Johnnie Howell threw his hat in the ring for Mayor of Hartselle on May 29 after what he described was “a long-time interest and participation in city government, encouragement from family, friends and associates and much prayer.”

Johnnie Howell

Howell, 60, said he would file qualifying papers on July 3 and conduct an intensive door-to-door campaign, seeking the support of voters. His candidacy will be subject to the Aug. 28, 2012, Municipal Election.

He brings to three the number of announced candidates for the city’s highest elected position. Retired Hartselle City Schools Superintendent Lee Hartsell and City Councilman Don Hall are also seeking the office.

Incumbent Mayor Dwight Tankersley is not seeking a third consecutive term.

“Last year, several people called me and asked if I would consider running for mayor,” Howell stated. I’ve given it serious thought and prayed about it a lot. With my professional and public service background, I feel like I can contribute to the continued growth and prosperity of our city.”

Even though this is the first time Howell has run for public office, he has been actively involved in city affairs since he and his wife moved back to Hartselle to raise their family in 1985.

Howell is retired after 37 years in banking and finance. He is currently a licensed realtor and operates a small cattle farm. During his banking career, he served as city president and community executive for First American Bank and RBC Bank, senior vice president and area executive for SouthTrust Bank and vice president and city president of Bankfirst Bank and Union Planters Bank, all in Hartselle. He was also employed in the business office of the former Humana

Hospital in Huntsville for four years.

He is serving in his 12th year as a member

of Hartselle Planning Commission and has served as chairman of the Hartselle Transportation Committee since it was organized.

“Given the difficult economic issues we face, it’s critical that we manage our money every day just like we do our own households,” Howell pointed out. “The mayor’s job is a management job. It demands close monitoring of our revenues on a day-to-day basis. Plus, his role in economic development is critical. We’ve got to find ways to widen our tax revenue base.”

Attributes of his candidacy include a successful financial management record with business development experience, strong involvement in community affairs and a commitment to community and family.

Howell attended F.E. Burleson and Crestline Elementary Schools and is a 1969 graduate of the former Morgan County High School. He attended Calhoun Community College, the Graduate School of Banking at Memphis State University, is a graduate of Leadership Hartselle and is an Alabama certified Planning and Zoning Official.

He is a member of First United Methodist Church in Hartselle where he is a lay leader, a past chairman of Administrative Council and a member of the Pastor-Parrish Relations and Finance Commit-tees.

He is a past president of Hartselle Rotary Club and a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award, past president of Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce, past board member for the Greater Alabama Council of the Boy Scouts, past board member for Morgan County Red Cross, past board member of Terrell Industries and past board member of Morgan County E-911.

Howell and his wife LuJeanne have been married for 41 years. They have two sons, Christopher and Clayton.

A meet and greet campaign kick-off is set for June 14 from 4 to 7 p.m. at The Depot in Hartselle. Everyone is welcome,

Howell welcomes questions and comments via email at

howell548@bellsouth.net.