Why I Am Running & My Platform

Hartselle deserves a choice, and elections are vital for community progress. They spark important conversations and reflections on our shared future. As neighbors in this special town we cherish, we recognize Hartselle's immense potential. However, achieving our collective vision demands a fresh approach to leadership.

My administrative and team-building abilities, developed by over 25 years in corporate and non-profit sectors, have readied me to serve our community. I have demonstrated my leadership skills to Hartselle through my 4 years as the President and CEO of the Hartselle Chamber.  By nature, I am a builder. I gather people and resources to bring results and positive change. I possess the necessary talent, experience, and calling to excel in this role.

The moment for change is now. My family's return to Hartselle signifies our commitment to its rich history and exciting future. My experiences within Hartselle City Schools and the Chamber have deepened community ties across various sectors. My training in Economic Development further equips me. Beyond this preparation, Hartselle requires new, dynamic leadership, and I am prepared to answer that call with the full support of my family.

I humbly ask for your vote on August 26th.

The Role of Mayor:

As Mayor, I will put Hartselle first. I will serve as the voice of Hartselle, collaborating with the City Council and city staff to establish management priorities. In partnership with allied organizations and volunteers, I am committed to achieving positive outcomes for Hartselle by leading, inspiring, and guiding others toward community improvement.

I understand the trust and honor associated with this office and am enthusiastic about fulfilling its responsibilities. Drawing upon my experience, I will provide leadership with foresight, resolve, and a commitment to accountability.

My Top Priorities for Hartselle:

1. Open and responsive government: City government must consistently operate with transparency, encourage public involvement, and address feedback. I will lead with openness and accessibility.  You are my customer and I work for you!

2. Strategic Growth: My focus is on continuous improvement and leveraging Hartselle's unique position in North Alabama, with its direct access to I-65. I will pursue balanced development that preserves Hartselle's distinctive charm. I will collaborate with the many organizations in our area such as the Morgan County EDA, the Hartselle Area Chamber, the Hartselle for Tomorrow Foundation, the Morgan County Commission, and legislators to accomplish strategic growth goals.

3. Infrastructure: With a focus on a team approach, I will aggressively invest in long-range planning for the maintenance and improvement of our roads.

4. Parks & Recreation: I will enhance our Park & Recreation facilities and programs to improve the quality of life for our residents, attract tourists, and cater to our family-first community.

The Full “Missy for Mayor” Platform:

My goal is for Hartselle to be a place of peaceful living, achieved through efficient, reliable city services like roads, schools, and public utilities. This requires proactive maintenance of infrastructure, ongoing support for our school system, and the integration of modern technology within our community. By keeping pace with the evolving 21st-century landscape, we can prevent our city from becoming stagnant.  These are my positions on issues that matter to our community:

• Keep our neighborhoods and commercial areas safe. Hartselle's safe environment demonstrates a dedication to community policing, code enforcement, and a robust Public Works Department. The maintenance of these essential functions of the City will be a priority and delivered with courtesy, professionalism, and fairness.

• Ensure the strength and stability of our schools.  Hartselle City Schools are the pride of our community.  Their strong state-wide, and national standing provide the backbone for our economy.  We must invest in our school system to support its ability to continue to provide outstanding academic and extracurricular success for students.

• Sound fiscal management with investments in strategic growth. Hartselle's strong financial standing allows for strategic investments that will drive the city's progress. Realizing this vision requires collaboration among state and local officials, as well as a unified effort between the Mayor's office and the City Council to create forward-thinking investment plans for Hartselle's future.

• Economic development and jobs in the city. We must continue to build our local economy and create job opportunities in Hartselle by attracting industry and making it easy for small businesses to start and do business. Partnering with our local schools, with our chamber of commerce, and our economic development association, we can create pathways to supply our local needs and attract new industry.

• Responsible approaches to growth. Growth is essential for Hartselle’s future. However, preserving the existing "Quality of Life" for current residents, prospective newcomers, and businesses is just as critical. I believe our duty is to find a balance between these two important objectives for the overall well-being of our community.

• Improve our city as a tourist destination. To enhance Hartselle's appeal, we will leverage existing assets such as our Historic Downtown, and improve Sparkman Park's sports tourism opportunities. By developing the necessary visitor infrastructure like hotels and restaurants, we can invite more people to experience our Southern Hospitality.

• Attract more local access to quality healthcare. Local healthcare options increase the availability, quality, and accessibility of medical services to our community. We will work with our local healthcare partners to better access a wider range of treatment options right here in Hartselle.