Realtors endorse candidates in county elections

It’s an election year, and our televisions have been flooded with endless political messages for congressional, gubernatorial and state legislature campaigns. As voters decide who to support in primary elections on May 24, they will also have the chance to pull the lever for candidates in local races.

In advance of primary elections next month, the Huntsville Area Association of REALTORS (HAAR) announced the association’s endorsements of candidates for Madison County Schools superintendent, School Board District 5 and sheriff.

“We’re not the red or blue party, we’re the Realtor Party. No matter a candidate’s political affiliation, our association looks to support Realtor Champions who will stand for private property rights and the American Dream of owning a home,” said HAAR president Isaac Winkles. “While we are proud to support these candidates, we know that it is a serious personal sacrifice to run for public office and we are grateful to all candidates for volunteering to make our community a better place.”

MADISON COUNTY SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT

Current Madison County Schools Superintendent Allen Perkins was appointed to the position in November 2019 and is not running for a full term. At Wednesday’s State of the Schools event, Perkins was praised effusively by fellow superintendents Christine Finley (Huntsville City Schools) and Dr. Ed Nichols (Madison City Schools) for his dedication to local education and creating opportunity for the community’s future local leaders.

For the county’s next superintendent, HAAR is supporting Sparkman High School principal Chris Shaw.

“His experience is invaluable at a time when issues need to be addressed like building school infrastructure, attracting quality instructors to the workforce, and improving classroom technology,” Winkles said.

Shaw’s opponent is Ken Kubik, who currently serves as the director of personnel for Madison County Schools.

MADISON COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 5

The county school board has two seats up this year, and neither incumbent is running for reelection. For the District 5 seat, HAAR supports Jaylen Cotton.

“Cotton will bring a fresh and explosive voice to the board and make an immediate impact. While inexperienced, he has already put in the work to understand the processes of public service and has the ability to strengthen communications between administrators, teachers and students,” said Winkles.

Cotton is running against military veteran and Monrovia Middle School math teacher Bill Byrd, who has taught for 25 years.

MADISON COUNTY SHERIFF

Although incumbent county sheriff Kevin Turner is running for reelection unopposed in both the primary and general elections, the local Realtors association stressed the importance of supporting the local sheriff in their endorsement.

“Safe communities create options for home buyers and build financial security for those looking to sell. The real estate industry and our economy depend a great deal on responsible law enforcement, specifically in unincorporated areas of the county. Sheriff Turner has operated his office with distinction and will provide consistent community service in his second term,” Winkles stated.

MORE UPCOMING LOCAL RACES

HAAR did not yet endorse a candidate for Madison County School Board, District 4. That race will be decided on November 8 in the general election between Democrat Shatika Armstrong and Republican Heath Jones.

The local Realtors association mentioned it would likely endorse in this race as well in upcoming Huntsville municipal elections for city council and school board, which take place on Tuesday August 23. There are no Madison City elections in 2022.

Madison County Probate Judge Frank Barger’s office maintains a comprehensive voter resource website at www.MadisonCountyVotes.com. The site includes sample ballots, absentee voting assistance and more. County residents can check their voter registration or find their pulling place at the Alabama Secretary of State’s website.

DATES TO KNOW FOR MAY 24 PRIMARY ELECTIONS

HAAR endorses candidates in Madison County, Huntsville City and Madison City elections only. Candidates for state office are evaluated by the Alabama Association of Realtors, and federal races are handled by the National Association of Realtors.

Founded in 1948, the Huntsville Area Association of Realtors is a 3,100-member organization of real estate professionals engaged in every aspect of the industry, including residential/commercial sales and leasing, appraisal, and more.