PELL CITY — Mayor Adam Stocks says he will not run for re-election this year."It's something that's weighed heavily on me," Stocks said. "The number one reason is my family, trying to raise four boys and being a good role model for them, and a good husband. Running a city with 15,000 people on a $20 million budget is a big task."
He said it is hard to juggle the role of father and husband with the role of mayor.
"I looked back at some of my calendars, and 12 to 15 times a month, I'm not there," he said. "I can't go back 10 years from now and be a father."
Stocks said he made his decision now so supporters would know in advance.
"I think it's the right thing to do," he said. "Karen (his wife) and I have talked about this. It's time to be a daddy again."
The couple own a local radio station, and Stocks plans to return to the station full time when his term as mayor is officially over.
"That will allow me to be in my boys' life," he said. "The radio station offers a flexible work schedule."
Stocks said he will also remain active in city affairs, possibly serving on city boards.
"I still will be civically active, just not in the capacity of mayor," he said.
Stocks said he believes he could run for mayor again and be re-elected based on the job he's done the past four years, but he is choosing not to run.
"It's time to be a husband and a father," he said. "I don't want to look back 10 years from now and have regrets."
Stocks said he's proud of the job he's done as mayor and will continue to work hard until he leaves office.
"This is not a sad moment. I'm proud of what this council and I have accomplished the past four years," Stocks said. "This administration has definitely put a stamp on changing Pell City."
He said this administration created more than 1,000 jobs in the city.
"That's a lot of jobs," Stocks said, adding he helped recruit two German companies, and helped bring The Home Depot, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store restaurant and Walgreen's pharmacy to the city.
"And the I-20 bridge is well under way and will be completed next year," Stocks said. "By the time I leave, a hospital deal will also be in place."
He said there are many issues to resolve before he steps down as mayor, including the selection of a location for a new library.
Stocks said the big issue now and in the years to come for city officials is fixing the city's sewer system.
"It was the number one issue when I ran for office, and it will remain the number one issue for years to come," he said.
This administration has borrowed $10 million to improve the sewer system, but it will take more than double that amount to completely rehabilitate the aging system, officials say.
Stocks also spearheaded efforts to bring a movie theater to Pell City. Construction of the movie theater is just on the horizon.
"I know there's going to be people disappointed, but I know they are going to understand," Stocks said. "I do have concerns about who the next mayor will be, but I strongly feel the leaders in this community, who work behind the scenes, will push this city in the right direction."
