By Emily Williams
Hoover Mayor Gary Ivey announced April 7 that he is seeking re-election to the post he has held since 2011.
“I’ve lived in Hoover for 33 years. Today I can stand without reservation and say that Hoover is the best city in Alabama to live, work and raise your family,” Ivey told the crowd. “With your support, I plan to make sure it stays that way.”
Ivey, who maintains his position as CEO of Crest Cadillac in Hoover, served seven years on the City Council, including as president, and eight years on the city’s planning and zoning board.
In a press conference attended by government officials and local business representatives who endorsed him, Ivey said he is focused on continuing progress in the city’s public safety, economic development and education arenas.
Public Safety
Backing Ivey in his campaign are Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale and Shelby County Sheriff John Samaniego, who both sang praises for the incumbent during the press conference.
Hale said Ivey has done his best to forge a strong line of communication between the county departments and the city, since Hoover is split between jurisdictions.
According to both sheriffs, crime rates in Hoover are among the lowest in the state and the Hoover Police Department is among the best equipped. Earlier this year, Ivey and the City Council were able to allocate an additional $1.2 million for the Hoover Police Department to hire and train another 10 police officers.
“With Hoover’s help, we have taken millions of dollars of drugs off the streets and kept them out of the communities of Jefferson County,” Hale said.
Education
Ivey drew attention to his increased support of Hoover’s educational system and cited a recent budget amendment that allocated an additional $1.2 million to the city’s Board of Education.
“We’ve got wonderful schools,” Ivey said. “We have wonderful teachers, administrators and support personnel, but we cannot grow complacent. This world is constantly changing and we’ve got to keep our schools adequately funded.”
On his website, Ivey states that the city schools have seen heavy growth as job openings attract more families to the area, making it especially important to provide the system with the funds necessary to support the growing population.
Economic Development
Ivey said many companies look to Hoover to expand and create new business opportunities. With a conservative business atmosphere, the city can see even more expansion and jobs, he said.
“As a business owner I know what it takes to create jobs,” Ivey said. “I’ve put the lessons I’ve learned in the private sector into opportunities in our government.”
Hendrick Hoover Auto Mall General Manager Joel Smith praised Ivey for his business-related accomplishments.
“He has helped create a business-friendly environment where companies can grow and create jobs without government interference,” Smith said in a press release.
During the press conference, Smith said Ivey is quick to bring the community together to solve problems rather than keeping issues in the City Council chambers.
So far, Ivey has been challenged for mayor by Hoover Fire Marshal Frank Brocato. Qualifying ends in July, and the election follows on Aug. 23.
For more information about Ivey’s campaign, visit www.mayorivey.com.
