With six races for Alabaster City Council uncontested, there are a number of familiar, experienced faces serving on the Council for the 2025-2029 term. The Ward 1 race will see a runoff on September 23rd. We asked the returning councilors about their priorities for the new term and introduce you to Jamia Alexander-James, the new Ward 6 councilor.
Ward 1
After starting with three candidates—Gerry Bivins, Angel Evans, and Mike Myers—vying for the Ward 1 Council spot to replace longtime city councilor Sophie Martin, who did not seek re-election, the race ended with Bivins and Myers facing each other in a September 23rd runoff.
Bivins is a 1989 graduate of Thompson High School and serves on the Alabaster Housing and Abatement Board. He is the owner of Bivins Barber Style Shop in Alabaster and serves as the pastor at Bethesda Apostolic Worship Center in Montevallo. He is married to his wife of 32 years, Janet, and has two children.
Myers has lived in the city of Alabaster since 2007, graduated with the inaugural Alabaster Government Academy class, and is the chairman of the Alabaster Downtown Redevelopment Authority. Myers has 17 years of experience in the banking sector and 10 years of public service at the Alabama State Treasurer’s Office. He is married to his wife of 24 years, Kim, and he has two children.
Rick Ellis—Ward 2
Rick Ellis has served as the Ward 2 representative on the Alabaster City Council since 2016. Ellis ran unopposed and has already been certified for his new term.
“I am very proud and excited to serve another term as the City Councilman for Ward 2! I am looking forward to working alongside my peers creating a safe, productive community for the residents of Alabaster. Serving on the City Council gives me a chance to support the hometown where my wife and I are invested in its success and productivity. My wife, Kristy, teaches in Alabaster City Schools, our youngest daughter, Allie, is beginning her junior year at Thompson High School, and our oldest daughter, Nora, is a third generation Thompson High School graduate from the class of 2024. The relationship between the City of Alabaster and Alabaster City Schools is a top priority for me. I hope to continue working closely with our city school system to build academic and athletic champions. During my time in office, the council has worked with the mayor and city administrators to grow commerce and make visible improvements in the city. I am so proud of the additions of Patriots Park, our new state-of-the-art police station, and improvements at Veterans Park, Larry Simmons Stadium, and Jim “Peanut” Davenport Field. I am especially looking forward to the construction of our new library and rec center project. Thank you for trusting me to represent and serve Ward 2!”
Stacy Rakestraw—Ward 3
Stacy Rakestraw has served Alabaster’s Ward 3 on the City Council since 2012, and she was re-elected to the position in 2016 and 2020 and was instrumental in the creation of Alabaster’s Clean Sweep initiative to keep Alabaster clean. Rakestraw, whose race was uncontested, has already been certified as the Ward 3 Councilor for the 2025-2029 term.
“Serving the residents of Ward 3 and the City of Alabaster on the City Council has been a privilege. The experience has given me the greatest opportunities to meet so many people, build relationships, and make so many good friends. During my years on the council, I have seen how local government is the closest way to see how our decisions impact the community for good. We’ve experienced tremendous growth since my first term with new facilities such as the police department, new amphitheater, and expanded senior center. These improvements are part of the revitalization of the Siluria Mill district, which now features enhanced streetscapes and new sidewalks. I look forward to continuing to help residents with their concerns and working with the other council members, the mayor, and city employees to move Alabaster forward.”
Greg Farrell—Ward 4
Former firefighter Greg Farrell has represented Alabaster’s Ward 4 since 2016 when he was first elected to the City Council. Farrell was unopposed in his race and has already been certified as the Ward 4 councilor for the 2025-2029 term.
