The incumbent District 2 commissioner, James Maze of Guntersville announces that he is seeking re-election. He’s a republican.

Commissioner Maze is a re-tired police officer and investigator with 28 years in law enforcement and 12 years as a lobbyist for the Alabama Police Benevolence Assn.

He’s 63.He and his wife Becky have 3 children, 7 grandchildren, and one great-grandson. They are active members of the River Church of God in Guntersville.

Mr. Maze is also a member of the Guntersville Lions Club, Grant Chamber of Commerce, Guntersville Chamber of Commerce and the Alabama County Commissioners Assn. He is a graduate of the Alabama Local Government Training Institute.

He issued the following statement:

“It has been a pleasure to serve the people of Marshall County for the last 3 years. I do thank you all for the help and support and I thank God for the ability and wisdom to be able to do this job.

“During my first term, I have upgraded all work equipment, adding 2 snow plows to allow District 2 to remove snow at a faster pace.

“After the April 10, 2009, tornado at Preston Island and Waterfront, my men and myself were on scene at once and worked around the clock to remove debris and open roads for citizens and utility workers. Again on April 27, 2011, with the devastation of that day, my men and I worked night and day at Buck Island, Preston Island, Waterfront and Pine Island Point to remove a total of 47,416 tons of debris at a total cost of over $2 million.

“The winter storm of 2011 was eye opening to the fact that we had to have equipment sufficient for the mountainous areas of Grant Mountain. This is when I was able to search for and purchase the snow plows.

“I HAVE many plans for the future, including Marshall County Park No. 1 where the RV Park and splash pool are expected to be completed within the next 3 years.

“I will continue to work closely with EMA where I have applied for 4 community storm shelters-Hebron, which is about to be complete, Swearengin, Claysville and Grant. I will continue to support the volunteer fire and rescue departments at Hebron, Grant, Swearengin, Waterfront and the Guntersville Rescue Squad.

“I have worked closely with the Town of Grant in paving the walking trail at Town Park and the building of the new parking lot for new ball fields at the park. I have also worked with Grant on other town projects. I have built a new access road at DAR School to help alleviate traffic congestion along with a new parking lot. In my next term, I plan to extend the road.

“I HAVE resurfaced 24 roads and stayed within the budget each year and made sure that county employees received 4 percent merit raises each year.

“I feel it is more important than ever that our district has a commissioner with a complete understanding of the needs and issues facing our community and a history of working in the trenches. When re-elected, my priorities will be the same as in the past- supporting growth and economic development that helps Marshall County schools and the hospital board and strongly supporting local law enforcement, fire and rescue and senior citizens. I stand for honest, fair and common sense government.

“Thank you for your vote and support in the March 13 Republican primary. My door is always open and you may contact me at my home phone number, 256-571-2302.”