Bartlett close to a decision; Strong set for a committee step-up; a new Athens candidate; and more in this week’s OTR

Off The Record: The latest rumors and rumblings in North Alabama

Bartlett decision coming soon?

City Council Member Ranae Bartlett is reportedly closer to announcing her decision on a run for Mayor of Madison.  Current Mayor Paul Finley announced last month he will not be seeking reelection after three nonconsecutive terms.  Insiders say Bartlett, who also serves as the Executive Director of U.S. Chess, is expected to make an announcement after the beginning of the year.  A possible Bartlett campaign has seemingly cleared the field as no candidates have announced at this point.  However, there are reportedly a couple of potential candidates waiting in the wings if a Bartlett campaign doesn’t materialize.

Strong rumored for powerful committee

There are rumblings in Washington that Congressman Dale Strong might be in for a committee assignment upgrade. Word is that he has been working for months to secure a spot on the exclusive and influential Appropriations Committee. This would be a big win for north Alabama as all federal funding for Redstone, NASA and the FBI run through that committee. Stay tuned as an announcement could be made in the coming days.

‘Highly respected’ candidate in Athens

Rumors in Athens are running rampant that a “high ranking” city employee is gearing up for a City Council run.  No one has officially qualified but we are told the potential candidate is highly respected in Athens and Limestone County. District 2 City Councilman Harold Wales is not expected to seek reelection. The 81-year-old has served in the seat since 2004.  

Madison Community Center opening

The Madison Community Center is set to officially open with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Jan. 9. The 34,000 square-foot community center will house the city’s Meals on Wheels program, meeting rooms, arts and craft spaces, a music room, and a multi-use gym for Madison’s special needs community.  The 30-acre site also includes an outdoor performance area and a community garden. Last January, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians awarded a $250,000 grant to support construction of a senior wing of the Madison Community Center.