Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
For Mercer, serving in the Town of Elmore City Council is not about making history. It is about honoring history.
At just 20 years old, she is among the youngest to hold an elected office position in Elmore County. But in many ways, her path to public service was years in the making, shaped by a family whose roots in Elmore stretch back more than a century.
“My family has lived in the Elmore community for over a hundred years,” Mercer said. “When an opportunity came up for me to serve in the capacity of a town council member, I thought it was a great opportunity to continue the family tradition of giving back to our community.”
Mercer works in her family’s business, which has served the area for more than 35 years, and she said community involvement has always been part of everyday life. From stories about her great-grandfather helping establish the Elmore Water System to watching relatives support volunteer fire departments and civic organizations, she grew up seeing service as both a responsibility and a privilege.
“I think it is very important that in order to be a benefit to your community you must be willing to give back and work to leave this place better than you found it,” Mercer said.
That sense of stewardship guides Mercer as she helps lead the town during a period of rapid growth across Elmore County.
“I am glad I have the opportunity to serve in this role during a time where so many parts of our county are experiencing very rapid growth to include the Town of Elmore,” Mercer said.
While she welcomes the opportunities that growth can bring, Mercer said preserving Elmore’s small-town character remains a top priority.
“While we want to embrace the benefits that growth can bring to a community, I also want to be able to merge that effort with working to maintain the small-town environment that we have always had in Elmore,” she said.
Mercer said she and fellow town leaders are focused on continuing the progress made by previous administrations. Among the projects she is most excited about is the community center currently under construction, which she believes will become a hub for residents and families.
She also hopes to see beautification projects, seasonal festivals and continued attention to roads and infrastructure, improvements she believes will strengthen the quality of life for both longtime residents and newcomers.
“I believe the previous administration led by Mayor Margaret White did a great job in the improvements they made in the Town of Elmore and left us a good platform to build upon,” Mercer said.
Serving on the council has already broadened Mercer’s understanding of local government and sharpened leadership skills she uses both in public office and in the family business.
“Personally, I believe this experience will help me grow as a leader and strengthen my understanding of how important local government is to the citizens we serve,” Mercer said.
She hopes her journey also sends a message to other young people that they do not have to wait to make a difference.
Though Mercer is one of the youngest voices in elected office in Elmore County, her perspective is grounded in generations of community commitment.
As the town continues to grow, she hopes to help preserve the values that have long defined Elmore while ensuring the community remains a place where future generations will be proud to call home.
