Name: Christian Coleman
Position sought: Hoover City Council Place 4
Age: 36
Residence: Chapel Hills; lived in Hoover five years
Political experience: Ran unsuccessfully for Alabama House District 47 in 2022; worked for Democratic candidate Sylvia Swain in House District 55 in 2023 and Democratic candidate Elizabeth Anderson in Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District in 2024
Professional experience: Freelance writer and stay-at-home father to two girls; taught at University of New Orleans and Lawson State Community College; sergeant in Alabama Air National Guard (was deployed to the Middle East in 2022-23)
Civic experience: None listed
Education: Bachelor’s degree in film, University of Alabama, 2011; master’s degree in poetry, University of New Orleans, 2015
Website/social media: christianforhoover.com; Christian Coleman for Hoover City Council on Facebook; Christian for Alabama on Instagram
Q: Why are you running for this office, and what qualifies you to serve your community?
I am running for City Council because I believe that Hoover citizens deserve a transparent and responsive government. The local government exists to serve citizens, and I believe the current council is not delivering that. I grew up in Vestavia and have lived in Hoover for five years. I’m qualified because this is the place that shaped me and because I care.
Q: What do you believe is the most important issue facing Hoover today, and why?
The most important issue is the stormwater. Hoover is a great place to live, but the stormwater issues are hurting current residents and future residents. The problem is solvable, if we had a city government willing to solve problems instead of fight against its citizens.
Q: What is one specific initiative or policy you would champion if elected, and why is it a priority?
I would rejoin the Storm Water Management Authority. This cooperative includes the other cities of the over-the-mountain area and several more in Jefferson County. They work together to manage stormwater. I believe we need a great working relationship with our neighboring cities because water does not stop at a city line.
Q: Do you believe the city is adding homes too quickly, too slowly or at the right pace, and what would you want to do, if anything, to affect that pace?
I do not believe Hoover is adding homes too quickly, but I do believe the inspection and review process needs work. Developments are being granted waivers in order to cut corners. I believe we should strengthen the process so that new homes do not negatively impact existing homes, and we should fix our troubled infrastructure as we do.
Q: What responsibility does the city have regarding stormwater control, and would you do anything differently than has been done thus far?
The city has a responsibility to manage stormwater originating on city property and traveling through city pipes. The city has a responsibility to vet new developments to ensure they won’t worsen stormwater problems. The city has a responsibility to fix damage to residents’ properties because of mismanaged stormwater. I would do just about everything differently. I would work with citizens, not against them. I would recommend the city hire more engineers and hydrologists, and I would approve more drain repairs.
Q: What is your vision for the city in five years?
Hoover is an economic engine in this state, but businesses have begun closing. I would like to see a revitalized Hoover. That is a Hoover with a performing arts center, 21st century infrastructure and more green spaces.
Q: How would you ensure transparency and trust in government?
I would stream City Council meetings, publish the minutes of City Council meetings and take questions from citizens in any form they choose. Also, I would publish how I vote in City Council meetings and why.
Q: Does Hoover need a property tax increase for its school system, and why do you feel that way?
Hoover schools are excellent, and we have a duty to keep them that way. I would work with the school board, the superintendent, teachers and administrators to learn what they believe is best for Hoover City Schools.
Coleman is facing Donna Mazur and Khristi Driver for the Place 4 council seat, and elections are Aug. 26. To see Mazur's views on key issues, click here. To see Driver's views on key issues, click here.
