FROM STAFF REPORTS

Editor’s note: Shelby County Reporter sought comment from each of the candidates seeking a seat on the Hoover City Council. All responses received by press time are below. Check 280Reporter.com for updates.

Place 1

•Trey D. Lott (no response received as of press time)

• Curt Posey

I am a life-long Hoover resident who decided to run for city council because I wanted to see Hoover return to its roots and the principles that made Hoover a destination city. My campaign platform includes a comprehensive strategic and master plan for the city, increased funding for education, a revitalization movement for the city’s retail centers, expanded utilization of the Hoover Met and improved communication between city leaders and stakeholders through social media and webcasting. I am married to my wife of 13 years and am a father of two children who attend Bluff Park Elementary. Visit Curtposey.com to learn more about my campaign.

• Joe Rives (incumbent)

As a current member of the City Council, I am responsible to all 87,000 citizens of Hoover. I am not a single-issue candidate. I believe each citizen expects and should receive outstanding city services, i.e., fire and police protection, schools and library, public works, garbage pick-up, parks and recreation, seniors. My main job, working with the Mayor, other Council members, and the city departments, is to make sure you receive outstanding service in all areas while also being a very responsible steward of your tax dollars.

Place 2

•Gene Smith (i) (no response received as of press time)

• Sam Swiney

My family and I reside in the Bluff Park community of Hoover. I decided to run for Hoover City Council to address concerns I have seen throughout the city. My platform includes increasing funding for the Hoover City Schools, creation of a comprehensive city master plan, greater transparency from city leadership, providing full support to the public safety departments, and smart growth strategies when addressing new development. I have been married for nine years and have two sons, ages 5 and 3. My oldest son will start Hoover City Schools this fall. To learn more about my campaign, visit and like my Facebook page @samswineyhoovercitycouncil.

Place 3

•John Lyda (i)

It’s been an honor to serve on the Hoover City Council the past four years.  Planning for the future by creating economic sustainability, ensuring our award winning education system remains strong, and continuing to provide top quality public safety are cornerstones of my candidacy. The quality of life enjoyed by Hoover residents is second to none, and fostering a city environment that continues to attract visitors is vital to our long term success.  I invite you to visit my website at ElectJohnLyda.com to learn more about me and my candidacy and I humbly ask for your vote on Aug. 23.

•Arnold A. Singer (no response received as of press time)

Place 4

•Michael J. Holt

I have served the Hoover Boy Scouts for the last 14 years and I have been the Committee Chairman for the last 3 years. I have taught at ITT here locally for the last eight years trying to “pay it forward” to those that helped me along in my career as an electrical engineer. My main platforms start with a Master Plan, for which we the City of Hoover do not presently have. We need to know where we are headed in the next 5-10-20 years. Secondly, our School system is in need of more funding for which I support. For more information please visit my web site www.HoltForHoover.com.

•Mike Shaw

I have lived in Hoover for over 15 years with my wife Shelley Shaw. We have two children, Melodi, a senior at Spain Park and Canon, a sixth grader at Berry Middle School. My family and I are founding members of A2 Church in Hoover. I serve as SVP/CTO of Mutual Savings Credit Union. I bring with me a 20-plus year career in information technology and also hold a degree in public administration. I am a strong supporter of public schools and creating a long-term master plan for the city. For further information, visit ElectMikeShaw.com.

•Joel Smith (no response received as of press time)

Place 5

•Derrick Murphy

I have served the City of Hoover in multiple roles such as the Hoover Board of Zoning Adjustment, Charter Board Member of Hoover YMCA, creator of the Hoover City Dad Brigade and, most recently, Hoover Board of Education. I am also an engineer. Ensuring excellent schools, maintaining our standard of living excellence with regard to public safety, and keeping Hoover’s momentum with smart, sustainable growth will be my priorities as Hoover City Councilman.

•Dan Ellis

I am a longtime Hoover resident, businessman, and former President of the Hoover Chamber of Commerce. I am committed to preserving Hoover as the #1 place to live through strong & sustainable economic development, supporting our superior schools, and ensuring our Police, Fire and EMS personnel have the necessary resources to serve and protect our community. Colleen and I were married here 20 years ago and our children have only attended Hoover City Schools. Colleen is a substitute teacher and school nurse for HCS. I am honored to serve and ask for your vote for Place 5.

Place 6

•Jason DeLuca

I live in Green Valley with my wife April. I am currently the General Manager of the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Inverness. My experience leading Hilton and Marriott brand hotels has guided my decision-making skills in both financial and personnel matters. I am an active member of the Hoover-Metro Kiwanis Club and the Hoover Chamber of Commerce. If elected to serve on the Hoover City Council, I will work to financially stabilize our school system, increase transparency and engagement in the community with the city, and address your issues as they arise. For more information, visit JasonJDeLuca.com.

•Casey Middlebrooks

I have a BS in Criminal Justice, MA in Library & Information Sciences, and PhD in Educational Administration; I am the Librarian for Spain Park High School. My platform objectives are (1) Restore adequate funding to our schools, (2) create more transparency and community input, and (3) develop a community-driven strategic plan for city growth and development. I believe the city leadership should be made up of people from all walks of life and firmly believe that my 20 years of experience in the community and work in Hoover schools make me the best candidate for Hoover City Council Place 6.

Place 7

•John Greene (i) (no response received as of press time)

•Robin Schultz

I have been a Hoover resident for 27 years. My wife and I have put three children through the Hoover City School system and have a grandson currently enrolled. Having been involved in community issues for decades, I have spoken on behalf of residents at Board of Education and City Council meetings. And my website, bluffparkal.org, focuses on local issues and works with city leaders on addressing them. I believe that school funding, public safety and infrastructure are budgetary priorities. And I strongly believe that Hoover (like most cities) should have a Master Plan. Find out more about me at robinforhoover.com.