Voters in Montgomery go to the polls today to elect a new major in today’s runoff mayoral election between Montgomery County Probate Judge Steven Reed and businessman David Woods.
There are also city council runoffs in three seats.
The polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.
“There already is great interest the 2020 presidential election. It garners the majority of the “water cooler” talk.” S\said noted Montgomery politico former State Representative Perry O. Hooper Jr. “Congress and the state legislature enact major laws. Yet Montgomery’s Mayor along with the city council make decisions that affect everyday life — From police and fire protection, local taxes, garbage pickup, to more sidewalks and parks, to permits for home construction and remodeling. Locations where traffic lights are placed, which streets are re-paved, residential speed limits, and zoning issues are also under the city’s purview. The Mayor and City Council leaders are the major driver of Montgomery’s overall reputation.”
Despite this just 37 percent of registered voters in Montgomery went to the polls in August.
“Voting is easy,” Hooper said. “Polls are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm. If you need transportation to the polls just call the headquarters of either one of the candidates in the run-off for mayor and they will arrange transportation.”
Hooper told the Alabama Political Reporter that, “There were obvious glitches in the system during the election in August,” but that Secretary of State John Merrill (R) has assured voters that his team will be monitoring this election to assure that those mistakes are not repeated.
“I am running for Mayor because I believe that it is time for a new generation of leadership,” Judge Reed said. “To me good leadership means being a mayor for all of the neighborhoods. When we implement that vision around public education, public safety, job recruitment, expanding opportunities to live, learn, and earn; we will be a city that is not just ready to survive; but that is willing to thrive. We deserve a city that is ready for the future and that future starts right now.”
Reed is the son of legendary politician Joe Reed.
“Montgomery is a great city, yet we also have great challenges,” David Woods said. “Education. Crime. Jobs. Montgomery’s next mayor needs to have the heart and experience to tackle them. We need someone who is invested in Montgomery, will make tough decisions, and has a history of success in helping other people succeed.”
Woods is a businessman and broadcaster who owns TV stations, including the Montgomery area Fox affiliate.
Incumbent Mayor Todd Strange is not seeking re-election.
“On October 8th there is a run-of election for Mayor and 3 City Council Seats,” Hooper said. “This is your chance to shape the direction of Montgomery for the next four years – please don’t pass up this opportunity.”
Voters must bring a valid photo ID with them to the polls in order to participate in any Alabama election.
Montgomery was founded in 1819. It was made the Alabama State Capital in 1846. The City is legendary for its role as the first capitol of the Confederacy and for the role that it played in the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and 1960s.
