Vinemont officials reviews candidates for open council seat

Patrick Camp, The Cullman Times, Ala.
Updated ·4 min read

May 16—VINEMONT — The town of Vinemont met with the first applicants looking to fill the vacant No. 3 seat created by the sudden resignation of Charolette Cosper last month.

Mayor Radginal Dodson gave the four candidates a brief overview of the requirements for councilmembers — including recent legislatively mandated training — before they introduced themselves.

Jerry Smith

Smith said he was a retired 2nd Lieutenant with the U.S. Army who currently serves as a member of the Department of Human Resources and Solid Waste committees for Cullman County.

Smith previously served as a councilmember and said he was familiar with all of the rules, regulations and "left-handed stuff" which comes with public service.

He said he served the community through his former business "with honor" for 25 years.

"I'm a man of honor," Smith said. "I think I've got to add to this town with my experience. I would like for you to honestly consider me and I would be honored to serve."

Grady Malone

Another veteran, Malone said he served in the U.S. Air Force for seven years before retiring as a Sergeant. He said he had been raised in Blountsville, Alabama which had given him an appreciation for small-town life and values. He said he believes his experiences in the military will allow him to work closely with other councilmembers to achieve common goals.

"I know the struggles we all face. Do we grow, do we not grow and how do we hold onto our values and traditions. I want to help y'all achieve that by working as a team. The military is very team oriented. We all work together. You can't accomplish the mission unless we are all holding hands and leading the way. You either succeed as a team or you fail as individuals," Malone said.

Malone works as a building inspector for the city of Madison, Alabama which he said would also be beneficial with the town's recent focus on growth.

Michael Ashbaugh

Ashbaugh described himself as an "open book" and said he and his wife have been residents in the town for the past 25 years. He said he was impressed with the town's recent efforts to revitalize its community parks where he frequently walks his two dogs.

Ashbaugh said he holds two degrees, in business and engineering, but since his retirement, he would be available to volunteer his time at numerous town functions and community events.

"Basically, I'm just interested in working with and helping the town," Ashbaugh said.

Ross Campbell

Campbell said he has been a lifelong resident who grew up on his family's farm. He said most community members know him best as the person who owns the "horse barn." He said he can remember when Vinemont was much more "compact" and that he was hoping to play a role in the town's future.

"It [Vinemont] has grown beyond my measure. I would just like to be a part of it going forward and to do my part for my community. That's why I'm interested," Campbell said.

The town will continue to accept applications to fill the council position until a person is appointed. An exact date has not been set, but the council plans make an appointment during a special called meeting in the near future.

Councilmember Chris Thompson also announced the town will be holding a Henry Roe Wood Park Clean Up Day in partnership with local real estate agent Richard Neese on Saturday, June 1. Thompson said volunteers will meet at the park at 8 a.m. and will be focusing on repainting playground equipment and crafting colorful and vibrant landscaping displays.

Neese's office sent a press release to The Times on Wednesday, which said the goal was to revitalize the public spaces in Vinemont through a series of transformative projects and accomplishing this goal hinged on community support and involvement whether that be financial contributions or volunteering time.

"The clean-up day isn't merely about physical transformations, it's about fostering a sense of unity and pride in our community," the release said.

To support the cause financially, donate via Venmo (@RoeWoodCC), CashApp ($RoeWoodCC), or write a check to Community Clean Up. Supplies can be directly purchased from the Man Cave Market and Lowes and delivered to 17844 US Hwy 31 North, Cullman, AL 35058. Lists of items needed will be supplied by writing to Event Coordinator, Bekah Gibbs at bekah@neeseteam.com or by calling 256-298-8690. Follow updates on Facebook.

In other business the council:

— Approved to enter an agreement with Alabama Outdoor Lighting to install Christmas lights at both Henry Roe Wood Park and the Vinemont Volunteer Fire Station for $2,290.

— Accepted a piano donated by Vinemont Christian Church.