There will be four runoff elections held next Tuesday, Sept. 23, for races where no candidate received a majority of votes on Aug. 26 against two or more other candidates.
Voters who live in …
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STEPHANIE GANEY-MESSINGER
Have you run for political office before?
No
How long have you lived in your district?
Lifelong Eastern Shore resident and six years in my current district.
Current job/profession:
Retired mortgage banker
What is your vision for Daphne over the next four years if you're elected?
That Daphne would continue to become an even more recreation-centric city with a focus on the natural beauty of Mobile Bay and its shores in the Daphne area. To bring businesses to the area that will allow our citizens to shop local live local. This includes restaurants, medical offices, retail stores and services.
How do you intend to make that vision come to fruition? (2 parts)
− What policies would you pursue to improve on up to 3 challenges/concerns you see in your district?
We are fortunate in District 5 that the greatest concern of most citizens is speeding, Next would be infrastructure and then drainage. Really keeping a close eye on the speeding in our area is what affects most everyone. District 5 is mostly residential, and making sure our citizens are safe is of utmost importance.
− What policies would you pursue to build on up to 3 successes you see?
I definitely see the city being proactive in managing the growth in our area. Any policy that would continue the management of development must be adhered to. If you are not growing, you're dying. This is true even for small cities such as Daphne. Growth is good as long as it is managed at all levels.
If the city got a $5 million unrestricted grant, how would you want to spend it?
I would use it for bayfront projects, creating more public spaces for all our citizens to enjoy on the Bay, not only those who are private owners on the Bay.
Are you actively involved in the community?
Yes! I am an active member of 3 Circle Church, member of the only Women's Mystic Society-Apollo's Mystic Ladies, serve as secretary/treasurer on the board of directors for the French Settlement Property Owners Association and an active member of Eastern Shore Republican Women.
Steve McArthur did not participate.
AUSTIN "COACH" BOYD
Have you run for political office before?
No.
How long have you lived in the city?
17 years.
Current job/profession:
Teacher/bus driver/coach – Gulf Shores High School.
What is your vision for Gulf Shores over the next four years if you're elected?
To balance the residential growth, tourism growth and job growth with an infrastructure that accommodates all three aspects but benefits our local community.
How do you intend to make that vision come to fruition? (2 parts)
Put a temporary hold on residential construction and focus on strategies to bring higher paying jobs to our community, attracting new businesses while partnering and supporting, existing local businesses; thus, boosting revenue and utilizing tourism funds to grow our economy and creating new infrastructure to support our rapid growth, while completing or redeveloping existing infrastructure projects that have been started and left incomplete. Further developing and adding new public and private partnerships, such as some of our current partnerships with airlines and the NCAA, that will help grow the Gulf Shores brand and search for ways to use these partnerships to bring in bigger and better revenue via job growth, for our local community. Gulf Shores isn't slowing down, so we must make sure our locals are protected and supported, or we will just be a resort town with no family environment.
— What policies would you pursue to improve on up to 3 challenges/concerns you see in Gulf Shores?
1-Residential growth and lack of infrastructure is probably the biggest issue for our city. The current roadways and new roadways or lack thereof, cause daily headaches for everyone; so, we need to focus on infrastructure and there is only so much land in our community that can be utilized for travel. I want to meet with the state to develop new roadways through our state park that will not destroy the beauty of the park but possibly enhance it.
2-Locals seem to be put on the back burner to tourists and a lot of our landscaping, parks, sidewalks, etc. could use some more attention, not just the areas where tourists frequent.
— What policies would you pursue to build on up to 3 successes you see?
This isn't a policy, but we need to continue developing the waterway area with the proposed shopping, restaurants/bars and nightlife that locals can easily access and enjoy year-round and won't have to travel to Mobile or Pensacola to enjoy. The project was started but is incomplete. When finished, it will bring new jobs, revenue and more excitement for everyone.
If the city got a $5 million unrestricted grant, how would you want to spend it?
Take care of or repair immediate roadways, bridges and minor street issues and then invest in bringing more trade schools of even developing more local farming areas that produce not only jobs but healthier food products and take big government out of our food supplies while putting the revenue and health back into local hands.
Are you actively involved in the community?
Yes. I coach multiple sports throughout the year and work with many different youth and parents. I also involve my talented students by encouraging them to display, sell and expose our artwork in local businesses and community events.
JOE GARRIS JR.
Have you run for political office before?
I have been on Gulf Shores City Council for 21 years.
How long have you lived in the city?
I have lived in Gulf Shores for 66 years.
Current job/profession:
I ran a charter boat business for 50+ years and retired this year.
What is your vision for Gulf Shores over the next four years if you're elected?
To finish projects we have going now. And get started on County Road 8 park and fire station and finish 4th street bridge.
