(If you have followed my Alabama Covid Newsletter, then you know I haven’t ventured beyond the general subject of Covid-19 for over three years. To the extent I have touched on politics, I felt it was unavoidable in order to address the national and local politicization of the pandemic and its many consequences. I’ve decided to make an exception today because I have a friend running for political office in Alabama for the first time and he deserves my support. I also believe he has a legitimate chance to win. Good government begins at the local level and I am delighted that my friend David Silverstein is willing to do his part to improve local government. So, if you are a resident in District 5 of Jefferson County, Alabama (see link to map below), please consider this.)
SPECIAL ELECTION SCHEDULED IN JEFFERSON COUNTY, ALABAMA - JULY 18
On Tuesday July 18, barely two weeks from now, Jefferson County voters will have the rare opportunity to make a difference for generations to come. If you are frustrated that the Birmingham metro area is being left behind in economic development compared to cities like Nashville, Charlotte, and even Huntsville, then you can do something about it. If you want your children to have more job opportunities waiting for them back home after they finish their education, then listen up.
On July 18, a special election will take place to fill a vacancy on the Jefferson County Commission in District 5, the district which includes Mountain Brook, Vestavia Hills, most of Homewood, parts of Hoover, and certain unincorporated parts of the County all the way to Leeds (view map of District 5 here: Jeff Co Commission D5 Map). This is the Commission seat that oversees economic development for the County. It is a nonpartisan election and we need someone to fill the seat who has the experience, the desire, and the vision to lead Jefferson County to its rightful place in our region.
We have that candidate in my friend David Silverstein, who has over 25 years of experience directing successful development efforts and financing for critical projects such as The Summit, Cahaba Village and The Pizitz. As County Commissioner, David will put his knowledge and energy to work for all of us who live and work in Jefferson County.
Born and raised in this County, David has devoted his life to making our home a better place. He has served as president of the Alabama Chapters of the American Heart Association and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, and he currently sits on the board of directors for Ascension Alabama, the Red Mountain Theater Company and the Alabama Holocaust Education Center. Married to the former Susan Tilson, David is the father of five children and grandfather of thirteen.
Please VOTE for our future on July 18. And share this information with your neighbors.
Many thanks for your consideration.
Frank McPhillips
IMPORTANT DETAILS ABOUT THE ELECTION:
ABSENTEE VOTING
If you cannot vote in person on July 18, absentee voting is available, but you must hurry.
The best and easiest option is to go to the 5th floor of the Jefferson County Courthouse and vote in person from 8-5 between now and the 13th.
The other option is to mail an absentee application and the ballot will be mailed to you.
If voting in person, print out the application available at this site and bring your ID to the downtown Courthouse. If mailing, mail the application and a copy of your driver's license to the address at the top right of the application…IMPORTANT: ONLY ONE APPLICATION PER ENVELOPE.
IF VOTING IN PERSON ON JULY 18
There are 5 polling places in the county that will not be available. See those five below and if you are impacted, go to the alternative site.
Hoover Senior Center is under renovation, so those persons will vote at Hoover Recreation Center, which is basically next door. Fullness Christian Fellowship is hosting Vacation Bible School; its voters will cast their ballots at Shades Mountain Community Church.
Mountain Brook Community Church is also having Vacation Bible School. Those voters will vote at Cahaba Heights Baptist Church. Edgewood Elementary School is undergoing a lot of renovations this summer. Those residents are going to vote at Homewood Library.
Each voter affected by the above changes received a card from the Board of Registrars, telling them where to vote in the special election.