Gary Sinak

“After a 34-year career in our fire department I retired as a Battalion Chief in November of 2014. I have to admit, I really miss the fire service and working for the citizens of Gulf Shores, I have always thought over the years that I would like to continue my service to the citizens after I retired from the Fire Rescue department. That is why I have decided to run for City Council.””

Council candidate Gary Sinak

GULF SHORES, AL – Retired firefighter Gary Sinak has announced he is seeking election to the Gulf Shores City Council Place 2.

Carolyn Doughty served three terms in the seat and has decided against seeking a fourth term. Realtor Kevin Corcoran is also on the ballot for Place 2 in the Aug. 23 municipal election.

Sinak moved from Miami to Mobile where in 1980 he graduated from University of South Alabama Paramedic Training Program and was soon after hired by Gulf Shores Fire and Rescue.

“I have been a resident of Gulf Shores for more than 34 years now and have enjoyed working for the citizens of our community,” Sinak said. “I have always felt, and still do feel very privileged to have had the opportunity to help take care of the fire, rescue and emergency medical needs of the citizens.”

Sinak and brother George Sinak have operated GNG Plumbing since 1986 and also operate the Hardware/Marine store in Orange Beach.

“After a 34-year career in our fire department I retired as a Battalion Chief in November of 2014. I have to admit, I really miss the fire service and working for the citizens of Gulf Shores,” Sinak said. “I have always thought over the years that I would like to continue my service to the citizens after I retired from the Fire Rescue department. That is why I have decided to run for City Council.”

Sinak says during his 34 years with the city he has not only advanced in the fire department but learned about other city operations as well.

“As our small town grew into a city, the Fire Rescue department also grew along with it,” he said. “During the years I earned my college degree in Fire Science Technology to prepare myself to adapt to a growing city and department.

“During my time with the fire rescue department I have had the excellent opportunity to work with the other city departments in some form or fashion and learned about their operations and needs. Especially the police, maintenance, accounting/finance, and the street department. All of them were always very helpful.”

Sinak said the city continues to grow and he feels he has the experience to help manage that growth.

“I feel I will be able to contribute a unique perspective to this growth being involved as many years as I already have been,” he said. “Obviously, my passion is public safety and I will do my very best to continue to support our fire and police departments so they can continue to provide you with a quality level of service. Nothing short of the best for our citizens and guests.

“But we also must not forget about all of the other fine quality services the other City Departments provide to our citizens and year round guests that visit here and help keep our city alive.”

Sinak cited several projects and initiatives going on now and in the coming years that will require leadership including the State Park Convention Center/Pavilion, the growing and design of the Waterway District, the redesign of our public beach front, new bike and walking paths and new roads.

“These and other projects for the citizens and guests of our community will help us keep the good quality of life we now enjoy as we adapt to the growing needs of the city,” he said. “We also need to address the responsibility of creating opportunity for our young kids by supporting education.”

Sinak says he supports the new high school campus plan for County Road 8 and the Foley Beach Express and wants to see the city develop college level education opportunities for local students.

“Support for a new high school and working with the local colleges and trade schools to afford our graduating seniors an opportunity to get a quality affordable two- and four-year degree or learn a trade without having to leave the area,” he said. “This in turn could create an opportunity for all of the local cities and businesses in our area to hire for job openings on a local basis.”