Fairhope man announces bid for city council seat after citizens’ voices reportedly go unheard

Fairhope resident Troy Vickers has announced his candidacy for the municipality’s City Council, seeking the Place 1 seat currently held by incumbent Jack Burrell. Vickers, who moved to Fairhope in 2022 with his wife, Diane, said his background as a civil engineer and his experiences as a citizen motivated him to enter the race.

Vickers told 1819 News that after attending council meetings and speaking up about infrastructure concerns, he felt city leaders were not listening to residents.

“I was at one council meeting and walked out feeling like I had really been ignored as a citizen,” Vickers stated. “Nobody should ever be treated that way.”

He said he was encouraged by others to run for office and decided it was important to give citizens a voice.

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Originally from Mississippi, Vickers earned a degree in civil engineering from Mississippi State University and has worked in environmental compliance, infrastructure, and project management. He is a licensed professional engineer in Alabama and several other states, and runs his own consulting firm. He said his professional experience with large-scale projects and regulatory compliance would help the city address challenges tied to its growth. He cited Fairhope’s population growth and recent infrastructure strains, including a water ban, as examples of issues that need to be addressed.

Vickers said his campaign priorities include improving infrastructure, maintaining the city’s historic character and charm, supporting responsible budgeting, and ensuring that growth is managed thoughtfully. He also said he wants to focus on public safety, protecting Mobile Bay, and keeping the “vibe” of Fairhope’s downtown intact. He and his wife are members of 3 Circle Church, and he is also active in the Fairhope Arts Center, Theater 98, and Mobile Baykeeper.

Fairhope’s municipal elections will be held on August 26.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at sherri@yellowhammernews.com.

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