Q&A with candidates in Madison Mayor Race

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7 days ago

MADISON, Ala. (WHNT) — Municipal elections will be held across Alabama on Aug. 26.
Voters in North Alabama will be asked to decide on mayoral races, city council races and, in some communities, school board races.
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In order to provide voters with detailed information about the candidates running for mayor in 12 North Alabama cities, News 19 sent out a number of candidate questionnaires starting in mid-July.
We are going to post the answers we received over the next 10 days. Not every candidate responded, and that will be noted.
Some answers will also be edited for length, grammar or spelling reasons, but otherwise the content will be published as submitted. Viewer feedback is always welcome.
In Madison, Incumbent Paul Finley isn't running for another term, leading to a three-way race between City Councilwoman Ranae Bartlett, City Administrator Steve Smith and Community Activist Margi Daly.
1. Please provide a short biography
Bartlett: I moved to Madison, Alabama, in 2003 from northwest Arkansas, where I served as Director of Risk Analysis and Security Resources and Assistant General Counsel for Wal-Mart Stores Inc. I earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Arkansas School of Law. Elected to the Madison City Council in 2020, I've served as Council President, Finance Chair, and currently Council President Pro Tempore, after nearly a decade on the Madison Board of Education. In 2013, I founded the Madison City Chess League, fostering chess education and producing state and national champions. I've been married to Todd Guthrie for 31 years, and our son, Michael, graduated from the University of Alabama this spring.
Daly: Growing up on Long Island, New York, I had three siblings, and I'm married with three special-needs rescue Chihuahuas. My restaurant career began at the tender age of 12, leading me to attend community college and the Medical Technical Institute. I pursued a tech career in general and vascular surgery.
Smith: I was born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee. I attended Trevecca Nazarene University ona baseball scholarship and graduated in four years with degrees in Computer InformationSystems and Business Administration. After college, I entered the transportation industryand eventually became a small business owner—a role I held until recently. My early lifetaught me the value of hard work, teamwork, and perseverance, which continue to guideme today.
2. What led you to run for Mayor?
Bartlett: I'm running for mayor because I love my city. I have been honored to serve in numerous capacities, either on the city council or within our community, and believe this is the next chapter of my life that gives me the chance to give back to the people of Madison. Our city needs steady, proven leadership now more than ever. I believe I'm that leader, and I would love nothing more than to continue serving in a capacity that makes our city better than it was the day before.
Daly: One of my most significant achievements was preventing the installation of a city manager in our small community. This move would have disenfranchised the voters' voices. I actively participated in public meetings and engaged with the community to inform and educate them about the potential consequences. Our collective efforts resulted in a resounding 'no' vote, with 73% of the voters opposing the city manager proposal.
Smith: I was the last candidate to announce my run for mayor. Initially, I hadn't planned to enterthe race, but as the campaign unfolded, I felt a strong sense of responsibility to step forward. My experience serving on the city council and as city administrator gave me a deep understanding of what it takes to keep Madison moving in a positive direction. I've had the privilege of being part of the growth and progress our city has experienced, and I want to help ensure that momentum continues. I care deeply about Madison and the people who live here, and I'm committed to working every day to make sure our city remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family.
3. What will be your top priority if you are elected?
Bartlett: Managing growth through responsible planning will be my top priority once elected. I believe many of the challenges we face stem from the enormous amount of growth not only within our city but within our region. A responsible growth plan that plans ahead will aid in alleviating traffic congestion, stabilizing the cost of living, enhancing our citizens' quality of life, and more.
Daly: Another pressing issue I encountered was an annual audit that revealed a staggering amount of over $1,000,000,000 owed by taxpayers through 2054. My top priority is to address this debt by reducing borrowing. Despite a decline in revenue, our debt has steadily increased. I am committed to prioritizing the needs of the people and building a more sustainable city. This includes constructing infrastructure with only the highest quality construction, installing ADA sidewalks, and implementing an app for traffic alerts and warnings. My vision is to create a walkable, cycle-friendly city that prioritizes safety. I will utilize public works, possibly expanding a night crew. This will allow less traffic buildups and less stress in the hot sun on our employees.
Smith: My top priorities will be addressing traffic, improving schools, and protecting neighborhoods—without giving in to special interests. I'll focus on strengthening basic services and improving the quality of life for all residents. That includes continued investment in our parks, with a special emphasis on Palmer Park, and working to bring a new pool to meet the needs of our growing population. These are not just amenities—they are essential parts of a healthy, vibrant community.
4. What are the main challenges currently facing the city? How do you plan to address those issues?
Bartlett: Many of the challenges we face have arisen from the expansive growth of Madison. The challenges range from traffic congestion, heightened cost of living, and a population that is quickly outpacing the capacity of our schools. As mayor, I'll ensure we begin to plan smarter when we make major infrastructure investments to ensure we aren't using bandages, but are fixing the potential problems of tomorrow. Additionally, we can utilize smarter zoning to incentivize or restrict areas of low or high congestion. Lastly, I'll ensure a strong partnership within our city and our city schools to protect and continue investing in our most valuable asset: our children.
