Brian Smith. Source: Facebook.com

Brian Smith, the current chairman of the city of Decatur’s Zoning Board of Appeals, has announced he is running for City Commission.

Smith will be running for the commission seat being vacated by District 2 Commissioner and Mayor Pro Tem Kecia Cunningham. She recently announced she will not be seeking another term.

In addition to serving as chair of the ZBA, Smith has served on the executive committee of the Decatur Business Association and the Winnona Park Neighborhood Association. Smith was also named a city of Decatur Hometown Hero in 2014.

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Smith said in a press release, “I am compelled to throw my hat into the ring because my wife and I chose Decatur to raise our family, establish friendships and enjoy a sense of community. Most of all, I believe that to keep Decatur great, we each have a role to play.

“Like most of you, I have lived in Decatur for many years and I have seen our City grow.  I believe that my professional experience in corporate finance coupled with being “dad” to a first and second grader at Winnona Park Elementary School provide me with a unique perspective when dealing with some of the City’s upcoming challenges.”

Smith is the second candidate to seek an open seat on the commission. Mayor Jim Baskett has also decided against seeking another term as the city’s at-large commissioner. Former city commissioner John Ridley is seeking that position.

Qualifying begins Aug. 31. The elections will be Nov. 3.

Here is the full statement from Smith’s campaign:

Neighbors –

Today I am announcing my candidacy for City of Decatur Commissioner, District 2.  As you may have seen Ms. Kecia Cunningham, who served on the Decatur City Commission since 1999, has announced that she is not seeking another term.  Kecia has been the consummate public servant, listening to the needs of our community and responding with compassion. I greatly respect her work and know that Decatur is a better place because of her dedication.  I would be honored to follow in her footsteps if I am elected on November 3, 2015 to serve the citizens of District 2 as their next City Commissioner.

As you know, Decatur has a vibrant and diverse culture, but we are also growing, and I want to protect the vibrancy and diversity we love in a time of rapid growth and change.

While volunteering in City of Decatur schools, and serving on the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Executive Committee of the Decatur Business Association and the Winnona Park Neighborhood Association, I have developed an appreciation for what matters to our residents.  Built on the strength of our citizens, volunteers, business owners and leaders, Decatur has become a great place to live, work and play.  The next few years will present challenges to the success we’ve had.  I have a vision for the future that maintains the uniqueness of our City and includes careful planning for the inevitable growth and development.

I am compelled to throw my hat into the ring because my wife and I chose Decatur to raise our family, establish friendships and enjoy a sense of community. Most of all, I believe that to keep Decatur great, we each have a role to play.  Like most of you, I have lived in Decatur for many years and I have seen our City grow.  I believe that my professional experience in corporate finance coupled with being “dad” to a first and second grader at Winnona Park Elementary School provide me with a unique perspective when dealing with some of the City’s upcoming challenges.  Over the upcoming weeks and months, I look forward to sharing my ideas, listening to your vision and understanding how we can work together to continue to keep Decatur great.  Feel free to follow me on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/briansmithfordecatur.