City council remains unchanged: August 28 election cancelled

The qualifying period for the August 28 Mountain Brook city elections ended on July 17 with no new applicants. Only incumbents for the three open positions had entered, so the city cancelled the previously scheduled election.

“I’m surprised that no one signed up to run against any of us,” said current City Council President Virginia Smith, a 12-year member of the council. “We heard that a few people were inquiring about running, but no one ever did. I’m surprised, but pleased.”

Smith will remain in Place 4 on the council, and Place 2 Council Member Jack   Carl and Mayor Terry Oden will also remain in office for another four years.

The City Council is made of five representatives plus the mayor. Places are held at-large, not by district. There are no term limits, and the members are not compensated. Each council member serves a four-year term, and elections are held every two years in order to stagger the terms.

“This is the first time that we haven’t had any opposition since the staggered elections began,” said City Clerk Steve Boone.

Unlike this year, in 2010 eight candidates applied and campaigned for three City Council positions.

“There’s just no way to compare the two elections,” said Boone.

The election being cancelled will also save both the city and the candidates money. An election usually costs the city between $25,000 and $27,000, whether it’s for one seat or six.

“Campaigns cost money, are stressful and most of us really do not enjoy them,” said Carl.

Both Smith and Carl said they think the city is running smoothly and anticipate a new term in office.

“In the coming term, I’m looking forward to continuing business as usual,” said Smith. “I am looking forward to continuing to improve the villages and therefore  improving the economic aspect of our city. I’m also really looking forward to the development and evolution of the new park, Cahaba Park.”

Smith also mentioned moving into the new city hall, overseeing the development of the Lane Parke project, continuing to support the excellent school system and helping the neighborhoods throughout the city as needed in her upcoming term.

Carl said he is anticipating the completion of construction on the municipal complex and seeing the Lane Parke project start this fall.

“I look forward to working with the Mayor and other council members to handle all of the many items that routinely come up,” he said. “We have a great group of people, and although we do not all agree on everything that happens, we do like each other and respect each other’s opinions.”