By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor
ALABASTER
– Stacy Rakestraw has announced her intent to run for reelection to the Alabaster City Council as the representative for Ward 3.
Rakestraw was first elected to serve on the Alabaster City Council in 2012 and was reelected to the position in 2012, 2016 and 2020.
“Serving the residents of Ward 3 and the city of Alabaster has been a privilege,” Rakestraw said. “We’ve experienced tremendous growth since my first term.”
Rakestraw highlighted that the city had seen significant changes over the past five years, with the introduction of new facilities such as the police department, new amphitheater and expanded senior center.
“These improvements are part of the revitalization of the Siluria Mill district, which now features enhanced streetscapes and new sidewalks,” Rakestraw said.
Work is also being done on several large project, including upgrades and improvements to the city’s parks and trails with plans to connect the north end of the city to the south end. The city has also seen the introduction of Patriots Park which offers various amenities and recently saw the completion of a decorative new mural.
“Patriots Park has been a wonderful addition to the area surrounding Ward 3, and it’s exciting to see so many residents enjoying this new addition to our community,” Rakestraw said.
Rakestraw highlighted recent roadwork the city council has supported, including partnerships with the Alabama Department of Transportation to lengthen the left turn lane on U.S. 31 onto Industrial road and with the county to add a right turn lane on County Road 17 onto 1st Ave.
“This has helped alleviate significant traffic delays and congestion in areas around Ward 3,” Rakestraw said. “Phase I of the Highway 119 expansion has already made a positive impact, and with Phase II now underway, it’s encouraging to see progress toward improving traffic flow even more.”
Rakestraw has overseen the city’s Clean Sweep initiative which has organized community service hours for litter pick-up—contributing toward a reduction in litter throughout the city over the program’s 12-year run. The initiative has also offered paper shredding and electronic recycling services to residents.
“I am proud of the hundreds of volunteers I have been able to work with through the Clean Sweep as we continue our efforts to keep our community a beautiful place to live,” Rakestraw said.
Rakestraw also pointed toward the continued growth of the Medical Mile district on U.S. 31 with its prominent hospital and medical resources.
“The Medical Mile district continues to drive economic growth and revitalization in this area of our city,” Rakestraw said. “I’m especially proud of this initiative and the strong partnerships it has developed… Most importantly, it encourages our residents to recognize the importance of their health and well-being throughout each stage of life.”
Rakestraw serves on the Public Safety Committee, the Public Relations Committee, the Alabaster Water Board and is on the Thompson High School Science Advisory Board. Rakestraw has worked in web development for 10 years and owns her own business—SKy iservices LLC. She is a graduate of Arkansas State University in her hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas.
Rakestraw has lived in the city of Alabaster for 28 years alongside her husband Kyle, in Apache Ridge. Together they have three children, including Jake, Faith Grill—who is married to Blake—Savanna Joy and a new grandson, Thomas Warren Grill. Rakestraw and her family have been active members of Evangel Church since 1998.
The Municipal Election for the city of Alabaster will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 26.
“It would be an honor to be re-elected and serve our residents to see many of our new and ongoing projects completed,” Rakestraw said.
