Featured image: Geraldine’s Mayor Chuck Ables is seeking reelection on August 23
By Tyler Pruett, Managing Editor
GERALDINE, Ala. — Geraldine’s Mayor Chuck Ables recently announced his bid for reelection. Ables is currently in his first term as Geraldine’s Mayor, and previously served the town for 12 years on the city council.
Mayor John C. “Chuck” Ables is a native of Geraldine and a 1968 graduate of Geraldine High School. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Samford University and is a member and deacon at First Baptist Church Geraldine. He and his wife Katherine have two daughters, Kara Stewart of Dawson and Katie Ables of Geraldine. All five of their grandchildren attend school in Geraldine; representing the fifth generation of Ables’ family to attend school in Geraldine.
Ables has seen much accomplished in Geraldine during his term as mayor and years on the council. He gives much of the credit to the Geraldine City Council and city employees. The city has received praise for it’s website and many construction projects have been completed. Geraldine’s city park was also virtually destroyed when an F4 tornado passed through town in 2010.
“We have built a storm shelter, secured a weather siren, added additional security cameras at the park, added a concession stand, and paved roads because the need to improve our town is an ongoing desire of mine,” Ables said.
The city has also implemented a program to replace all the trees in the city park which were leveled during the 2010 storm while Ables was serving on the city council. Over 100 trees in the park were destroyed. In response, the city implemented a program for businesses and individuals to donate $100 to purchase a tree to plant in the park. As mayor, Ables has continued the program.
“Our ‘Donate a Tree Project’ has been very successful,” Ables said, “we’ve had about 130 trees donated. More than enough to replace all that we lost.”
“I am very proud of the accomplishments that have been made these last four years,” said Ables.
“Town Clerk Kim Cleveland, the town council, police department, and the maintenance department have worked tirelessly to make improvements in many areas. Former Mayor Billy Smothers and the previous council left Geraldine in good shape financially, and that has given us the opportunity to upgrade our equipment in the police department and purchase additional property that will benefit our town for a long time,” said Ables in a statement.
When asked about future plans for the town, it’s clear that Ables plans to continue making improvements. The mayor and city council have several construction grants that have been approved and many more projects in the works. In some cases, Ables and council members contribute their own time to get the job done. Recently, members of the council constructed a new ramp at the senior center and Ables pitches in to help maintain the city park and ball fields.
“My number one priority since being mayor has been for us to get a wastewater treatment plant, and we’ve just been notified that we will be getting grant money for its construction,” Ables said.
“Other plans include a playground and additional lights at the walking track, continued upgrades to the ball fields, the addition of a tee-ball field, completion of updating the zoning ordinance, possible town annexation, and many other things to improve the quality of life for the citizens we serve,” said Ables.
Mayor Ables has also enjoyed being able to develop a good working relationship with Geraldine’s representation at the state level as well as on Capitol Hill.
“I have really enjoyed being allowed to develop a relationship with state representatives Kerry Rich (R - HD 26) and Will Ainsworth (R - HD 27), as well as Alabama Sen. Clay Scofield (R - HD 9),” said Ables. “U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R - AL 04) has also been very supportive of our efforts, and he is responsible for Geraldine receiving the grant money needed for the wastewater treatment facilities.”
Ables asks for the voters of Geraldine to support him in his reelection campaign as well as in his efforts to continue improving the town.
“I ask for your continued support on August 13th to allow me to continue to work for the improvement of the Town of Geraldine and the citizens we serve,” Ables said.
