Mountain Brook has staggered municipal elections, with seats 2 and 4 on the ballot this year. The mayoral election also would have taken place this year; however, Graham Smith ran unopposed.
There were two opportunities for someone interested to join the council this year without challenging an incumbent.
City Council Place 4 was an open seat, presenting an opportunity for political newcomers to serve the city. Alternatively, an interested party could wait for the opening created by the seat being vacated by Graham Smith, which would require an appointment by the city council to fill the remainder of her term.
This begs the question that Mountain Brook residents are asking: “Why did long-time Democrat donor and Kamala Harris backer David Silverstein choose to run for Seat 2?”
The 2022 election was hailed as a “Victory for moderates, incumbents in Mountain Brook City Council election.”
The slate of self-described moderates that won did so with the assistance of “Mainstreet Mountain Brook,” a PAC, according to Secretary of State filings that David Silversten himself contributed to. It was one of two PAC contributions that appear in a state search of his name; the second is for the Jefferson County Democratic Executive Committee.
Silverstein has a long history of supporting Democratic candidates. He ran against former judge and current Jefferson County Commissioner Mike Bolin, sending out mail pieces that touted endorsements from local and statewide Democrats.
His addition to the board would mean a seismic change for the city, from a center-right-leaning councilman in the seat to a progressive. Not just a progressive, but a progressive donor who contributed to other council members' previous elections.
SEE: Kamala-backer David Silverstein qualifies to run for Mountain Brook City Council
The choice would be understandable if Garner were not so well-liked and respected by community leaders and colleagues alike.
However, he has been endorsed by many, according to statements on his Facebook page, including fellow councilman Lloyd Shelton, who said, "I am giving my whole hearted endorsement for Gerald Garner's re-election in Place No. 2 for the Mountain Brook City Council. Having served alongside Gerald for the past five years, I have witnessed and experienced the positive impact Gerald has had during his term on the Mountain Brook City Council."
Chief Jaye Loggins, the former police chief of the City of Mountain Brook, said, "Gerald has also advocated for you, the residents, small business, schools, youth sports, trash collection, etc. Gerald has served the community well as your Mountain Brook City Council Place 2 representative. Gerald is a dedicated and passionate public servant that Mountain Brook is fortunate to have. That is why I am honored to endorse Gerald Garner in the upcoming municipal election."
The Mountain Brook Fraternal Order of Police gave its endorsement, saying, "His continued support for the men and women of the Mountain Brook Police Department and public safety is a testament to his desire for a prosperous and safe community."
Suzan Doidge, the former director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, described her experience working with Garner.
"As the former Executive Director of the Mountain Brook Chamber of Commerce, I am proud to endorse Gerald Garner for reelection to the Mountain Brook City Council, Place 2," she wrote. "I had the pleasure of working with Councilman Garner and witnessed firsthand the positive impact he made on our businesses in Mountain Brook. During his time on the council, he frequently took the initiative to meet with individual businesses to discuss concerns and explore ways the city could assist with marketing efforts. Gerald has been a dedicated and effective advocate for our city. As we move forward, it is crucial to have proven leadership on the council. Gerald Garner is the leader we need for the future.
So why choose to run against a Garner? Multiple sources echoed the same sentiment, telling 1819 News that Silverstein didn’t just want to get on the council; he wanted to defeat the council’s most socially and fiscally conservative voice, Gerald Garner.
Garner has occasionally broken from the more moderate council members on votes, including council appointments, and he is thoughtful and deliberate in his approach to developments and other major decisions.
The election will be held on August 26. Information about the election calendar and polling places is available on the City of Mountain Brook's website.
According to the website, "The governing body of the City of Mountain Brook consists of five council members and a mayor. All members of the governing body are elected at-large (as opposed to districts), serve 4-year terms, and receive no compensation for their service to the City. Beginning in 2004, the terms of office of the mayor and members of the city council shall be staggered (City Ordinance No. 1627), and elections will be held every two years."
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