Editor’s note: To help voters make informed decisions in local municipal elections on Aug. 28, The Clanton Advertiser collected biographical information and personal messages from those running for office in the four Chilton County municipalities. Each Clanton candidate is listed below. Voting is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at city and town halls. Runoff elections would be held Tuesday, Oct. 9, if necessary. Those elected will take office on Monday, Nov. 5.

Mayor

Billy Joe Driver (incumbent)

Ann Baker

•Family: Carl Baker Jr., husband; two children, Adriane B. Dennis (Joe Dennis) and Barry Baker (Tara J. Baker); four grandchildren, Adalyne and Austin Dennis and Anna Kathryn and Bryce Baker.

•Education: 1963 graduate of Chilton County High School; Cosmetology certification, 1964; Certified Municipal Official Training Program (advanced and basic degree); Master Gardener, 2003; Chilton Leadership Graduate, 1998.

•Personal message: Every day our city makes decisions that affect the lives of all families. As your mayor, I will take that responsibility seriously and will always strive to do what is right and fair for the citizens of Clanton. I want to thank you for allowing me to serve on the Clanton City Council for 24 years. Many of you have had needs, and I have enjoyed fulfilling those needs and making every effort to solve your problems. I am a servant of the people. Your problems and needs have always been my focus. I am never too busy to listen and answer any question you might have. I appreciate the confidence you have shown in my leadership as a council member. Now, it is my desire to serve as your mayor. With new leadership, positive ideas and a great deal of community pride, our city will progress and move forward.

Michael L. Mims

•Campaign website: www.facebook.com/michael.mims1965

•Age: 46

•Family: Mother, Christine Thomas (from Curtains Unlimited and Friends Steakhouse); two sons, Justin Tyler Mims (18), Jordan Lawrence Mims (10).

•Education: Chilton County High School class of 1984; three degrees, Human Resource Management, Aerospace Electrical and Applied Science, Business Administration (I.S.) Database Management.

•Personal message: I’ve dreamed of being mayor of Clanton since I was 10, and I’m thankful for finally being given this opportunity to run for office. I am a retired Air Force veteran who was decorated more than 50 times, participated in seven wars, particularly in search and rescue, and assisted in more than seven humanitarian efforts, risking my life daily for those in need. I was a teacher for 12 of those years for survivability and disaster preparedness. I now own and operate six businesses in Clanton with my mother and partner, Christine Thomas. I am proactive in three worldwide charities, to include our 22 children’s hospitals and burn centers. I am also actively involved in eight other community organizations. I have participated in more than 500 committees on all civic levels, being chairman of 25 of them. As your mayor, I can help promote growth and ensure our survivability.