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Chelsea Magazine, P. O. Box 26432, Birmingham, AL (2025)

08/02/2025

Casey Morris is uncontested for Council Place #5
Here's our interview + Q&A with him:

Casey said he was inspired to run for city council because he cares deeply about the future of Chelsea and wanted to be a voice for responsible growth, community values, and transparent leadership.

He said he brings years of experience in business and public service, along with a strong understanding of budgeting, infrastructure planning, and community engagement.

Before joining the council, Casey served on The Shelby County Chamber of Commerce board and has volunteered with many civic groups that work closely with residents and small businesses to support community initiatives.

4. What are your top three priorities for the city council?
* Managing growth responsibly
* Investing in infrastructure and public safety
* Supporting local businesses and community spaces

Q. How would you improve the quality of life for residents in our city?
A. By enhancing parks and greenways, improving roads and drainage, and ensuring our city services meet the needs of a growing population.

Q. What is your vision for the future of our city in the next 5 to 10 years?
A. I envision a Chelsea that maintains its small-town charm while offering modern amenities, strong schools, and a vibrant local economy.

Q. What do you think about managing growth and development in our area?
A. Growth is inevitable, but it must be managed with thoughtful planning, infrastructure investment, and community input to preserve what makes Chelsea special.

Q. How would you prioritize spending within the city budget?
A. I focus on needs over wants-prioritizing public safety, infrastructure, and essential services while being fiscally responsible.

08/01/2025

Chris Grace is uncontested for Council Place #3
Here's our interview + Q&A with him:

Chris and his family moved to Chelsea in 2003 and have watched the city grow. He and his wife, Gina, have three adult children and one grandson. All of their children graduated from Chelsea High School.

He works as a licensed professional civil engineer in five different states, and serves as Vice President with Barge Design Solutions in the Birmingham area.

Chris was appointed to fill the unexpired term for Council Place # 3 in March of 2019, then ran again for the seat in 2020.

“My initial inspiration to serve centered around my desire to help our community to solve problems and make sound decisions related to infrastructure and sustainability as we face an extraordinary pace of growth,” he said.

Q. What are your top three priorities for the city council?
A. To continue to recruit and attract retail businesses to support our sales tax based economy; to support smart growth strategies to prevent urban sprawl and lay an infrastructure foundation for future generations to build upon; and implement the Comprehensive Parks Master Plan that the City commissioned as our budget allows.

Q. How would you improve the quality of life for residents in our city?
A. Our two biggest assets apart from our citizens are Highway 280 and the natural beauty that surrounds us. We must manage our section of 280 wisely such that it will support retail developments without becoming a traffic nightmare. I’d like to see the city be able to create more outdoor spaces for the enjoyment of our citizens and visitors. This could take the form of more passive spaces or trails and parks that aren’t exclusively dedicated to sports activities.

Q. What is your vision for the future of our city in the next 5 to 10 years?
We are on the cusp of significant retail development as we have passed the 15,000 population mark. Our community has the rooftops and discretionary income to support more and better retail options. As those businesses come online, I’d like to see us slow residential development to allow us to build “municipal equity” and let our city service offerings mature. Over the course of 10 years, we will have to make major decisions on public safety, public works, permitting, water and sewer, and solid waste. We currently have excellent partners to help in these areas, but as our community matures, we’ll need to consider bringing those services under city control.

Q. What do you think about managing growth and development in our area?
A. I have seen a Venn diagram related to city government that proposed that most people want stable services, low taxes, and low density. Population growth drives the need for services which drives the need for taxes which comes back to the need for population growth. The overlapping center of that diagram was labeled “does not exist.” Our challenge as city leaders is to find a balance. I would propose that it is time for us to consider implementing means to responsibly slow our growth and consider how to promote less density for a period of time to allow our services and “municipal equity” to catch up.

Q. How would you prioritize spending within the city budget?
A. I believe public safety is the council’s number one responsibility to the public. People should be safe in our city. After that we should be taking care of the investments we have made in infrastructure. Our citizens expect and deserve clean water, high quality roads and bridges, and well maintained and programmed parks. Beyond that, we should be investing in our future by supporting business retention and recruitment.