“I am honored to represent the citizens of Ward 4 for the next four year as your council representative. Serving the citizens of Ward 4 and the City of Alabaster for the past nine years has been a great privilege, and I want to thank you for the trust and support the last two terms and the upcoming term. Over the past four years, I have had the distinct honor of working alongside Mayor Brakefield and my fellow council members to accomplish meaningful progress for our community. It is rewarding to see the many projects we’ve launched come to fruition—our new state-of-the-art Recreation Center and Library, the expansion of our Senior Center, the renovation of the Jim “Peanut” Davenport baseball field, and the District 31 development, new Police Headquarters, Fire Department EMS Transport Service, just to name a few. These initiatives are transforming our city, further enhancing the quality of life for our residents. I remain committed to ensuring the safety of Alabaster residents, continuing to partner with first responders and city officials to keep Alabaster one of the safest cities in Alabama and the country. As we move forward, I am excited to see the various projects completed in the next few years. I would also like to see the purchase of land to move Fire Station 3 further south on Highway 31 and have Station 3 and 4 bid out for construction. I recognize a growing need in our community for a quality senior living community that serves our aging population, so I will work hard and support the development of a quality senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care where our senior citizens can truly call home. Serving Ward 4 residents and the City of Alabaster is a blessing and an honor.”
Jamie Cole—Ward 5
Elected to serve Ward 5 on the Alabaster City Council in 2020, Jamie Cole has worked to increase the city’s investment in the arts, culminating with the opening of the city’s new amphitheater. Creator of the city’s popular CityFest concert event, Cole was unopposed in the election and has already been certified for his 2025-2029 term.
“Not only am I honored to serve my neighbors in Ward 5 for a second term, but I’m also excited to get to see through all the progress we have set in motion since 2020. With the north side of the city center already taking shape with the amphitheater and municipal green project, we are now seeing progress on the library and rec center, as well as renovations to the two stadiums in the area. With that comes traffic improvements at 119 and Thompson Road, as well as a new retail development on that corner! We are programming now for the 2026 calendar year at our new amphitheater and are thrilled to bring new, diverse arts and creative opportunities for our residents to enjoy right here at home. In Ward 5, we have the plans in place to improve the intersection at Kent Dairy Road and 119, and we are continuing to work on the trail system that connects our neighborhoods, parks, and schools. Speaking of schools, our relationship with the leadership of Alabaster City Schools has never been stronger, and I’m proud that four of the five schools in our city are in Ward 5! We have our new ambulance service up and running successfully, and I’m excited to work to continue to improve and evolve that important necessity. There has never been a better time to live in Alabaster. Listed as one of the top 50 best places to live in America by both Fortune AND Money magazines, and one of America’s best communities for music education by the NAMM Foundation, and there has never been a more exciting time to serve here!
Jamia Alexander-James—Ward 6
In the Ward 6 race, Zach Zahariadis—who was appointed to the Council in April 2022 when councilor Seth Gandy resigned—withdrew from the race, making Jamia James, the winner. James was certified on August 11th as the elected City Councilor for Ward 6.
AC: Tell me about your background—where did you grow up, graduate high school and college, and what is your career? And tell us about your family.
Jamia James: I was born and raised in Montgomery and attended Robert E. Lee High School where I was a cheerleader and homecoming queen my senior year. I graduated from Alabama A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in computer science. I currently work for FIS as a Senior Systems Engineer. I am married to Rodrick James, also a native of Montgomery. I am the proud mom of three—Jabari, Victoria, and Jade, and a proud bonus mom of four—Rodriquez, JaKobi, Josh, and Chasity and a proud bonus Nana to Major, Ava, and Asher.
AC: What made you want to run for city council? What was your motivation or is there a particular issue or area you want to concentrate on?
JJ: For many years, I have been actively involved in serving our community through the School Board, the Angel Warriors Foundation, and various other boards and initiatives. This next step into public service feels like a natural progression of my continued commitment to our shared values and vision for our city.
AC: I know you served on the school board—how long was that term, and what other civic or community service have you been involved in?
