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Hayes reelected to county commission

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Photo courtesy of Robbie Hayes

Only one of the members of the Shelby County Commission had a contested race during this election. Incumbent Robbie Hayes, who represents District 9, defeated Susan Lane and will be serving his fourth full term on the commission. 

Of the 15,000 plus votes that were cast on Nov. 3, Susan Lane received 3,545 votes (22.54%) while Hayes received 12,160 votes (77.32%).

In Shelby County, voter turnout 69.56%. The total number of ballots cast was 114,752 out of 164,967 total registered voters.

Hayes began serving on the commission in 2005, filling the vacant spot of Don Armstrong, when he began his position as property tax commissioner. He has since been elected in 2008, 2016 and now 2020. 

His district includes U.S. 280 from Chelsea to Westover, Four Mile and some of Columbiana. It extends into Pelham and includes Weatherly and Ballantrae. From there it covers some of I-65 coming up the back up edge of Oak Mountain State Park. 

“There are probably 30,000 folks in the area [District 9],” Hayes said. “We had over 15,000 people vote and I was very pleased with the turnout for both candidates.”

Hayes said that although he and Lane represent different parties and have different philosophies on politics, that did not get in the way of their friendship. They have known each other over five years, and Hayes said both he and Lane, who serves on the Westover City Council, want to do what’s right for the county. 

“She and I have talked about it on multiple occasions, that it [our friendship] was a priority,” he said. “We wanted to make sure that didn't change. In a nation of nasty politics, we had decided not to let that happen to us.” 

Hayes had to run his campaign differently this year, due to COVID-19. Unable to go door to door, he utilized social media, made phone calls and put up more campaign signs.  

“I used to go out in previous campaigns and go door to door,” Hayes said. “I missed the personal contact. I've never been a huge social media person, but it was neat to see the responses when I would post an endorsement and see that 80 to 100 people had liked it. I could spend a whole day and not get to 100 homes.” 

Upcoming projects Hayes is looking forward to in his next term include the 280 County Services Building, construction beginning at the intersection of County Roads 39 and 47, more parks and walking trails and new infrastructure, including the Chelsea Business Park. 

“I’m looking forward to things the city is doing and ways the county might help develop that,” he said.  

Hayes lives in Chelsea where he has had his optometry practice for 30 years. He sees himself not as a politician, but a public servant and plans to continue working at his practice and for the county as long as he can.  

“My next birthday, I’ll turn 60,” he said. “I don't feel 60. I enjoy doing both and will keep going as long as I can keep doing it in a good way.”

The other members of the Shelby County Commission serving another term are:

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