Jacksonville, AL – Longtime public servant and current City Council president seeks to continue the city’s forward momentum
Tony Taylor, a familiar face in Jacksonville civic leadership and a dedicated public servant with over three decades in emergency services, has officially announced his candidacy for mayor in the upcoming August 2025 city election.
Taylor, who currently serves as president of the Jacksonville City Council, spoke with the Calhoun Journal to share his vision and reasons for seeking the city’s top elected position.
“The reason I am running for the office of mayor is that I feel like over the last several years, Jacksonville has really moved forward. It’s gained momentum,” Taylor said. “We’ve grown quite a lot, and I’d like to keep that momentum going. Mayor Smith has led through all those years, and I want to continue that growth.”
Taylor believes his professional background provides a unique perspective: “I think my experience in the fire service—and being chief—gives me a different viewpoint of what it takes to be in that position. And the last two terms, or nine years, that I’ve been on the council has opened my eyes to the overall picture of what it takes to move the city forward.”
A lifelong resident of Calhoun County and Jacksonville resident since 2006, Taylor brings an extensive background in leadership, public safety, and community development. He retired as Fire Chief of the City of Anniston in 2017 after a distinguished 31-year career, during which he supervised more than 80 personnel, managed six facilities, and oversaw a budget exceeding $5 million.
Since his election to the Jacksonville City Council in 2016, Taylor has consistently advocated for public safety, strong schools, and balanced economic growth that preserves the city’s small-town charm. Under his leadership, Jacksonville has experienced consistent revenue growth, reaching a county-leading 13 percent increase in 2024. He has supported major commercial development projects such as Chick-fil-A, Starbucks, and the incoming Fairfield Inn & Suites, while celebrating the success of local businesses like Heirloom Taco.
“As a council member, I’ve been proud to be part of the progress we’ve seen—but I know we can do even more,” Taylor said in a written statement. “I believe this city’s positive momentum can keep going and growing, and I invite residents to join our team as we keep Jacksonville moving forward.”
Taylor’s fire service legacy includes the development of new technologies for emergency response, collaboration with the Alabama State Department of Education to create a fire science program at Anniston High School, and the establishment of a new fire station and training facility. He also helped develop the Alabama Fire College Region 4 Training Center and improve emergency response on the Coldwater Mountain Bike Trails.
“I never expected to follow in my father’s footsteps as a firefighter, but once I found myself in that role, I gave it everything I had,” Taylor said. “And I’ve tried to bring that same work ethic and service mindset to my role on the city council.”
With his campaign now underway, Taylor encourages residents to follow his campaign on Facebook and reach out with ideas, questions, and concerns. “I would love to hear your thoughts on how we can make Jacksonville an even better place to live,” he said. “And I hope to have your support at the polls.”
The Jacksonville municipal election is scheduled for August 2025.
