CULLMAN – The City of Cullman’s municipal election will be held on August 23, where voters will choose to either keep the current city leadership in place or replace the members of the current city school board, city council and mayor’s office with new members.
The city is governed by a mayor and five-member city council who all work together to provide leadership and direction to Cullman.
The mayor’s job description is extensive and encompasses decision making and management of all of the city’s departments and associated agencies. Sitting as the executive officer of the city, the mayor is charged with preparing annual budgets, negotiating all contracts and giving recommendations and communicating effectively with the city council.
Mayor Max A. Townson was elected for his first term in 2008 and is nearing the end of his second four-year term. Townson has already announced his plan to run for reelection.
The five positions on the five-member city council will also be up for election on August 23. Council member Johnny Cook of the public works standing committee has announced his bid for reelection as has Coach Andy Page of the public safety committee. The remaining council members are expected to follow suit in the near future. Those members include Clint Hollingsworth of the tourism committee, City Council President Pro-Tem Jenny Folsom of the general government committee and Council President Garlan Gudger of the utilities standing committee.
Serving the citizens as the legislative branch of local government, the Cullman City Council issues ordinances and resolutions that provide policies to govern the city. Their additional duties include awarding contracts, decisions on city real estate, confirming the mayor’s appointments and adopting the budget and bond appropriations.
All of the Cullman City School Board positions are to be decided on in August as well, including offices held by Board President Jason Neal, Board Vice President Steve Sides, Kim Addison, Suzanne Harbin and Brenda Howell.
If interested in running for any of the available positions, a tentative candidate must qualify at the City Clerk’s office at City Hall between July 5 and July 19, when the qualifying window closes at 5 p.m. The prospective candidate must be a qualified voter who has resided in the city of Cullman for a minimum of 90 days prior to the election.
Cullman City Hall is located at 204 Second Ave. NE and the office number is 256-775-7109.