JJ: I served on the Alabaster City School Board from 2018 to 2023. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., President of the Alabaster Sports and Entertainment Foundation, Founder of the Angel Warriors Foundation, have served in various Alabaster PTO leadership posts, Secretary of the Alabaster Beautification Board, coordinator for the Special Needs Children’s area at the Alabaster Health Fair for eight years, a member of the Alabaster Arts Council, served on the Alabaster Board of Zoning Adjustments and the Shelby County Board of Equalization, helped establish the Project Outreach program at Thompson High School, served on the Alabaster Public Building Authority, and volunteered with the Alabaster City Schools Summer Feeding Program and the Sowers of Seeds Organization.
AC: You have already been certified for your seat—what are your top priorities for your ward and citywide during this first council term?
JJ:
Growth: Managing our expansion responsibly to protect our quality of life.
Resources: Advocating for the empowerment of resources for our residents with special needs.
Advancement of Education: Continuing the support of our schools, our teachers, and opportunities for the advancement of education for students to thrive.
Caring for Seniors: Our seniors are a treasure. Creating more programs, outreach, and partnerships that bring our seniors into the heart of our community, where their wisdom can help shape our youth.
Engagement: Working side by side with our city departments and leadership to ensure they have the support and resources needed to serve our community.
AC: What is your biggest area of interest?
JJ: It is hard to narrow down one area of interest. The one that is closest to my heart is our Special Needs community. Advocating for our special needs community and for their empowerment is vital for the overall success of our city.
AC: Of the projects that are already underway, which one are you most looking forward to seeing completed?
JJ: I am most excited and looking forward to the completion of our new library and recreation center. They will be wonderful additions to our city.
AC: Any additional comments?
JJ: I want to thank Zach Zahariadis for serving our city for the last few years. I am deeply honored and humbled to have been given the opportunity to serve our community as a member of the City Council. Alabaster is a city full of promise. I believe we can continue to build a community that works for everyone. With faith in God and strength in unity, there’s no limit to what we can accomplish together.
Kerri Pate—Ward 7
Kerri Pate has been a resident of Alabaster for more than 25 years and has served the residents of Ward 7 since she was first elected in 2016. For the second time, Pate was unopposed in her bid for re-election and has been certified as the Ward 7 City Councilor for the 2025-2029 term.
“To run unopposed for the second time is truly humbling, and it comes with great responsibility. I do not take this position or duties lightly. I will continue to advocate for our residents and employees. I am excited about the next four years, and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for this opportunity. In this next term I am most excited about the expansion of 119, which will greatly affect Ward 7, and all citizens. In 2016, when I first campaigned, I boldly stated my desire for a Rec Center. It took two terms, but we are finally seeing this come to fruition. Fortunately, our mayor and my fellow council members saw that vision as well, and we have been able to secure the land and funding for this project. We were also able to plan to include a much-needed new library. We’ve added paved walking trails throughout the city to make it more walkable, and these trails give residents access to all our new and upcoming amenities.
With all these wonderful additions that we see, there are many needs of the city that we don’t see:
• Infrastructure—I will continue to support funding for these upgrades that have already begun throughout our city.
• Serving on the Planning and Zoning Board for more than a decade has allowed me to play a vital role in overseeing a sustainable and long-term development plan for our city. Thoughtful planning is essential to retaining Alabaster’s character while promoting economic progress, and I am committed to ensuring that our city continues to thrive. I am proud of our growth, I am proud that people want to raise their families here just as we have done for 28 years, and I want to continue to give them housing options, the best schools, and the best amenities to keep them here.
• I will advocate for a senior living community, allowing older residents to remain in Alabaster. And I want to take steps to preserve our city’s rich history by establishing an Alabaster Museum of History. My husband and I welcomed our first grandchild last year, becoming “Goldie” and “Pop.” We are loving this phase of life and marveling at our three adult children and the paths they have chosen. Alabaster raised them, Thompson educated them, and we are so proud of the life that this city provided for our family and is still providing. I want everyone living here to feel that way. I am available on the phone at 205-965-8300.