Daly: A significant challenge we have faced is the prioritization of developers' interests over the needs of the people. Our city services have continued to decline while debt, taxes and fees have increased. Despite these challenges, I am determined to make a difference. I am running a grassroots campaign with small donations from the community, ensuring that I am accountable to the people I serve.
Smith: My top priority, if elected, will be to alleviate traffic congestion and make smartinfrastructure improvements. Madison's explosive growth has brought incredible opportunity, but our roads and transportation systems were not built to handle the volumewe're seeing today. Residents are feeling the strain in their daily commutes, safetyconcerns, and the wear and tear on our infrastructure. I will fight for our fair share ofinfrastructure funding, both at the state and federal levels. I will champion thoughtfulexpansion of our roadways and intersections, and I will lead with long-term solutions inmind—ones that don't just respond to growth but anticipate and plan for it.
5. Do you have a personal hero? Who is it and why?
Bartlett: The people I consider a hero are those who volunteer every day in Madison to make it a better place to live. They volunteer in their schools, churches, and through civic and non-profit organizations giving their time and talents to build and improve our community.
Daly: A major inspiration for my candidacy is Mayor Glenn Cunningham, a remarkable man who held several firsts in New Jersey. He was a Marine, the first African American US Marshall, the first African American Chief of Police, and the first African American Mayor. Mayor Cunningham was a true embodiment of selflessness and a man of the people. His legacy has inspired me to stand up and run for mayor, fighting for the same values and principles he upheld.
Smith: As a child and young adult, I looked up to successful people who seemed to have everything figured out. But as I've grown older, my idea of a hero has changed. Today, I find inspiration in the everyday people who face difficult challenges, yet continue to show up, live with integrity, place their faith in God, and treat others with kindness and respect. These individuals — who may be dealing with battles few others know about — are the true heroes. Their quiet strength and resilience inspire me every day.
6. Tell us something about you that might surprise people.
Bartlett: One of my first jobs in high school and through college was working at Wal-Mart Store #66 in Clarksville, Arkansas. I was working at the service desk one day when Sam Walton walked in. I carried on a conversation with him while we were waiting for the store manager to arrive. When he learned I wanted to go to law school, he reminded me that he had a legal department and he encouraged me to apply. I did just that, and had my interview with the General Counsel over the phone on my next shift. I was hired to be a law clerk the summer before I started law school, and I continued to work there during my first year of law school. Sam Walton wanted people to have store experience before being promoted to upper management in his company. My understanding of how a store operated helped me years later when I returned to work for Wal-Mart legal as an appellate attorney and eventually as Assistant General Counsel.
Daly: In 1998, I faced a serious health scare that lasted from 1998 to 2000. Despite this setback, I decided to move to Alabama in 2004, expecting to fade away. However, the Lord intervened and allowed me to flourish. I am currently healthier than I have ever been, and I am grateful for the opportunities that have come my way.
Smith: I've recently started participating in triathlons — not the full Ironman races, but half triathlons. I've always enjoyed competition and staying active, but this has become more of an internal challenge for me now. It's about pushing myself, finishing the training, and completing the race. What's been especially rewarding is the community surrounding these events. The support from fellow athletes, friends, family, and even strangers is incredible. It's one of the most encouraging and uplifting environments I've ever been a part of.
7. Why should people vote for you? What makes you stand out from the other candidates in the race?
Bartlett: I believe I am the most qualified and most prepared to serve as Mayor. Our city is fortunate to have had the investment and growth we've seen for the past many years, and I've been honored to be a part of that, from my time on the school board to my time now serving on the city council. However, our next mayor must have the right experience in making the tough decisions while being responsible to the people who elected them. I am the only candidate with this range of experience. I am prepared to bring innovative ideas, responsible planning, and transparent budgeting to Madison on day one. That is why I believe the people of Madison should elect me as their next mayor.
Daly: People should consider voting for me because I have the experience of being elected in a city of 125,000. I will prioritize the needs of the people and ensure that our city's budget is maintained without compromising on quality.
I have a grassroots campaign that relies on small donations from the community. I will not owe anyone and will work tirelessly to bring our city back to a constituent-friendly, open City Hall. I have zero conflicts of interest.
Smith: I love Madison. My wife and I moved here in 1994. This is the city where I've grown as a man, where I've raised my family, and where my grandkids now live. I want Madison to continue to thrive—not just today, but for the future. I want it to remain the best city and the best place to raise a family in the State of Alabama. I will work every day to ensure we have strong schools, a high quality of life, safe neighborhoods, and spaces for families to connect and enjoy time together.
I bring more experience in city government than any other candidate. I am certified in city management. I have a proven track record of making long-term decisions that benefit our citizens. I know how to lead from day one. I understand the value of collaboration — working with Huntsville, Madison County, Limestone County, and our utility partners to ensure our entire region is successful. I know how to build and lead teams, and I know how to get things done.
News 19 will be posting more candidate Q&As for mayoral races across the Tennessee Valley in the coming days.
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