Hoover City Councilman Casey Middlebrooks officially announced his reelection bid on Thursday.
In a statement released on his Facebook page, Middlebrooks said, "It has been an honor to serve on the Hoover City Council, and I humbly ask for your continued trust and support as I seek reelection."
"Together, we've worked to make our city a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I am committed to ensuring that Hoover remains a strong, vibrant community that continues to be a safe place to call home with a premier quality of life."
He listed his priorities as transparency, fiscal responsibility, supporting public safety and protecting family values. "Your trust means everything to me, and I will strive to continue working hard on behalf of Hoover residents," he said. "Let's keep building a bright future together."
Middlebrooks was first elected in 2016. At the time, he told the Hoover Sun, "I appreciate the job our city leaders have done... I only know a few personally, but I believe they are all good people with good intentions. I have been critical of their policy decisions, but I do not question their personal character. We simply have different opinions on what the city's priorities should be."
That has clearly since changed. After being bullied by Council President John Lyda following a council meeting, an incident caught on video, Middlebrooks wrote to the rest of the council saying, "This unfortunate incident is not isolated, as he has repeatedly engaged in personal attacks and threats against my character. Despite my attempts to maintain a professional dialogue, his behavior has become increasingly disrespectful and combative. I am not asking for anything nor am I proposing anything, I am merely relaying what some of us are subjected to. I hope he will choose to rectify his behavior, foster a more collaborative environment, and be the leader I know he can be. In the meantime, I remain committed to serving our city to the best of my ability."
Last May, Middlebrooks narrowly missed becoming council president when the council voted to replace Lyda. Councilmen Kurt Posey and Steve McClinton supported the change, while Councilwoman Khristi Driver voted against it, and Councilmen Derrick Murphy and Sam Swiney abstained.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Middlebrooks has been a librarian at Spain Park High School since August 2010. Before that, he spent three years at Midfield High School and nearly eleven years at the Hoover Public Library.
Apryl Marie Fogel is a Birmingham resident who frequently appears on and guest hosts radio programs around the state. She can be reached at aprylmarie.fogel@1819news.com or on X and Facebook at @aprylmarie.
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