07/31/2025

Scott Weygand is uncontested for Council Place #2
Here's our interview + Q&A with him:

Scott has served on the city council for two terms. He said he initially ran for city council because I felt I could be a positive leader for the community and help steer the growth of our city.

He owns and runs a local business that turned 20 years old this year. He was appointed to the Chelsea Planning and Zoning Committee in 2012 (prior to my first term on the city council) and was voted as the chairperson of the committee in 2014. When I was elected to council in 2016, I was appointed as the council representative for the committee. I was chosen by the council to serve as the Mayor Pro Tempore in 2018.

Q. What are your top priorities for the council?
A. With the change of city government happening at the swearing in ceremony, I want to see a smooth transition. This will require strong leadership, experience, and knowledge of the law.
I would like to see continued controlled growth of our city. I want to improve upon current city functions. I want to create a better organization of our city and create new departments to handle the growth and serve our citizens well. I want to continue the city partnership with our local schools and continue to invest in our children. We have great schools, and I would like to see them continue on that path.

Q. How would you improve the quality of life for residents in our city?
A. There are many wants and needs for our community. The most requested are: more walking paths, a dog park, a public pool, improvements at our current parks, more business options/restaurants, and better traffic flow. The city is constantly looking at traffic issues and trying to work with the county or the state for improvement. We advocate when it involves their roads. A bridge over the railroad tracks is something the city is still chasing.

Q. What is your vision for the future of our city in the next 5–10 years?
A. For the growth to continue to be controlled, slowly and strategically. I see our business community becoming one of the top in the county. Soon, we will not have to drive over the mountain for things because it's all right here. I want to see the walkability of our city improve, so you can park at one place and walk to several.

Q. What do you think about managing growth and development in our area?
A. Chelsea has a great location, and people will continue to recognize that. Growth on the commercial corridor will continue, while the residential side seems to be slowing down. I will continue to push for controlling the growth and requiring quality development, over the quantity of development.

Q. How would you prioritize spending within the city budget?
A. Public safety is the number one priority. That doesn’t just mean fire and police. To me, that also includes streets and roads.

Q. What steps will you take to ensure transparency and communication between city government and residents?
A. The city of Chelsea was the first city in the county to broadcast our council meetings on Facebook live and we will continue to do that. I want the city to be better at announcements of things that are approved and explaining what it means for the community. I also want to encourage more people to get involved with the city.

07/30/2025

Johnna Barnes is uncontested for Council Place #1
Here's our interview + Q&A with her:

A 1980 graduate of Chelsea High School, Johnna was born and raised in Westover and has spent her entire adult life in Chelsea. She has worked as a school bus driver for the Shelby County Board of Education since 1995 and currently serves the students of Chelsea Middle School. She said Chelsea is home in every sense of the word.

Her husband, Robert Barnes, served on the City Council in Place 1 from 2008- 2012.

“His service inspired me to run for the same seat, and I would be honored to continue that legacy,” she said.

The couple, both Chelsea alumni, have two children and six grandchildren. Their life here is full, and Johnna said they are incredibly grateful for this community.

In 2022, Johnna became actively involved in the "Better Way/Vote No" campaign, opposing the creation of a city school system.

“That experience connected me with many Chelsea residents who felt their voices weren’t being heard—not just in schools, but across various city issues. After the vote, I knew my work wasn’t done. I promised then that I would run for council in 2025 to ensure our residents continue to have a voice. This campaign is about keeping that promise and serving the city I love.”

Q. What experience or skills do you bring that makes you a strong candidate?
A. Wanting to make sure that I would be prepared to run, I began attending pre-council/council meetings in 2022, to learn as much as I could leading up to the 2025 election. In 2024, I was asked to become part of the City's Board of Zoning Adjustments Committee, and I happily accepted, knowing that this would give me an even greater insight on city government. I also began attending Planning Commission meetings, which has become another learning experience for me. Also, over the past year, I have been reading and studying information such as "What Every Candidate Should Know About Municipal Government" and "Duties of the Mayor & Council.”

