Ralph Hellmich announces run for Mayor of Foley

Hellmich is ready to put his 16 years of leadership to help propel Foley forward

Submitted
Posted 7/8/20

FOLEY - Ralph Hellmich, a Foley native and local leader, announces his candidacy for Mayor of the City of Foley. Hellmich is an active leader in Foley and has been for many years.

Hellmich …

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Ralph Hellmich announces run for Mayor of Foley

Hellmich is ready to put his 16 years of leadership to help propel Foley forward

Posted

FOLEY - Ralph Hellmich, a Foley native and local leader, announces his candidacy for Mayor of the City of Foley. Hellmich is an active leader in Foley and has been for many years.

Hellmich currently holds the position as District 3 Representative on the Foley City Council and has served in this role for more than 16 years. He also serves as Mayor Pro Tem for the Council.

“I have worked hard these past years to serve the citizens of Foley to the best of my ability as the District 3 Council Representative,” Hellmich said. “Working many years for the State of Alabama, along with my council role, has taught me how to serve the public and will allow me to quickly acclimate as Mayor. It is important to use common sense, listen to the citizens, and be fair when making decisions. Communication is the key to building consensus.”

Hellmich has earned the designation of Certified Municipal Official from the Alabama League of Municipalities. He serves on several Foley boards including the City of Foley Planning Commission, Redevelopment Authority, and Public Facilities Cooperative District. He is also a representative for the city on the Riviera Utilities Board of Directors (currently serving as Chairman), University of Alabama Geological Sciences Advisory Board Vice Chairman, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and St. Margaret’s Catholic Church Men’s Club.

During his time in city leadership, the city has experienced both national economic recessions and periods of prosperous growth for Foley. Hellmich has worked with the council and Mayor to plan Foley budgets allowing for needed improvements while increasing the city’s savings account from $6 million to $20 million. He said his goal continues to be “improving and maintaining services for the citizens and businesses of Foley while keeping the tax burden low.”

Hellmich has worked to keep his District 3 residents informed. He regularly attends community meetings to provide timely updates for his constituents and appreciates the involvement and active participation of District 3 residents.

During his terms, Hellmich worked with fellow council members to add more city amenities for residents. Those amenities included expansion of the Raymond C. Christensen Sports Complex on Highway 98, the Foley Sports Tourism Complex and Indoor Events Center, multiple sidewalk expansions, creation of new walking trails, and the addition of the Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

Hellmich strongly supported the revitalization of downtown Foley through many streetscapes projects, the creation of the designated Main Street Program, and multiple infrastructure upgrades. He also worked to help create a framework for the future of Foley with the adoption of Comprehensive Plans and a 10-year Road Project Plan.

“The key to the future growth of Foley is to maintain the quality of life that makes this area so attractive,” Hellmich said. “The path to the future for Foley is a balanced economic development plan, with smart growth. Having such a great area needs to be matched with great jobs for our young people, so supporting our education system and jobs training programs will be a priority.”

Hellmich has said the Mayor and Council have a proven record of a strong working relationship, which he plans to carry on during his term. City employees have also provided residents with a great support network, and Hellmich is committed to maintaining these strong relationships as Mayor.

“We have a great group of dedicated employees who place the needs of the citizens of Foley first,” Hellmich said. “The teamwork they exhibit time and time again has shown how a city should be run, which is for the good of its citizens.”

Hellmich is a lifelong resident of Foley, graduating from Foley High School in 1975. He went on to graduate from the University of Alabama and attained his B.S. in Geology. Upon completion, Hellmich began his career with the State of Alabama Oil and Gas Board where he served for more than 39 years. Hellmich served the as the Regional Operations Supervisor responsible for overseeing operations in the southern half of Alabama, including the coastal waters. Hellmich retired in 2019 leaving behind a legacy of dynamic leadership, smart growth, and expertise as the operations expanded.

He is married to Jo McGill Hellmich, and together they have three children: Kristin Hellmich, Kurt Hellmich, and Kate Hellmich, as well as one grandchild, Caleb King.

For more information regarding the Ralph Hellmich Mayoral Campaign or to get involved, please email hellmichformayor@gmail.com.