MADISON – Connie Spears has announced her candidacy for Madison City Council, District 2.

“I prayed long and hard, asking what my next step was after retiring from Madison School Board, and City Council kept coming to mind,” Spears said.

“One of my strengths I grew in my time on the school board is my ability to engage everyone in critical decisions. By engaging the board, the school faculty, parents and students, all stakeholders had a voice and left the table knowing their voice was heard, even if the decision wasn’t what they wanted,” Spear said.

“As I looked at the council, I saw the need to bring this same level of openness to give the public an active voice in decisions. I will be your voice on our council,” Spears said.

“A bigger challenge area in Madison is a balance of commercial and residential,” she said. Spears wants the city to focus on commercial growth instead of a primary emphasis on residential expansion.

“I think we could get a lot of great companies to come and be a part of our community. As a whole, Madison government could be more open, and we could listen better. I hope that is something that I can bring to council,” Spears said.

During 10 years with Madison Board of Education, Spears served on Madison City Schools’ committees for capital planning; safety and security; policy; community relations and advocacy; curriculum and instruction; and finance.

In addition, Spears worked as the board’s legislative liaison to advocate in Montgomery and Washington D.C. for children. She co-chaired “Madison Forward” for increased ad valorem taxes to benefit MCS.

Because of separate revenue streams, city council is limited in direct support for schools. “However, City Council and Madison Board of Education should have a shared goal to work together for the betterment of our students and parents,” Spears said.

Spears earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Auburn University. She now is a full-time community volunteer. Spears has been a part of the Madison community since 1984 and is a charter member of Asbury United Methodist Church.

Connie and husband Richard have two sons. Younger son Riley graduated from James Clemens High School and attends Calhoun Community College. Ross, graduate of Bob Jones High School and Auburn University, works as a software engineer at SAIC. Ross is married to Harley of Hartselle, who earned degrees in chemistry and education from AU and Athens State University.

For more information about Connie Spears’ campaign, email connie@connie-spears.com or visit connie-spears.com or Facebook/Connie Spears – Madison City Council District 2.

Currently, Steve Smith is serving as District 2 Councilman.