By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Campaigning almost four years ago for the August 2012 municipal election, City Councilman Ron Scott said he remembers the issues pressing the minds of Pelham’s citizens.

Residents were concerned about Pelham’s schools, U.S. 31 and the appearance of its retail, the empty Moore-Handley building and the expansion of payday loan, check cashing and other related businesses.

As Scott announced his intent to run for re-election in August at the June 6 Council meeting, he expressed his pride in the current council’s accomplishments and the strides he’d take to continue making the city better.

“I’m delighted in what we have been able to do as a council, with the help of the mayor and the employees here in Pelham, to do something about our schools, take positive steps about the appearance of our main retail quarter, our finances,” Scott said.

In the past four years, Scott said he is most proud of the redevelopment of the old Moore-Handley warehouse into the corporate warehouse and showroom for Summer Classics.

He said the creation of Pelham City Schools was also an important milestone in his time on the City Council. While it was initially a challenge, Scott said PCS’s instruction is miles ahead of where it was, and the city is constructing two new schools.

With those accomplishments under his belt, Scott said he is turning his focus to retail recruitment and development. The passing of Sunday sales and the creation of Pelham’s Commercial Development Authority have given Pelham essential resources for growth, Scott said.

“I think it’s up to city officials to lead the way and make sure we have the amenities that people look for in a community,” Scott said. “I think we do an excellent job and have wonderful plans for parks, recreation. I just think the thing people are looking for now are some higher-end restaurants and higher-end retail.”

He said retail recruitment will be his focus for the next four years, as Pelham has everything necessary to attract businesses— available land, the ability as a city to make deals for commercial development and several banks ready to finance opportunities.

The hope is also to soon be hiring a full-time economic development director for the city, who would be well versed in recruiting and development, Scott said.

“I think there is much work left to be done. There are some challenges in the city,” Scott said. “I think we are on the cusp of becoming not just that community stuck between Alabaster and Hoover. I think we are on the cusp of becoming the premier municipality and neighborhood for people to move into and bring families to. I want to be a part of that.”