FOLEY – Ralph G. Hellmich has announced his intention to seek re-election to the Foley City Council serving as the District 3 representative. Hellmich has served on the council for the past eight years. 

“I have worked hard these past years to serve the Citizens of Foley to the best of my ability,” he said in a recent news release. “Working many years for the state of Alabama has taught me how to serve the public in the Council position. It is important to use common sense, listen to the citizens and be fair when making decisions. Communication is the key to building consensus.”

Hellmich recently earned the designation of Certified Municipal Official from the Alabama League of Municipalities. Hellmich actively serves on several city of Foley boards including the Planning Commission, Redevelopment Authority, Parks & Recreations Authority, Public Library Authority and Public Facilities Cooperative District. He is also a representative for the city on the Riviera Utilities Board of Directors.

While the last eight years saw a national economic recession, Hellmich worked with the Council to strategically plan city budgets allowing for needed improvements while increasing the city’s savings account from $6 million to $20 million. Hellmich states his goal continues to be, “improving and maintaining services for the citizens and businesses of Foley while keeping the tax burden low.”

Hellmich has worked to keep his District 3 resident informed. He regularly attends community meetings and pot lucks to provide timely updates for his constituents. Hellmich aid he appreciates the involvement and active participation of District 3 residents.

During his terms, Hellmich worked with fellow Council members to add more city amenities for residents.

“Those amenities included expansion of the Raymond C. Christensen five-plex, sidewalk expansions, creation of new walking trails and addition of the Graham Creek Nature Preserve,” the news release states.

Hellmich supported the revitalization of downtown Foley through the streetscapes project and infrastructure upgrades. He also supported efforts to improve major intersections aiding in better traffic flow.

Hellmich feels the mayor and Council have a proven record of a strong working relationship. He also feels the city of Foley has continued to provide its Citizen’s with a great support network through its employee. Hellmich states,

“We have a great group of dedicated employees who place the needs of the Citizens of Foley first,” he said. “ The teamwork they exhibit time and time again has shown how a city should be run, which is for the good of its Citizens.”

Professionally, Hellmich has been employed by the State of Alabama Oil & Gas Board for more than 34 years. He is the operations superviser for the south half of Alabama including the coastal waters and is responsible for all oil and gas industry operations. During his career, Hellmich has represented both the state of Alabama and federal government in overseas training operations for start-up Asian Republics on the interaction of Government and Industry operations.

Hellmich said, “Foley is a great place to live and raise a family. My goal is to continue to work strategically to ensure Foley maintains this wonderful quality of life. ”

Hellmich is a life-long resident of Foley. He is married to Jo McGill Hellmich, and together they have three grown children Kristin Roberson (Adam), Kurt, and Kate as well as one grandchild, Caleb.