Q. How have you been involved in our community before running for office?
A. In August of 2022, I joined our Chelsea Citizen Observer Patrol (COP) program so that I could give back to our community. As volunteers, after receiving training, we patrol our neighborhoods and business areas in our community to help deter crime. We also assist in emergencies, such as auto accidents, storms, and traffic control. I was honored to be chosen as COP Rookie of the year for 2023. I am also a member of the Chelsea Mental Health Action Committee and the aforementioned Chelsea BZA committee. I also volunteer with NAMI Shelby to help bring awareness to mental illness.

Q. What are your three top priorities for the city of Chelsea?
A. -Community Infrastructure: with growth comes the responsibility to strike a balance and ensure that our infrastructure and community flourish
-Economic Development: creating an environment where local businesses can thrive while drawing in new investments and continued Controlled growth for our city; -Public Safety: ways to improve emergency response times and ensure the safety of all residents.

Q. How would you improve the quality of life for residents in our city?
A. I would love to make a way and see more community events and activities that bring our residents together. More greenspace with sidewalks, bike paths, etc., that brings our residents out into the community, enjoying all that our city has to offer. A city center created for weekly or monthly community events for all ages to enjoy.

Q. What is your vision for the future of our city in the next 5-10 years?
I would love to see continued but controlled growth for our city. Growth is inevitable, but I want to see it happen in a responsible and sustainable manner. New business is absolutely needed, but it is critical that the infrastructure and civil services keep up. I want to help ensure that growth happens at a responsible and balanced rate to keep Chelsea an optimal place for families to settle into, while preserving the charm and qualities that make it so special.

Q. What do you think about managing growth and development in our area?
A. I believe that as a Mayor and Council, we have to always keep in mind what is best for our city as well as what our residents want. Growth has to be controlled/monitored. I want to be a part of making our city the best it can be, using common sense in all decisions regarding it. Bigger is good, but not always better, convenience can become inconvenient, but we can work together to help our city grow in the best way possible.

Q. How would you prioritize spending within the city budget?
A. I would look at our top community priorities– prioritizing them based on their potential impact and urgency. What is most needed in our city and what is the most cost effective way to meet those needs.

07/29/2025

Three individuals are running for Council Place #4: Arthur Fisher, Jr. (incumbent), Walter Ryan Adams and Jeff Honea II

Here's our interview + Q&A Jeff Honea II

Jeff has called Chelsea home since 2019, following his graduation from Samford University’s School of Pharmacy. But his connection to the city goes back much further—he spent his childhood in Chelsea, forming friendships, attending church, and enjoying the outdoors through hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, and riding dirt bikes.

“Some of my fondest memories were made right here in Chelsea,” he said.

Jeff describes himself as a principled, service-minded leader with a passion for problem-solving and long-term planning. He believes it's his responsibility to use his leadership skills to improve the lives of those around him.

“I am a strong leader with selfless motivation toward the community,” he said. “I’m used to solving problems, setting goals, managing finances, directing teams, and casting vision for the future—with a plan to achieve it.”

If elected to City Council, Jeff’s top priorities include:
-Transparency in government decisions and operations
-Thoughtful, strategic business growth that benefits the city long term
-Preservation of Chelsea’s conservative, family-oriented values

Q. What is your vision for the future of our city in the next 5 to 10 years?
A. Economic Stability of its government, businesses, and residents.

Q. What do you think about managing growth and development in our area?
A. A calculated approach needs to be taken so growth aligns with vision while not compromising values.

Q. How will you ensure that all residents—regardless of age, background, or neighborhood—have a voice in city decisions?
A. I work for you! Not the other way around. I will in all circumstances consider the citizen’s voice and vision as a true public servant.

07/28/2025

Three individuals are running for Council Place #4: Arthur Fisher, Jr. (incumbent), Walter Ryan Adams and Jeff Honea II

Here's our interview + Q&A with Walter Ryan Adams:

Ryan Adams is a longtime teacher and coach at Chelsea High School. After years of service in education, he said the decision to run for city council is one he has considered carefully for some time.

“I wanted to use my abilities beyond the walls of my classroom,” Adams said. “For 20 years, I’ve encouraged students to be active, not idle—to act, not just speak. There’s a saying: ‘If service is beneath you, then leadership is beyond you.’ That resonates with me. My lessons would mean less if I weren’t willing to live them out myself. Serving on the City Council gives me a new way to give back to my community.”

