Malia Riggs
Elmore Autauga News
The Prattville City Council District 1 race has come to an end. The Council has appointed Russell Sanders to the District 1 seat after weeks of battling seven other candidates for the position.
The District 1 seat was formerly held by long-time councilman Albert Striplin, who was serving his third term on the council at the time of his passing in late August of this year. The vacancy was declared by the City Council at the September 17 council meeting.
The appointment will be for the remainder of Striplin’s term, which is less than a year. The municipal elections for the City of Prattville for all City Council seats are set for summer of 2025.
Sanders addressed the council and stated that he looks forward to working with everyone on the council once he is sworn in. Sanders also thanked the council for putting their faith in him to help move Prattville forward.
“There were a lot of nerves tonight, and I had no idea which way the council was going to go. I was shocked and excited when my name was read tonight. But I’m here for my constituents. I may not be able to fix everything myself but I’m definitely working for them. I’m excited and ready to get to work,” Sanders said.
Sanders stated that his constituents can reach him at 334-303-2420 until he has official contact information through the City of Prattville.
Councilwoman and Council President Lora Lee Boone confirmed that Sanders will be sworn in at the next City Council meeting on Nov. 19 of this month.
Prattville Mayor Bill Gillespie along with other council members stated that it was an impossible decision, as each candidate brought something to the table to better the Prattville community. The council members and Gillespie commended the candidates and thanked them for their participation.
The other seven candidates consisted of Kenneth Burton, Mellissa Strickland, Donald Johnson Jr., Wesley Greene, Christopher “Wayne” Mackey, Ell White II and George Pickett.
