Madison mayoral candidate Paul Finley, left, thanks former Maj. Gen. Vice Master Gen. Al Sullivan for endorsement by the Committee of 100. Sullivan serves as chairman of the Committee of 100’s Madison Task Force and as a BizPac board member. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – The Committee of 100, a local organization of 240 business leaders, has endorsed mayoral and council candidates in the municipal election on Aug. 23.

The committee chose Paul Finley in the race for Madison mayor.

“Paul Finley did an extraordinary job as mayor from 2008 to 2012 in leading the Madison Growth Plan, developing a long-term capital plan, recruiting new retail development and securing new sales tax revenue for Madison City Schools,” John Allen said.

Allen serves as chairman of BizPac, the political action arm of the Committee of 100.

“Finley also worked collaboratively on road projects with the Huntsville mayor and Madison County Commission Chairman, in addition to uniting Madison City Council and department heads with a long-term vision and frequent communication,” Allen said.

“Madison thrived under Paul Finley’s leadership before,” former Maj. Gen. Vice Master Gen. Al Sullivan said. “We believe it is critical the city has a visionary, effective leader in the mayor’s office again to address a number of major challenges for the future, such as school funding, new business development and long-term financial stability for the city.”

Sullivan serves as chairman of the Committee of 100’s Madison Task Force and as a BizPac board member.

“Mayor Trulock has refused to address these issues with a clear plan and failed to work effectively as a team with the City Council,” Sullivan said. “If this continues, we fear the quality of life in Madison will suffer and, with that, our entire region.”

In addition, the Committee of 100’s BizPac endorsed these candidates for Madison City Council: James Ross, District 1; Steve Smith, District 2; D.J. Klein, District 3; Greg Shaw, District 4; Tommy Overcash, District 5; Gerald Clark, District 6; and Lena Sledge, District 7.

“We believe these candidates offer a vision for economic growth and vitality, strong leadership skills and the collaborative spirit we seek in our elected leaders,” Allen said. “They have the experience and commitment needed to tackle the major challenges facing Madison.”

Since 1996, BizPac has contributed money and support to candidates for local offices, including Huntsville Mayor and City Council, Madison Mayor and City Council, Huntsville Board of Education, Madison County Commission, Madison County Schools Superintendent and Madison County Board of Education.

As part of its mission to encourage civic engagement in local politics, the Committee of 100 also sponsored “Rock the Vote 2016” on Feb. 9 for young professionals. This event attracted a large crowd of more than 700 attendees including 45 candidates.

About 200 young professionals registered to vote and more than 100 updated voter information at various Rock the Vote events that week.

The Committee of 100’s mission is to serve as a catalyst in stimulating Huntsville-area economic development by working with community partners to develop cooperative solutions. BizPac identifies, develops and encourages visionary, business-oriented candidates with a commitment to cooperative government to run for local public office and supports them as they serve the community.

For more information, visit HuntsvilleCommitteeof100.org.