Editor:

I am having a difficult time responding to Sheila Banko’s letter to the editor dated Sept. 24. She really wants change but what kind of change? Her current favorite candidate, Dean Mosher, replaced her first-choice candidate who was ousted in the general election. She said she was excited about seeing so many voters the first time around, but only about half of Fairhope’s registered voters actually participated the first time around. I would like to see a large turnout on Oct. 7, maybe 8,000 or 9,000 voters!

Mrs. Banko refers to a political machine in her letter. Perhaps she is not aware that the city of Fairhope now operates under a “weak mayor” system, and the city council has the power under this system, not the mayor.

My wife and I moved to Fairhope 19 years ago. Like many other residents, we were drawn to the beauty and charm of Fairhope. Tim Kant is a big part of the success of Fairhope. He has been a dedicated employee of the city for 25 years!

He has been a true leader during natural disasters, such as Hurricanes Allison, Dennis, Katrina, and Ivan. The awards and accomplishments under Tim Kant’s administration are too numerous to completely list, but I will highlight a few of them for you: 2008 Distinguished Leadership award from the Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association, numerous beautification awards, major improvements at the city airport, a new Justice Center, a new library, a new indoor swimming pool and two new outdoor swimming pools, a new tennis center and walking track, a new city Recreation Center and expanded gym, a skate park, the Municipal Pier reopened after extensive hurricane damage, upgrades to the utility and sewer systems, sewer department’s state award for Best Operated plant, a new water well, a new walking and picnic area at the Fairhope beachfront pavilion, many new sidewalks, a reverse 911 system to notify residents in an emergency and automated garbage service two times a week.

Which of these improvements and accomplishments would Mrs. Banko like to change?

Vote to Keep Kant on Oct. 7!

Fairhope resident