From the start of the Duck River dam project, to downtown rebuilding, Garlan Gudger, Jr. has seen a lot of growth in his past eight years on the Cullman city council. But, if voters bring him back for a third term, he  hopes to see even more.

Gudger holds seniority on the council with two terms, and has spent the past four years as council president. He plans to seek the same seat (Place 2) in the upcoming municipal election.

“I thoroughly enjoy being a part of this community, and my only goal is to make this area the best it can possibly be,” he said. “I’ve been dedicated the past eight years to make the right decisions, and I want to continue working to progress this community.”

Gudger said the past four years have been tough — but pointed to local projects such as downtown rebuilding in the wake of the April 2011 tornadoes as a sign that local government is on the right track.

“From the bad economy, to writing an alcohol ordinance, the aftermath of the tornado and the start of the Duck River project, those have all been challenging issues,” he said. “But, from that you draw knowledge, experience and an education on those issues. It’s hard to be so emerged in each of these issues and not want to see them through, and to want the best possible outcome you can. The past four years have really given me a hands-on education and knowledge of what’s best for this city, things that can be hard to explain to someone coming in brand new.”

Gudger ran on the platform of downtown growth eight years ago, and said the city has made great strides — but, work isn’t finished yet.

“The city stepped in, being the largest landowner in downtown with sidewalks and streets, and done it’s job in making downtown look and feel better with the streetscape project, he said. “I’m expecting downtown to continue to flourish and be rebuilt in the future. Having old buildings renovated through our new facade program we’ve created, and having new buildings built, that is producing jobs and sales tax for all of Cullman County.”

The city has gained ground in industrial and economic recruitment in recent years, and Gudger said he believes Cullman is close to breaking through as a premiere city in the region.

“I feel the city is on the verge of something big, and I’m proud to say I’ve been a part of that over the past eight years,” he said. “I’ve gained experience and knowledge to continue seeing the city flourish. I believe Cullman will continue to be the best place to live in Alabama. I can only say that statement with confidence because I know our city department heads and city employees are dedicated to their jobs and work hard, and they’re the true reason why the city functions as well as it does.”

Looking toward the next few years, Gudger said he already has some ideas that could come to fruition within the next term.

“There are different projects that have potential to become a reality within the next four years, including the development of the Burrow property, development of an IT center and library through a partnership with the county, and even working with the school board for more of a health-conscious menu.”

Gudger also commended the current mayor and council members, and said he hopes to continue working with them and other local officials in the future.

“I personally have been blessed by having a great team to work with,” he said. “With the council and mayor, and even though we may not always agree on every subject, in the end, whatever the majority has agreed upon has been the right thing to do for the city.”

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