How do you intend to make that vision come to fruition? (2 parts)
— What policies would you pursue to improve on up to 3 challenges/ concerns you see in Gulf Shores?
— What policies would you pursue to build on up to 3 successes you see?
To accomplish my vision, we need to make the 4th street bridge a priority over everything else. The County Road 8 park needs to be started in 2026. We have the plans and the money budgeted to start this project. Meet with the rest of the council and get them on board. And then get finance committee on board with the project, then get the money budgeted.
If the city got a $5 million unrestricted grant, how would you want to spend it?
If we get 5 million in unrestricted grant, finish 4th street bridge with the rest of the money put it into the county road park (the walking trails and the development of lake and open spaces).
Are you actively involved in the community?
With my charter boat business, I worked long hours. I didn't have much time to get in involved. Unless we had a storm, then I had off so I would help people who needed help cleaning driveways and road with my saws. I was on the Gulf Shores volunteer fire department for 20 years. When I was younger, I also served on the airport board. I chair the rec department for the city, and I'm on the Chamber board.
RUSSELL JOHNSON
Have you run for political office before?
Yes, I ran and was elected for city council of Robertsdale in 2020.
How long have you lived in the city?
I have lived in Robertsdale 16 years. My wife and I moved to Robertsdale shortly after graduating college.
Current job/profession:
Currently, my wife and I own and operate Sweet Home Coffee in Robertsdale, and I am also a city council member for Robertsdale.
What is your vision for Robertsdale over the next four years if you're elected?
Over the next four years, I want to make Robertsdale a place where the citizens don't just sleep here, but can and want to play, shop and stay here. I want it to be the best it can be.
How do you intend to make that vision come to fruition? (2 parts)
− What policies would you pursue to improve on up to 3 challenges/concerns you see in Robertsdale?
Incentivize and recruit wanted and needed business.
Make downtown easily accessible.
Fix the sewage and drainage concerns.
− What policies would you pursue to build on up to 3 successes you see?
Increase and update park and sports facilities.
Update and beautify downtown.
Increase our resources for our police and fire departments.
If the city got a $5 million unrestricted grant, how would you want to spend it?
Update sewage and drainage for areas that regularly flood. Increase our resources for our police and fire departments. Update and expand park facilities.
Are you actively involved in the community?
Through Sweet Home I am involved in many local events in our community, including the honeybee festival, school events and local fundraisers. My family and I attend 3 Circle Church in Robertsdale, in which we serve regularly through worship music and our youth group. We shop here, eat here and hope to be able to do more so in the coming years.
Ruthie Campbell did not participate.
ADAM MANNING
Have you run for political office before?
No
How long have you lived in the city?
10 years within the city limits and another nine years just outside the city limits.
Current job/profession:
Certified public accountant. Owner/ Partner of Green, Neuschwander & Manning LLC, a CPA firm.
What is your vision for Robertsdale over the next four years if you're elected?
I would like to see Robertsdale have responsible growth that fits our city's character to allow our community to have more resources for our citizens.
How do you intend to make that vision come to fruition? (2 parts)
− What policies would you pursue to improve on up to 3 challenges/concerns you see in Robertsdale?
Reduce regulations to attract new business to Robertsdale.
Invest in infrastructure upgrades that support both current and future growth.
Preserve our community character while managing growth. Encourage community involvement in planning decisions to be sure the voices of our residents are heard.
− What policies would you pursue to build on up to 3 successes you see?
Infrastructure: I would prioritize continuing improvements in infrastructure to support new business and development without burdening existing neighborhoods.
Downtown revitalization and growth: I would like to expand incentives for local businesses and support beautification projects to our downtown area.
Invest in fire and police: I would work to ensure as we grow our investment in Police and Fire grows to maintain appropriate staffing and training.
If the city got a $5 million unrestricted grant, how would you want to spend it?
Attract new businesses.
Invest in infrastructure.
Prepare a feasibility study for a community recreation center/pool.
I recommend we use a portion of this grant to incentivize new businesses to come to Robertsdale. By offering targeted incentives, improving infrastructure in commercial areas and marketing our city's strengths, we can attract employers who will provide jobs and generate new revenues. This will help us build a more resilient local economy and ensure long-term prosperity for our residents. By using the grant to attract new businesses and strengthen our infrastructure, we can create a cycle of growth that funds future projects and improves life for all residents. We could use part of the grant to conduct a feasibility study and begin planning for a recreation center. This would allow us to position ourselves to pursue additional funding and partnerships in the future. Ultimately, the revenues generated by new businesses could help support the ongoing costs of a recreation center, making it a sustainable reality.
This approach ensures that Robertsdale thrives — not just today, but for generations to come.
Are you actively involved in the community?
Founding and current board member of RHS Soccer Booster Club Inc. Board member of my church. Supporter of RHS sporting events and fund-raising events.
Beth Lores Robinson did not participate.
