT members in order to offer full time local ambulance/rescue service to our community

Municipal court was brought back to Columbia

? Many others I pledge my continued support for the citizens, police department, fire department, rescue department, municipal workers, senior center, businesses, churches, civic groups/organizations, and our high school.

There are certainly many remaining issues that need to be prioritized and dealt with as we have available funding. One of these issues is a backup generator for both water wells. These are imperative in case of an extended power outage.

We are currently working through the difficult decision to privatize our garbage collection because both garbage trucks need replacing.

Call or text me at 334-790-3392 (cell) if you have questions, complaints, civic issues, etc. that need addressing.

I look forward to meeting and talking with you. I am very enthusiastic for our town’s future.

Thanks in advance for your encouragement. I am asking all the citizens of Columbia, Alabama for their vote and support in the coming election.

Sincerely,

Robert L. Hunter