After serving on the West Point town council the past three years, Republican Steve Link wants to try his hand at representing his hometown school.

Link is one of three candidates seeking the District 1 seat on the Cullman County Board of Education. The position represents West Point schools and Harmony School, and will be decided in the March 13 primary.

“I have a sincere desire to help the students of Cullman County, and I also have a deep concern with the direction public schools seem to be heading nationally,” he said. “I just hope to stand as a voice of opposition when things are mandated down from state and federal issues that really should be dealt with in the home.”

With nearly one full term of experience on the town council, Link said he believes he has the skills to now make a difference on the school board.

“I believe that the time spent in this office has prepared me for the responsibilities required of a school board member,” Link said. “One example is, working as a council we voted to make elimination of debt a priority over new spending and putting off new projects until current obligations have been resolved. Another example is that the town utilized outside funding sources to finance projects, thereby reducing and sometimes eliminating the use of town monies.”

Link said he has also learned a lot about working with his fellow elected officials to accomplish what is best for the community — be it a small town, or the county school district.

“Working on the council requires a spirit of understanding, a willingness to listen to the opinions and ideas of others and a sense of persuasiveness to come up with positive solutions,” he said. “These principles can certainly be applied to the oversight of the school system.”

With the proposed countywide half-cent sales tax for public education also on the March 13 ballot, Link said he believes the current school board made the right decision to request the vote.

“I believe that the county students deserve state-of-the-art computers and software, lab equipment and programs, the same opportunities that the City of Cullman has enjoyed for several years,” he said. “If I am elected and the tax passes, I will make certain with all of my ability that the additional revenue is spent exactly as it has been presented, and accordingly if it fails, I will work to seek additional funding from other sources to help the advancement of our worthy students and teachers.”

Link said he would learn and research before passing board policies and procedures, and try to consider any repercussions before giving his approval.

“I’m going to be mindful of the students and teachers, and the effects it will have on everyone involved,” he said. “I will try to be fair across the board, and that is extremely important when decisions are made.”

The District 1 seat is being vacated by long-time board member Steve Freeman, who is not seeking reelection. Candidates Forrest McCullar and Gene Sullins are also seeking the position.

* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 220.