Kerri Pate, Ward 7
Alabaster Connection: Here at the end of the year, what are you most proud of in terms of your Council service, and what do you still want to see happen before the end of the year?
Kerri Pate: Wow, I can’t believe it is already the end of 2023! Although this year has been trying at times, I can honestly say I am most proud of what we have accomplished this year over any year in my seven years of service. As far as projects go, I am most proud of us securing the land and funding to construct the Recreation Center and new Library. These are the two things that I hear about the most, and the Rec Center was something I campaigned for when I ran for council in 2016. Both of these projects will greatly enhance quality of life here for those that choose to utilize them and even those that don’t with increases in property values.
AC: What are the most pressing issues facing your Ward 7 constituents right now? What’s top of your agenda for your Ward?
KP: The most pressing issues in Ward 7 are traffic and trains. Neither of which will go away, however the expansion of 119 and the recent agreement with ALDOT authorizing the standard project resolution for the second phase of 119 widening down from CR-12 to Silver Creek Parkway, things are headed in a very positive direction. Although I get frustrated sitting on 119 North at 7 a.m. and missing the ålight cycle a couple of times, I remind myself that no city that people desire to live in is without some traffic! And just think how much better it will be when the construction is complete on this first phase. Trains—well everyone knows by now that we have no jurisdiction over them, however APD has done an outstanding job notifying us with the increased traffic cameras and help from the public from being too burdened with it. And how could I forget the un-kept and blighted properties in and around Ward 7? I would encourage any and all business owners to take pride in your place of business and consider cleaning it up. Code enforcement does a great job, and we will continue to work diligently on those challenges. I can be quite a broken record when it comes to these things.
AC: What are you excited for during the holidays? Any favorite family traditions you’re looking forward to?
KP: I am SO excited about the Christmas events that the city has to offer this year. The first weekend of December will be so much fun with everything kicking off Friday night with the lighting of the water tower and the beginning of our Festival of Trees, then the next morning is our Christmas parade, and on Sunday Alabaster City Schools will host the Alabama Symphony Orchestra for a Christmas concert (ticket info coming soon). Most of all, like most people is just seeing family and the overall joy that most people display during the holidays as we celebrate the birth of our Savior.
AC: What are your goals and plans for the new year? What do you really want to see accomplished before your term ends in 2025?
KP: My goals for this coming year, along with my fellow council members and Mayor, are to ensure that the projects that are slated continue and progress, Nearing the end of the 2025 term, I hope that the decisions I have been a part of leave this area better off. As we are knocking on the door of 2024, I want to say how grateful I am to serve alongside my fellow council members and our Mayor. We work together for a common goal, and that is to improve all facets of our quality of life for our citizens. We ask questions, we hash things out for hours each week, and we do so with respect and professionalism that is unmatched. This next year, there are SO many exciting things on the horizon for our community—2024 is going to be a great year!
A HUGE congratulations to the leaders and team at Creek View Elementary School for receiving the distinction as a National Blue Ribbon School. The academic and cultural transformation at CVES has been incredible over the past several years. Incredibly proud of and for this award!