Entrepreneur and businessman Barrett Gilbreath announced his candidacy for mayor of Montgomery today – promising to bring a “fresh perspective” and commitment to “creative solutions” to the job.
Gilbreath is on track to become incumbent Mayor Steven Reed’s chief rival on the Aug. 22 ballot.
“Our great city has been plagued by stagnation, inefficiency, and a lack of forward-thinking vision,” Gilbreath said in his announcement. “I’m not bound by constraints of entrenched interests or political alliances. My dedication is to the people of Montgomery, and I believe in our collective potential.
“I believe Montgomery and all its communities are worth fighting for.”
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Gilbreath, a Montgomery native and graduate of Jefferson Davis High School and Auburn University, is known in local business circles. He and his wife, Ashley, returned to Montgomery after college and are raising their three children.
In addition to real estate endeavors, he and his wife run an interior design company, with his wife as the lead designer.
Gilbreath said he’s ready to take his business acumen and community-focused background into the political arena. He plans to emphasize improving public safety and creating opportunities for the next generation.
“I’m running for mayor because I believe we have lost focus on the basic principles needed for Montgomery to reach its potential. Fixing these problems starts with true leadership, the ability to listen, to empathize, and to unite,” Gilbreath said.
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“I will foster collaboration, creativity, and transparency. Montgomery is a city with limitless potential, and it’s an extremely important city in our nation’s history. It’s time to empower and grow our entrepreneurs, recruit, and retain in our business community, revitalize our infrastructure, support our first responders, and invest further in modernizing our education. Together, we will harness the unique strengths of our diverse population, ensuring no one is left behind and provide future generations a place they are proud to call home.”
Grayson Everett is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @Grayson270
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