Madison city councilman announces run for county commission

(From release) Madison City Councilman Steve Haraway announced today that he will seek the office of Madison County Commissioner for District 2 in the upcoming 2012 election.

As a 37-year resident of the District 2 community, Haraway is a graduate of Bob Jones High School with 17 years of experience in electronics component sales/marketing followed by 12 years as a small business owner.

Haraway, 47, is in his second term of office as a member of the Madison City Council and is Past President of the governing body.  Some of his current official duties include serving as liaison to the Madison Police Department, Parks and Recreation, and the Madison City Disability Advocacy Board.  He is also Vice Chairman of Madison Utilities and Secretary of the Madison County Communication District (911 Board).  Additionally, he is a member of the Madison Recreation Advisory Board, Madison City Schools Capital Planning Committee, and the Bob Jones Booster Club.

During his tenure on the City Council, Haraway has led the way in securing improvements for western Madison County while implementing cost-saving measures to maximize available resources.  Some of his accomplishments include:

• Improved working relationships with the City of Huntsville & all of Madison County
• Business recruitment & expansion enhancements including business-friendly code changes
• Economic development projects including the Target Shopping Center, Downtown Revitalization, and the new Madison Hospital for improved health care with added convenience
• Mill Creek Elementary School & James Clemens High School, alleviating facility overcrowding and allowing more academic services & opportunities for all students
• New LEED-Certified fire station for upgraded emergency protection
• Televised City Council meetings for increased access to government
• Quality of life developments including the Hogan YMCA, Mill Creek & Bradford Creek Greenways, and miles of new sidewalks
• Road extensions, intersections, traffic signals, and bridges

In other past community activities, Haraway has served on the Madison City Schools Curriculum Committee, the Madison Athletic Association, Liberty Middle School's Booster Club, a member of Project Proud, and worked as a volunteer fireman.

As County Commissioner for District 2, Haraway will bring voters his record of focus and proven understanding of the issues will best serve the interests of the 56,000+ residents in western Madison County.

Haraway said, “This is an important election for the people in the newly created District 2 for the Madison County Commission.  With the certain change facing the composition of the commission, it is more important than ever that our district have a commissioner with a complete understanding of the needs and issues facing our community and a history of working in the trenches."

With his experience working in elected office for 8 years within the district, Haraway  understands both the substantial needs and the tremendous opportunities.  His priorities include:

• Personal, equal & accessible representation for all of District 2
• Strategic, planned infrastructure improvements to support growth & economic development
• Continued support for Huntsville & Madison schools
• Solid backing for fire & police departments
• Responsible spending to maximize every tax dollar
• On-going, positive working relationships with local, state & federal governments

Haraway explained that the community is in an uncommon situation.  He said, "Madison County is facing a series of decisions that will impact the economic climate of our future.  We must be proactive in preparing ourselves to take advantage of every opportunity that presents itself."

Steve and wife Donna have been married more than 19 years and have two sons -- Dustin and Dylan, both students at Bob Jones High School.  They are members of Asbury United Methodist Church.

Haraway concluded, "The time for Madison County's future is now.  And District 2 has new footing to be more involved and benefit from a new vision more than ever."