Forty-year Hoover resident and former Councilwoman Donna Mazur is running to return to the Hoover City Council.
Mazur previously served on the Hoover City Council from 2000 to 2004. In 2003, Mazur's son was in a bad car accident, which left him with a traumatic brain injury. He passed away two years ago this week. She said that while she ran for reelection in 2004, her priority at the time was her son's care.
She's continued to be involved throughout her community since leaving the council, regularly attending events, helping residents and charities while also attending and speaking at council meetings. "What I've seen happening to this city" in recent years is why she's running again. She hopes this year's municipal elections will bring new life back into the council and city leadership.
In a statement provided to 1819 News, Mazur said, "I am committed to running on a platform of responsible growth, government transparency, and community-focused leadership. Throughout my time in Hoover, I have witnessed our city's tremendous growth and the challenges that accompany it. I believe that strong leadership prioritizes smart development, public safety, and fiscal responsibility."
According to the City's website, "The City of Hoover has seven (7) city council members elected "at-large" on a non-partisan basis to concurrent four-year terms of office which begin on the first Monday in November of each election year."
Candidates do not have to declare which at-large seat they are running for until qualification. In an interview, Mazer said that she is "going to leave my options open for now. I have until June. I want to see what some of the people sitting there are going to do for the city between now and June."
Mazur said, "I believe that Nick Derzis will be the best thing to happen to Hoover in a long, long time. I want to see Hoover the way it used to be. She stressed the need for "trust" and prioritizing bringing in revenue. She wants to reignite interest in Hoover's economic growth and reinvestment. She said she, "really doesn't know what this council has done in four years." She agrees with Derzis that the city is "tired," and she says she wants more for the City than that.
"My experience in city government and community service has equipped me with the strategic, forward thinking vision necessary to serve on the council once again," she added.
Mazur's press statement highlights initiatives where she "played a pivotal role in several major initiatives that shaped our city," including:
- The development of the Preserve and Ross Bridge, including the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course.
- The expansion of Patton Creek Shopping Center which enhances Hoover's retail and dining landscape.
- Securing the establishment of the Public Safety Center, which houses the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences' Birmingham Laboratory.
- Championing the Hoover Library expansion to enhance our educational and community resources.
- Contributing to the development of the RV Park at the Hoover Met, helping to retain the SEC Baseball Tournament and attract revenue-generating events.
Beyond her council experience, Mazur has served on the Hoover City Schools Steering Committee and was the first president to serve two consecutive terms on the Hoover Beautification Board.
She said, "Even after leaving public office, I have remained actively engaged, closely monitoring our city's direction. What I have witnessed over the past year has been extremely eye-opening. It seems that some of our elected officials have forgotten that they are here to serve the people, not the other way around.
Mazur has frequently participated in council meetings in the last year. She has been openly critical of current councilman John Lyda, likening his behavior at city council meetings a "bully" and noted that he behaves like someone "in junior high school."
She said, "Decisions are made behind closed doors, priorities are skewed, and residents are often left in the dark. This is not how the government should operate. Taxpayer dollars must be spent responsibly, and the people of Hoover deserve leaders who are open, honest, and accountable."
"I am committed to making Hoover safer, more efficient and community driven. My campaign will focus on addressing storm-water issues, ensuring responsible development, and restoring trust in local government," Mazur's statement continued.
She invites Hoover residents to join her "in building a stronger, more transparent and community-first city."
"Together we can work towards a brighter future for our beloved Hoover," she added/
The election will be held on August 26.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at [email protected] or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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