By KATIE V. JONES
Courtesy of Adrian Simmons
Adrian Simmons was chosen by the Laurel City Council on July 1 to be the next councilmember representing Ward 1. Simmons, 45, fills the seat vacated by Carl DeWalt, who resigned from the council in May.
“I’m jumping on a moving train,” Simmons said, after the council meeting.”I have a little catching up to do, but I’m looking forward to getting up to speed.”
A special election was not necessary, as the city charter stipulates that an election will be held only if two or more seats are vacant. Simmons was one of four contenders for the seat. He, along with Stephen Wallace, Maria Gonzales-Jackson and Calondra Young, were each asked 10 questions by the council, with two minutes allotted for each answer, for a total of 20 minutes per candidate.
“It was great to see such a diverse group of candidates,” Kyla Clark (Ward 2) said. “It was a unique experience.”
Simmons, a life-long Laurel resident, owns Element CPA on Main Street. His experience as a certified public accountant will help with budget planning, Simmons said, during his Q&A. He also expressed concern about the changes at Laurel Park, potential bicycle trails, and the importance of working together and sharing ideas.
“I appreciate the confidence the council has and the voter support last fall,” Simmons said, after the meeting. “I’m still processing this. I am going to sleep better tonight.”
Simmons originally ran in the election last October for the at-large seat on the city council. Christine Johnson won that seat, while DeWalt and current council president James Kole won the two Ward 1 seats.
“I’m glad he applied again and that he was successful,” said Christine Johnson (At-large). “I look forward to working with him.”
Simmons was sworn into office during a special city council meeting before their work session on July 3.
