ROBERTSDALE, Ala. — Steven Williams, a Robertsdale resident and a member of the city’s Public Works department is running for a spot on the Employees’ Retirement System board.

Ballots are being mailed to workers covered by the system Thursday, Oct. 1, and members of the retirement system must indicate their choice by mail, Internet or telephone by Oct. 16.

Normally these elections are quiet affairs, but the unexpected retirement of Ronald Matthews and proposed increase in the amount public employees will have to give to the plan coupled with a proposed decrease in benefits, caused Williams to act.

“When I heard about it, (the reductions and increases) I went right on-line to research it,” said Williams. “That’s when I discovered that Mr. Matthews was leaving.”

While Williams says he’s “busy enough” without adding the Retirement Board to his plate, the issue of, “making sure that we have a good stable retirement system” has energized him. The board meets twice a year.

Williams is the father of seven children, three still at home, and is a captain with the Elsanor Volunteer Fire Department. He is a past president and previous board member of that organization. Williams is also a board member of the Central Baldwin Education Foundation and is a board member, manager and coach with the Central Baldwin Softball League.

Williams is opposed by Ronald Byrd of Huntsville. He is currently employed by the Huntsville Madison County 9-1-1 District as a call taker. Williams is also opposed by Roger Rendleman, Lee County Administrator ad president of County Administrators of Alabama.

Williams has about 18 years of employment with the city, and plans to continue working “until my youngest is out of high school. That’s at least 10 years from now.”

He’s also discovered a lot of support here in the area.

“The mayor (Robertsdale Mayor Charles Murphy) thought my running was fantastic,” said Williams. Williams says he had no problem collecting the signatures needed to get on the ballot.