State Senator Calls Foley Mayor One of Alabama's Best Municipal Leaders
Senator makes remarks during luncheon at The Hotel Magnolia in Foley
Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — State Sen. Chris Elliott praised Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich as one of Alabama's top municipal officials during remarks at a South Baldwin Republican Women luncheon held at The Hotel Magnolia. Elliott, who has served in the Alabama Legislature since 2018, said his experience working with municipalities statewide informed the assessment. Elliott highlighted Hellmich's work on growth planning and the city's Façade Improvement Incentive Grant program as evidence of forward-thinking governance.
“I’m so proud of the mayors that we have in Baldwin County, and I’m telling you, Ralph, y’all are nailing it,” Elliott said.
As a former Baldwin County Commission chairman and Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization chairman, Elliott said he has seen a wide range of elected officials and recognized Hellmich for going above and beyond.
“You see a lot of the 464 municipalities, 67 counties, and you got all kinds of different elected officials statewide of different quality and different caliber,” Elliott said. That's my nice way of saying that, Mayor, you are absolutely one of the top municipal officials in this state.”
The senator thanked Hellmich for his work during a time of unprecedented growth in Foley.
“You are doing what you can do to slow growth. You are doing what you can do to plan for growth. You are not simply folding your arms and saying, 'It's not coming.’ You are ahead of the curve,” Elliott added. “You are investing ahead of the curve.”
The city has the Foley Façade Improvement Incentive Grant program, which provides funding to enhance the exteriors of downtown buildings. Elliott credited Hellmich for leading the program to ensure property owners are incentivized to make improvements.
“What a great answer to what are you doing to help downtown look better,” he said. “We have a grant program where we'll help you with your façade. I'm just blown away. It's fantastic, guys.”
Elliott is running for re-election. Janet Appleby is challenging Elliott as the Democratic nominee. The general election is November 3.
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