The Things That Matter Most: My Focus for Pelham

I’ve lived in Pelham since 1982. I went to school here. I’m raising my family here. I’ve been running a business here since 2001. This city has given me a lot, and I care deeply about where we’re headed.

When I was appointed to the City Council, I didn’t come in with an agenda. I came in ready to listen, work hard, and help make sure Pelham keeps moving in the right direction. Now that I’m running to keep serving, I want to be clear about what I’m focused on—and why.

Here are the four areas I care about most, and why I believe they matter to all of us.

Public Safety: It’s Personal to Me

My dad was a career firefighter. I grew up watching him run toward danger when other people were running away. That made a lasting impact on me.

Now, as a council member, I’ve seen firsthand what it takes to keep our community safe. I’ve worked alongside our police and fire departments and supported efforts to make sure they have the tools, training, and staffing they need.

These are real people doing hard, dangerous jobs—and they deserve our full support. I’ll keep fighting to make sure Pelham stays a safe place to live, raise a family, and run a business.

Strong Schools: I’m All In as a Parent

My wife Ashley and I have four kids. This fall, our oldest starts high school. We’ve got one going to middle school, one in elementary, and little Collins just turned one. So we’re going to be involved in Pelham City Schools for the long haul.

We’ve seen how much our teachers and school staff care. We’ve also seen how important it is for the city to work closely with the school system to make sure our kids have what they need to succeed.

I’m not just cheering from the sidelines—I’m in it, every day, as a dad. My wife volunteers in our schools. I’ll keep supporting the kind of partnership that helps our school system stay strong and our community even stronger.

Youth Sports & Rec: Where Life Lessons Happen

If I’ve been a little slow to respond to a comment or message lately, chances are I was coaching a ballgame. Spring ball is wrapping up, and like every year, the past couple of months were a whirlwind of practices, games, and late-night dinners on the way home from the park.

Since 2015, I’ve coached baseball, softball, and basketball through Pelham Parks & Rec. I do it because I love it and because I believe sports teach kids a lot more than how to hit or shoot. They teach character. They build confidence. They give kids a place to belong.

That’s why I’ll keep pushing for strong investment in our sports facilities, our parks, and our rec programs. Families need spaces to come together. Kids need places to grow. I’ll always stand up for that.

Local Business & Smart Growth: Built Right Here

I started my business in Pelham back in 2001. It’s not always easy, but it’s been worth it. I’ve signed paychecks, paid taxes, and dealt with slow seasons and busy ones. I know what it takes to make it here, and I want to make sure others have that same chance.

That’s why I’ll always stand up for local business owners. But it’s not just about business—it’s also about growth. And the kind of growth we choose matters.

I’m especially excited about what we can do with the Oak Mountain Amphitheater property. We’ve got a real shot to create something special there—something that fits Pelham and adds value for all of us, not just a few.

Smart growth means thinking long-term. It means involving the community, protecting what makes Pelham unique, and making sure we grow in a way that works for everyone.

Let’s Keep Working Together

None of these things stand alone. Safe neighborhoods, great schools, strong youth programs, and smart development—they all go hand in hand. They’re what make Pelham a great place to live.

I’m proud of the work we’ve done, and I’m ready to keep pushing forward. I’m here to serve, to listen, and to work hard for this city I love.

Let’s keep the progress going—together.

– Michael