Ken Doss, a retired CPA and local industry executive, qualified as a candidate for Hartselle City Council on July 5.

A newcomer to politics, Doss, 63, is the second candidate to file for Place 5, a position currently held by mayoral candidate Don Hall.

Jason Armstrong, also a political newcomer, chose to run for the same position when he qualified for the August 28 Municipal Election on July 3.

While he has been active in appointed city government roles in the past, Doss said he hadn’t given the election much thought until some of his friends began urging him to run.

“I felt we had some good people on the council and didn’t seriously consider running until two of the places became vacant,” Doss stated. “I feel I can make a contribution based on my background and experience in business management.”

Doss served as director of finance and administration for Sonoco Products Corp. in Hartselle for 18 years and retired from the company in 2010 after 31 years.

A graduate of Deshler High School, he earned a B.S. degree in accounting and economics from UNA in 1975 and completed work for an MBA in business administration in 1976. He has been a CPA since 1982,

Doss is a past member of the Hartselle Board of Zoning Adjustments, Personnel Board and City Planning Commission. He is a past chairman of Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce and is currently serving on the chamber’s board of directors.

He served in the U.S. Navy aboard the USS Trippe and was honorably discharged in 1972. He is also a member of the South Carolina Board of Accountancy, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and a member of First Bible Baptist Church in Decatur.

He and his wife Dr. Wanda Cox Doss have two adult children, Andrew Doss of Decatur and Katherine Doss of Huntsville.

Doss listed his campaign goals as follows:

•Promote by whatever means possible the resolution of the healthcare deficiency created by the closing of Hartselle Medical Center.

•Promote retail business development in all areas of the city, with an open ear to business and property owners.

•Promote business opportunities for vacant properties.

•Seek opportunities from additional businesses on I-65 development.

•Evaluate and communicate the infrastructure needs in the downtown area as well as Hwy. 31.

•Look for ways to improve the customer experience when shopping in Hartselle.

•Continue the development of industrial opportunities in our community to add “quality” jobs for our citizens.

•Meet with existing industry leaders to evaluate current issues and seek additional opportunities for expansion.

•Stay informed regarding Thompson Road (Business Park) development and assist where possible the recruitment of new businesses.

•Make decisions based on maintaining our quality of life issues that we are so proud of: top rated education standards, high quality park & Recreation facilities, strong law enforcement and fire department.

*Work with the Alabama Department of Transportation to solve issues related to the new traffic light system.

•Help to maintain a city that is fiscally responsible and address waste issues whenever I see them.