Adams began his teaching career at Chelsea High School in 2004. Except for a five-year return to his home state of Louisiana, he has spent the majority of his career at CHHS and is deeply rooted in the Chelsea community.

“More than 2,300 former students can say Coach Adams was part of their high school experience,” he said. “Their influence on me has been just as strong as mine on them. Chelsea is home, and I want to be an integral part of its future.”

Adams is well known for his role as Faculty Advisor to the Chelsea High School Student Government Association (SGA), as a former high school coach, and as a current youth baseball and softball coach. Recently, he became a certified grant writer to assist city leadership and has already contributed by writing the "Education" segment for Chelsea’s Alabama Cities of Excellence submission.

While earning his Master’s in Public Health at UAB, Adams created a self-initiated internship with the city. That internship led to a proposal submitted to the mayor’s office, which later helped shape several key community developments, including Melrose Park, the splash pad, and the archery park.

Q. What are your top three priorities if elected to the city council?
A. If elected, my top priority is to work in the best interests of the community, period. The best interests take into consideration both immediate/ long-term goals and their consequences. Though a vague response, this mindset was embedded in me long ago. The wrong answer today could be the right one tomorrow. If the approach is steadfast, then my intent would never be brought into question.

Q. What is your vision for the future of our city in the next 5 to 10 years?
A. Chelsea has undergone many changes to its infrastructure and population in the last 30 years. From a small town to a transient community to where we are today, the identity of Chelsea is reflected in the personality of its citizens. This was the vision behind establishing the Chelsea High School Hall of Fame five years ago, connecting current student leaders with, and celebrating those who made this place special. My vision for our city is to never lose sight of that. The more things change, the more they stay the same.

Q. What do you think about managing growth and development in our area?
A. Our growth seems to be an inevitable part of our present and future. It is a facet that we have to properly forecast. I believe it to be vital that we sustain green space and connectivity within our citizenry. I’m a history guy. I’m all about preservation. It is possible to enjoy the advancements of progress while holding on to what made you distinct in the first place.

Q. How will you ensure that all residents—regardless of age, background, or neighborhood—have a voice in city decisions?
A. For all residents to have a voice in city decisions might seem like a delicate concern in the current state of societal affairs. However, it can be satisfied rather simply by being present, being approachable, and being transparent. I believe all three of these are characteristics I possess.

07/27/2025

Three individuals are running for Council Place #4: Arthur Fisher, Jr. (incumbent), Ryan Adams and Jeff Honea II

Here's our interview + Q&A with Arthur Fisher, Jr.:

Arthur Fisher Jr. and his wife, Jacy, moved to Chelsea in November 2020 and say they’ve loved being part of the community ever since.

He works in public policy—focusing on energy, economic development, and how government decisions impact everyday people. As Public Policy Manager at Grenergy USA, he helps develop responsible energy projects that support communities and create jobs.

Arthur was appointed to Chelsea’s City Council in October 2023 to fill the Place 4 seat vacated by Tiffany Bittner. His involvement in city government began simply as a resident committed to staying informed. He regularly attended city council meetings, which led to his appointment to the Planning Commission and, eventually, the council.

“I believe in practical solutions, honest conversations, and doing what’s best for families and communities like ours,” he said.

He emphasizes the importance of experienced, forward-thinking leadership that builds strong relationships and brings opportunities to Chelsea. His top priorities include:

-Managing growth responsibly so roads, schools, and public safety keep pace
Increasing transparency and communication to keep residents informed and engaged.
-Supporting community spaces and local businesses that strengthen connection and quality of life

“I believe in listening first, leading with integrity, and helping Chelsea grow without losing what makes it home.”

Q. What is your vision for the future of our city in the next 5 to 10 years?
A. I want to see Chelsea continue to grow, but in a way that makes sense. We know people are moving here because it's a great place to live, raise a family, and enjoy a strong sense of community. But growth brings challenges, and my vision is focused on making sure we’re prepared. That means keeping our roads safe and traffic manageable, making sure first responders and services keep pace with demand, and creating more places for families to gather, such as parks, trails, and community spaces.

