A new mayor will soon take over in Spanish Fort. Brad Bass won the election against incumbent Mike McMillan.
After 12 weeks of campaigning, Bass told 1819 News that he is working diligently on removing campaign signs and assembling a transition team.
“It is a little overwhelming, but it's great to have the support of the community here in Spanish Fort,” Bass said. “The good thing about living here in Spanish Fort, there's a lot of really, really smart people that are willing to jump in and help out."
“I've learned throughout my career, you know, you're only as good as the people around you, and I've been successful throughout my career, really, by surrounding myself,” he added.
Priorities for Bass will remain the same as he said in his campaign: transparency, public safety, retail revitalization, athletic facilities and parks. After meeting with business owners, he also plans to establish a small business council to ensure that small business owners feel heard.
Other ideas Bass wants to explore include a citywide app to improve communication and expanding space for services offered in City Hall.
“Our senior center specifically, they're kind of busting at the seams,” Bass explained. “Some of their events now, based off of the numbers they have, they actually have to crowd around in hallways there at City Hall, because we're kind of out of space for them. So, that's something that needs to be addressed.”
Bass has already contacted a local business owner who is offering temporary space, but he wants to discuss a long-term plan.
While on the campaign trail, Bass highlighted an issue with firefighters reportedly sleeping on the floor at Fire Station 4. He said that thanks to the public's attention, the city council is already discussing potential solutions. They are looking through building proposals.
While there is a long-term plan for a training facility, Bass said there are land issues to deal with from a construction standpoint. While officials engage in more extended conversations about that, he hopes to bring in a temporary construction trailer to give the firefighters a proper, temporary solution.
Bass hopes for a smooth transition and expressed his gratitude for McMillan’s over 21 years of service to the city.
“Mayor McMillan has helped make this place a great place to live,” said Bass. "He's done a lot of good things and I know just the few days now that I guess the light has now shined on me, I have been contacted and called for every situation that's going on in the city. So, I know he's dealt with that for a very long time.”
“So, I would just like to thank him for his service. I really hope the transition goes smoothly between the two administrations.” Bass added.
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