By Erik Harris
TRUSSVILLE – Another runner has entered the race to be Trussville’s next mayor.
Longtime Trussville resident and current city councilman Buddy Choat officially announced his candidacy on Tuesday morning.
“My decision to run for mayor of Trussville is based on a number of things, but none more important than to serve the residents of the community I love,” said Choat. “Our community is one of the most desired in the state. I have a vision for Trussville that will continue to make our city a place we can all call home with great pride.”
Choat has served on the Trussville City Council since 2008, and enjoyed a year as the council’s president from 2013-14. He currently serves as the council’s liaison to the Trussville Public Library and the Grow Trussville committee while also working on the Trussville Park and Recreation board and the Trussville Downtown Redevelopment Authority.
Choat, who has called Trussville “home” for 23 years, is married to Ginny Stodghill Choat. The two have been married for 42 years and have three children: Katie Choat Thompson, Will Choat and Molly Choat Flournoy.
The father of three and grandfather of five looks to take aim at the development of Trussville’s downtown should he become mayor.
“I am committed to continue to work hard on our downtown redevelopment project,” he said. “Currently, we have many pieces in place to make this plan even more of a reality. As a community, we need our downtown to prosper. We need to continue to support the current business owners that are there now and to build an infrastructure to support new businesses in the area.”
From an economic and educational standpoint, Choat has big plans for the city moving forward.
“I am particularly focused on bringing more economic development opportunities to the city of Trussville. I firmly believe that Trussville has a superb school system, first-class library, top-notch parks and recreation programs and other amenities that can attract more visitors to our great city,” Choat continued. “This will in turn provide increased revenues for our community. We have secured many events for this year that will bring visitors to our area, but there is always room for improvement. As mayor, one of my priorities will be to work with the Chamber of Commerce to bring more economic development opportunities and events to our city.”
Choat now joins Anthony Montalto in the upcoming electoral race.
“I’ve always listened to our citizens and welcomed their input when they’ve contacted me on issues that are important to them,” Choat said. “I look forward to meeting with even more residents in the coming months to discuss their desires for Trussville and will continue to work hard as one of your elected council members.”
Erik Harris is the Sports Editor for the Trussville Tribune. Follow him on Twitter @jeharris2 or email him at jmseharris2@gmail.com.