Q. What do you think about managing growth and development in our area?
A. I completely understand why many residents feel cautious about the growth we're seeing. Chelsea is a special place, and people want to protect what makes it feel like home. I feel the same way. The question is not whether we grow, but how we manage it. I believe the key is being thoughtful and deliberate. That means making sure development doesn’t outpace our roads, schools, or public safety services. It means holding developers accountable, making infrastructure a priority, and involving the community in the process.
“Above all, I believe in budgeting with transparency, accountability, and a focus on what matters most to the people of Chelsea,” he said.

Q. How will you ensure that all residents—regardless of age, background, or neighborhood—have a voice in city decisions?
A. Transparency begins with keeping people informed before decisions are made. That means sharing regular updates, offering opportunities for public input, and communicating clearly both in person and online. We make sure there is plenty of time for public comments during city council meetings, and our Planning Commission and zoning meetings are open to the public as well. One thing the city does especially well is livestreaming our council meetings on Facebook, so residents can follow along in real time. I also try to stay engaged by responding to questions and comments in Chelsea’s neighborhood social media groups. It is important to me that the residents feel heard, informed, and part of the process.

07/26/2025

Here's our article + Q&A with mayoral candidate Mike Rochester

Mike and his family lived in Trussville for 25 years, where he and his wife, Susan, raised their three children. They are now proud grandparents to five grandchildren. Susan has been the owner and publisher of The Trussville News for nearly 30 years.
During his time in Trussville, Rochester served as President of the Chamber of Commerce, working closely with city leaders on planning, development, and parks and recreation initiatives. He said the city experienced rapid, unmanaged growth that ultimately led many long-time residents to leave the community they once thought would be their forever home.
Over the past 30 years, Rochester has held a variety of leadership roles across local government, nonprofit organizations, and private-sector initiatives. He says these experiences have given him a deep understanding of the challenges communities face and how to meet the diverse needs of residents.
Nine years ago, the Rochesters moved to Chelsea in search of that small-town atmosphere once again—and with the hope that it would become their permanent home. However, Rochester said in recent years, he’s noticed signs of the same unmanaged growth he witnessed in Trussville and believes Chelsea is at a pivotal moment.
“I want to work alongside the citizens of Chelsea to understand what they truly want and need for the future of our city,” he said.
Rochester said his decision to run for mayor was driven by a desire for more transparency in local government, a more common-sense approach to leadership, and better planning to guide Chelsea’s growth.
If elected, his top three priorities will be:
-Complete transparency in city leadership
-Responsible, managed growth
-Establishing a Chelsea Chamber of Commerce

Q. How would you improve the quality of life for residents in our city?
A. Maintaining the “small town feel” while managing growth. Keeping residents informed and listening to their input and helping improve the schools in any way possible.

Q. What is your vision for the future of our city in the next 5 to 10 years?
A. To implement a Chelsea Chamber of Commerce. With managed growth, the city needs a Chamber of Commerce to assist and help local small businesses and to be a resource for those looking to move to Chelsea. Also, to get Chelsea schools in the top 10 academically, in Alabama.

Q. What do you think about managing growth and development in our area?
A. Vetting potential businesses/developments; more coordinated planning to determine the impact on an already stressed traffic situation; negotiating the best possible contracts to ensure the most profitable revenue package for the city.

Q. How will you ensure that all residents—regardless of age, background, or neighborhood—have a voice in city decisions?
A. Making council meetings more informative, explaining exactly what’s being proposed and being voted on; making sure the residents of Chelsea are properly notified, ensuring total transparency by a combination of mailouts, and updating the city website. In all city council meetings, ordinances and proclamations should be read aloud in entirety. Residents have earned this right by paying their taxes and casting their votes.

Q. What’s your approach to building stronger relationships between the city and local businesses, nonprofits, and civic groups?
A. This very question is exactly what the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce would do and accessibility to mayor and council members.

Q. How would you prioritize spending within the city budget?
A. Honestly, I would have to analyze the budget forward but of course paying existing bills.

Q. What’s your favorite thing about living in Chelsea?
A. The “small town feel” and how nice all people are. The love of God, family and country.

