By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— Pelham City Councilman Maurice Mercer, who first took office in 2012, announced he is campaigning for re-election in the August 2016 municipal election.

“I am running for re-election to continue to serve the citizens of Pelham,” Mercer said in a March 10 interview. “It has always been my joy to help others and be a person that people can look to for solutions and for help.”

Mercer said he finds it rewarding to receive calls from residents with concerns and issues, as well as having the opportunity to help solve problems in the community.

Over the past four years, Mercer highlighted several projects the council was involved in that he said were particularly impactful for Pelham. Coining Pelham as the “Perfect place to play and stay” is one of the notable changes, he said.

“The last election cycle, the residents voiced concerns with not having activities an things they could do here in Pelham,” Mercer said.

The implementation of events, such as Pelham Palooza and the Taste of Pelham, has given residents the opportunity to enjoy activities within the city. Those events also give local businesses the chance to showcase their work, Mercer said.

Other highlights include the new addition to the senior center, plans for a new library location and the implementation of a moratorium on certain types of businesses.

Mercer said if voters want to continue this momentum the current council has achieved in Pelham, he feels confident his experience will be beneficial.

“Anytime you are elected to a new position, nothing prepares you better for the position than having currently served on it,” he said. “The training from the Alabama league of municipalities  from working with neighboring cities and neighboring officials to get things done, I think it has continued to prepare me for the current position.”

Mercer moved to Pelham in 2005, and in those years, Mercer married his wife Amanda, and started a family. Amanda currently works as an administrator in Jefferson County.

Together they have two daughters: Emma, who will start at the new elementary school in the fall, and 1-year-old Kathryn.

Mercer is founder of Kats, Inc., a delivery company in Shelby County offering prepared food delivery and grocery deliver. He is also a franchisee owner of two Sears Hometown and Outlet Stores in North Alabama.

For more information, visit Mercerm.com or Facebook.com/Maurice-Mercer-Pelham-City-Councilman.