Mike Bolin running for Jefferson County Commission; opponent withdraws

By NEAL EMBRY

Former Alabama Supreme Court Justice Mike Bolin of Vestavia Hills announced in May he will be a candidate for the Jefferson County Commission seat in District 5 vacated by Commissioner Steve Ammons, who recently resigned to become the CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance.

Bolin’s previous opponent in the race, Brian Christine, withdrew his name from the ballot to endorse Bolin. Christine, a urologist who lives in Mountain Brook, said he met with Bolin to talk with him about his decision. While he and Bolin acknowledged Christine has a “puncher’s chance” at winning, he admitted Bolin, with decades of experience in public service, is the stronger candidate.

“I think Mike will do a very good job,” Christine said.

In a press release, Bolin said he "brings a wealth of distinguished public service experience to the County Commission."

First elected as the Jefferson County probate judge in 1988, he was re-elected to that position in 1994 and again in 2000. In 2004, Bolin was elected statewide as an associate justice of the Alabama Supreme Court and served three terms.

“Jefferson County is the economic engine that drives Alabama. Therefore, Jefferson County must be a leader in education and workforce development," Bolin said. "We must provide safe roads and infrastructure, create a business-friendly environment that enables businesses to grow and succeed and support the creation of good paying jobs. The commission must also be at the forefront of improving the quality of life for all of our citizens.”

Bolin said he is committed to keeping Jefferson County residents safe from crime and also wants to improve the county courthouse.

“Mike Bolin’s willingness to serve on the Jefferson County Commission is like Babe Ruth coming out of the stands to pinch-hit in the bottom of the ninth inning,” state Sen. Jabo

Waggoner, R-Vestavia Hills, said in a press release. “Mike is one of the finest human beings I know, a person of immense character, and he will make an outstanding commissioner.” Bolin and his wife, Rosemary, have been married for 37 years and have one daughter, Leigh Anne.

As of press time, no other candidates for the seat were known. The election is set for July 18.

Relocations And Renovations

Owner Eric Clay McClain is moving Barton-Clay from Cahaba Road to a 1,700-square-foot space at 330 Rele Street in Lane Parke. Barton-Clay has been in business in Mountain Brook since 1987.

205-871-7060, bartonclay.com

News And Accomplishments

homeRN Birmingham, 127 Oak St., now offers IV therapy from the comfort of home. A nurse practitioner will complete a concierge telehealth visit and recommend a custom cocktail to fit clients’ health, beauty, and wellness needs. IV therapy is offered seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Appointments can be scheduled by phone.

205-354-7115, homerncare.com

Personnel Moves

The Grand Bohemian gallery welcomes Michael Berna as their new gallery director. Michael comes from New York City, where he spent many years working at high-end galleries on Madison Avenue. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience.

205-203-4714, grandbohemiangallery.com

Community Bank, with offices in its Birmingham region at 813 Shades Creek Parkway #100 and 8001 Liberty Parkway, has hired Guy Hunt as a vice president. Hunt has more than 16 years of financial experience in the Birmingham market and will focus on assisting commercial clients with lending and deposit solutions. The Oxford, Alabama, native is a member of the Hoover Metro Kiwanis Club and graduate of the Leadership Hoover Class of 2023. 205-709-8950, communitybank.net

Anniversaries

Golden Age Wine, the neighborhood wine shop and bar in Mountain Brook, is celebrating its fourth anniversary this month.

205-848-8877, goldenagewine.com

The pizza restaurant Post Office Pies is celebrating its third anniversary in its Lane Parke location. The restaurant’s other location is in Avondale.

205-848-2092, postofficepies.com

Dr. Holly Gunn, a board-certified dermatologist and Mountain Brook resident, is celebrating the third anniversary of her practice, Gunn Dermatology, in Crestline Village. She also has a practice in Mountain Brook Village at 391 Rele St.

205-848-8877, gunndermatology.com

Dentist Kevin J. Alexander is celebrating 34 years in business. The practice offers general and family dentistry, along with cosmetic dentistry, veneers, implants, dentures and more.

205-871-7361, kjadmd.com

Do

Davenport’s Pizza Palace, 2837 Cahaba Road, is celebrating its 59th year. 205-879-8603, davenportspizza.com