07/24/2025

New projects in the city!

07/24/2025

If you haven't picked up a copy of our election issue yet, or read it online, we'll be sharing each of the upcoming candidates/incumbents Q&A here over the next several days.

First up is mayoral candidate Elect Cody Sumners - Mayor City of Chelsea

This year’s ballot will include two contested races: the mayor’s seat, which is open for the first time in nearly a decade, and Council Place 4.

Vying for the role of mayor are Councilmember Cody Sumners and political newcomer Mike Rochester.

Mayoral race candidates: Cody Sumners

Cody Sumners has been a proud resident of Chelsea since 1986 and is a graduate of Chelsea High School. He and his wife, Jennifer, have been married for nearly 21 years and have two children—Paul, a 2025 graduate of Chelsea High School, and Payton, who will be a junior this fall.
Sumners dedicated 26 years to the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, where he served in a variety of leadership roles, including Commander of the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force and Assistant Division Commander across the Administrative, Jail, and Patrol Divisions. Since 2016, he has also played a key role in coordinating training for local law enforcement on how to respond to individuals experiencing mental health crises.
Deeply involved in mental health advocacy, Sumners has served on the Board of Directors for NAMI Shelby since 2022 and became its president in January. He also chairs the Chelsea Mental Health Action Committee, established in July 2023.
“One of the projects I’m most proud of is implementing the Teen Mental Health First Aid program at Chelsea High School,” Sumners said. “It teaches students how to support their peers, recognize signs of mental health issues, start conversations, and connect others with help.”
Sumners first ran for city council in 2016 to help improve pay for fire department personnel and to advocate for the creation of a municipal court that could enforce city ordinances. He said the failed city schools vote in 2022 was the catalyst for his decision to run for mayor.
“During that vote, I spoke with hundreds of residents and really got a feel for the pulse of the community,” he said. “Hearing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas gave me a clearer vision of the direction our citizens want the city to go.”
Sumners believes his extensive leadership experience with the Sheriff’s Office—and the opportunity to learn from many respected leaders—has equipped him to guide Chelsea forward.
“Each of my assignments taught me something new about leadership and running public service operations,” he said. “My time with Shelby County showed me how a top-tier local government should function. I plan to bring those lessons to help Chelsea take its next steps in growth. My nine years on the city council have also given me valuable insight into every aspect of our city’s operations.”
If elected, Sumners said his top priorities will be public safety, professionalized city services, and full transparency and open communication from the mayor and council.

Q. How would you improve the quality of life for residents in our city?
A. Increase citizen engagement and reporting through the city website and social media. Create community events throughout the year, such as Friday Flicks or Music at Melrose (behind the Community Center). Build a dog park on city property. Evaluate and address infrastructure issues in a proactive and timely manner. I will continue to put public safety as my top priority.

Q. What is your vision for the future of our city in the next 5 to 10 years?
A. Chelsea is going to continue to grow. We just need to make sure that the growth is managed and is in-line with what our citizens have stated that they desire in the City of Chelsea Strategic Plan and the Parks and Rec Strategic Plan. The plan tells us what our citizens want, and don't want, in our city, and is a roadmap for city growth that is guided by citizen input. We will be reviewing and updating our Planning and Zoning Guidelines and Subdivision Regulations in order to reflect the current views of the city and our citizens. When it comes to commercial growth, we will make sure that Planning and Zoning thoroughly vets any issues that come before them to ensure that they meet the appropriate standards and conform to our Overlay District.

Q. How will you ensure that all residents—regardless of age, background, or neighborhood—have a voice in city decisions?
A. My administration will be totally transparent. Issues before the mayor and council will be thoroughly explained. We will also be responsive to citizen concerns via our website and social media, in addition to phone calls, emails, and in-person conversations. I am always willing to speak with anyone who wishes to speak with me.

Q. What steps will you take to ensure transparency and communication between city government and residents?
A. We will have a full-time employee that will monitor the city website and social media. This will be huge towards being able to communicate with the citizens and address issues in a timely manner. Also, issues before the council and mayor will be more thoroughly explained during meetings.

Chelsea Magazine

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