FROM STAFF REPORTS

HELENA–After a successful term as Helena City Council President, Cris Nelson announced her plans to run for re-election for Place 3 of the Helena City Council.

Nelson was first appointed in 2008 to fill a vacancy on the Helena City Council, has been re-elected twice and currently serves as council president.

“I have taken my responsibilities as your city representative very seriously and worked during my terms to ensure your voice has been heard with our city leaders,” said Nelson. “There is still so much to accomplish so I am asking for your support to continue working for the citizens of Helena four more years.”

“I believe that my small business background in accounting, construction and commercial real estate has been vital in working on new development projects and developing a balanced budget for the city of Helena,” said Nelson. “I am also an Advanced Certified Municipal Official, Certified Alabama Planning and Zoning Official and serve on the CED and Executive Committees for the Alabama League of Municipalities. This experience has been invaluable in making strategic growth decisions for the city.”

Small business owner Brett Winford of Authentic Building Company LLC said, “Cris’s background and leadership has helped create an environment for small businesses to grow. During the last four years Helena has really turned the corner from the recession. I attribute that, in a large part, to our city leaders’ commitment to low taxes and a business-friendly environment.”

“Cris has proven her commitment to the city of Helena,” said Jack Gray. “She has gone above and beyond to learn the best practices of city government and used that experience to make good decisions for the city. She didn’t have to do that; she wanted to.”

Nelson has also given her time and talents as a volunteer since 2003.

“As a Buck Creek Festival committee member, I’ve helped bring over $240,000 to charitable groups in our community,” said Nelson. “Volunteering at Movies in the Park has also contributed almost $14,000 in new playground equipment for the Amphitheater Park and Helena Market Days has become one of the premier farmers markets in the area, serving as a model to other markets nearby. I am proud to have played a part in their success.”

“After getting to know Cris through the Buck Creek Festival, Movies in the Park and Helena Market Days, she has proven that she is willing to put in the time and the sweat equity to help make Helena a place we can be proud to call home,” said Bob Van Loan.

Cris Nelson has been a resident of Helena and small business owner for 35 years. Cris is married to her husband Tommy of 35 years, and has two adult sons, Michael and Jeffrey Brandy and one granddaughter, Ryleigh.