A look back

By Staff
Researched by Dr. Bill Stewart
Tuesday, voters balloted on their preferred candidates for mayor and city council.
1992 -August 26, In yesterday's mayoral voting incumbent Mayor Scotty Maples was 231 votes beyond Samie Wiley. The mayor had 1,275 votes to the challenger's 1,506.
2003 -August 26, There is considerable sentiment at present for having candidates for Hartselle city council run from particular districts rather than from the city at large. This would ensure that all areas within the city are represented in contrast to the present system where it would be theoretically possible for all council members to reside within the same neighborhood.
2001 -August 27, Since Hartselle's population now exceeds 12,000, this means that whoever is elected mayor in the 2004 elections will not sit with the city council. He or she will have a veto over council actions but that could be overridden by a two-thirds vote.
2003 -August 28, It has now been two weeks since City Administrator Ferrell Vest's job was terminated by the city council. The 3-2 vote to release Mr. Vest in 30 days is another indication of serious divisions on the current council.
2002 -August 29, The Wedding Chapel is a popular place for uniting Hartselle couples in holy matrimony. This business is owned and operated by Bill Partridge.
2002 -August 30, At the request of Mayor Clif Knight, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs has rescinded consideration of Hartselle's request for a $250,000 grant to put in an access road and infrastructure for a proposed plant on Highway 31. The future of the industrial venture involved is now very much in doubt.
1999 -August 31, Richard "Dick" Carter continues to recover very successfully from last year's cancer surgery which resulted in the amputation of a leg.
2003 -September 1, Councilman Tom Chappell believes that if Hartselle's mayor is going to be the hands-on leader of city government he or she should be the highest paid official. Mayor Clif Knight makes $12,000 annually, but the next mayor could possibly draw more than four times as much.