Druid City Brewing Co. Owner Bo Hicks Announces Run For Open Tuscaloosa Council Seat

TUSCALOOSA, AL —Tuscaloosa business owner Bo Hicks officially announced Wednesday that he is running for the open Tuscaloosa City Council District 5 seat, joining a growing field of candidates seeking to succeed the late Councilman Kip Tyner.

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The owner of Druid City Brewing Co. told Patch his campaign will focus on continuing infrastructure improvements, supporting small businesses and strengthening the sense of community throughout the district.

"I've lived in that community for a long time and saw the great things that Kip did there," Hicks said. "And with my work building community and my venue here in Tuscaloosa, I just think it's important to continue to bring great things to all of District 5, but also the city of Tuscaloosa."

As of the publication of this story, Hicks joins AS3 Transportation owner Al Sommerville and Tuscaloosa City Board of Education District 5 representative Erica Grant in the race for the seat previously held by Tyner.

When announcing his candidacy on social media, Hicks acknowledged the challenge of following Tyner, who was a longtime fixture in Tuscaloosa politics and beloved in his lifelong home of Alberta City.

"I'm not kidding myself or anyone else to say continuing the legacy that Kip Tyner left will be hard work but I would love to try to honor what he worked so tirelessly for and continue to forge a even better District 5!" Hicks said in his announcement.

In an interview with Patch, Hicks reiterated that improving infrastructure and creating opportunities for local businesses would be among his top priorities if elected.

"Obviously the continued improvements in infrastructure in East Tuscaloosa is something that's very important to both attract new businesses and to make it easier for small local businesses to continue to come there and thrive," Hicks said.

He also pointed to pedestrian safety, sidewalks and community events as opportunities to build upon the work already underway in District 5.

"I want people to feel like they can walk anywhere they want to and not worry, and to bring more events," Hicks said. "You know, we have the tennis complex, but there are other things we could do to highlight District 5."

As the owner of Druid City Brewing Co., Hicks said his experience navigating the challenges facing small businesses would inform his approach to economic development.

He also suggested the city could play a greater role in connecting prospective business owners with available commercial properties while also considering incentives for smaller businesses.

"Obviously as a business owner, I know it's tough," Hicks said. "Rent's getting tough. Everything's costing more. And anything I can do to help grease the skid that allows somebody with a passion that wants to be a part of the community to come in and do business and better our community has got to be something I'm going to fight for."

Beyond specific policy priorities, Hicks emphasized that he would approach the council position as a representative who listens to residents rather than arriving with predetermined solutions.

"I know I'm not the smartest man in the room, but I know how to listen to people," Hicks said. "I want to hear what they have to say and then be a part of the solutions that they come up with."

Hicks said additional information about his campaign and opportunities for supporters to become involved will be announced soon.

"I view myself as a tool of the people, my constituents, if I'm lucky enough," Hicks said. "I want to listen to their concerns and see what I can do, and I just want to be a force of good in our community."

As Patch previously reported, Tyner died Sept. 18 at age 70 after nearly three decades representing District 5. First elected in 1997, he was serving his seventh consecutive term and second term as council president.

His tenure included the rebuilding of Alberta following the April 27, 2011, tornado, along with the development of the Tuscaloosa Tennis Center, recruitment of SWJ Technology and improvements along University Boulevard East.

As Patch previously reported, the special election is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 8, with polls open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Alberta Baptist Church, 2210 University Blvd. East.

The qualifying period for candidates began Oct. 13 and will close at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Absentee voting begins Nov. 3, with the deadline to apply for a regular absentee ballot set for Dec. 3.

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