HUNTSVILLE, AL—
Voters in Huntsville and Scottsboro will cast ballots Tuesday in municipal elections. They will pick their candidate for various jobs, and decide specific issues in several city races. In Huntsville, many eyeballs are focused on the races for Huntsville City Council.Councilman Mark Russell says it only makes sense to vote. No one came forward in District 2 to challenge Russell this year. WHNT NEWS 19 asked him for his perspective of serving on the city council.
"I explain to most people that run, it's a part time job with full time worries," said Russell.
Russell should know. He's been representing Huntsville's District 2 on the city council for eight years.
"You worry about the city 24 hours a day, seven days a week," said Russell.
Russell serves as Huntsville City Council President. He's wrapping up his second term on the city's five-member legislative branch, and will now begin a third term.
Russell says anyone wanting to work as a city council member should take the time to recognize an obvious challenge.
"It's time management. For those of us who work, we want to make sure we schedule our work, and city council work at different times," added Russell.
Election officials also face a challenge. It's the push to get people to the polls during a municipal election. Municipal elections are known to have low voter turnout.
Russell says all residents should understand why their vote is important.
"It's not only a right that we have and should use it and enjoy it, but it is also the fact that city leaders set the tone for the whole city," added Russell.
Voters will decide who gets the two remaining seats in districts 3 and 4. District 3 council member Sandra Moon is retiring, so a new person will take her seat. Councilman Bill Kling is hoping to keep his District 4 seat.
Districts 1 and 5 are not up for election this year. They will come up next term.
