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Staff photos.
Trussville’s general election is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 26.
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Change is coming to Trussville — and on Aug. 26, voters will decide who leads it, and what it looks like.
For the first time in nearly a decade, the mayor’s office is open, and three experienced candidates are vying to replace outgoing Mayor Buddy Choat and set the course for the city’s future. Each brings a different approach to Trussville’s biggest challenges: managing growth, relieving pressure on schools and infrastructure, and restoring trust in city government.
The three candidates — current councilors Lisa Bright and Ben Short, and Jefferson County Tax Collector J.T. Smallwood — each frame their campaigns around their experience and their vision for Trussville’s next chapter.
Bright points to her nearly five years on the council and leadership roles in city and state organizations as proof she’s ready to lead. “My vision is for Trussville to continue being the community we all love — a place with that same small-town feel, excellent schools, thriving local businesses, fluid infrastructure, walkability, and most importantly, a safe and welcoming environment where families can feel safe,” she said.
Short emphasizes his experience as both a city employee and small business owner, describing himself as someone who can bring operational efficiency and better communication to city hall. “My firsthand experience in local governance equips me with unique insights into operational efficiencies,” he said. “We must address the distribution model of (online sales tax) if we want to tackle our most pressing issues, which are our roads and school capacity.”
Smallwood casts himself as a reform candidate, running on a platform of fiscal discipline and transparency. He sharply criticizes the current council for what he calls unacceptable mismanagement, citing the city’s downgraded bond rating and what he calls a lack of disclosure about debt. “Regaining the trust and confidence of the citizens and keeping them apprised of our financial predicament is foremost,” he said. “We must balance the budget, build reserves and support the Trussville school system with their needs.”
All three identified growth and its impact as the city’s most pressing challenge.
On specific initiatives, Bright said, “I have five key initiatives: first responders, Trussville City Schools, economic development, infrastructure and communications. Among these, economic development is the key initiative I intend to champion. I will advocate for bringing in an economic developer that will recruit businesses with high-wage jobs.”
Short promises more transparency into city business.
“One key initiative I will champion is enhancing the accessibility of information for our citizens,” he said. “On day one, I will prioritize the timely distribution of data regarding council meetings, planning and zoning. By leveraging technology, we can provide easier access to crucial information, empowering residents and reducing misinformation.”
Beyond his prioritization of fiscal responsibility, Smallwood sees opportunity to improve the city’s approach to schools and the environment.
“I would work on securing the building site and state funding for our school children’s needs,” he said. “Closing the City of Birmingham eastern area landfill is also a priority, which will protect our vital and strategic water source and help clean the air around Cahaba Elementary and the Magnolia and Glenn Cross neighborhoods.”
Council races also reflect these same themes, with candidates in all five places pointing to growth, schools, fiscal discipline, transparency and trust as priorities in their responses to Cahaba Sun.
Four of the five council seats are contested. In Place 1, Ben Horton faces Wayne Taylor. In Place 3, incumbent Jaime Melton Anderson is challenged by Leslee Hughes. Place 4 pits James Miller against Mildred Reed, and Place 5 features a race between Anthony Montalto and Kimberly Farr. Place 2 will be filled by Brian Jackson, who is unopposed.
Voters will go to the polls Tuesday, Aug. 26, with a runoff, if needed, set for Sept. 23.
