FROM STAFF REPORTS

HELENA – With family, friends and supporters at her side, Laura Joseph formally announced today her candidacy for Helena City Council.

In her announcement at Helena City Hall, Joseph described her campaign for office and her vision to help the city retain its charm, while moving toward a vibrant future.

“I love Helena and want to help us become the kind of city that my children will want to come back to once they’ve grown up,” said Joseph. “To remain an attractive option for young families, we need to make sure that jobs are available, that our schools and community remains top-notch, and that we celebrate and build on the many things that make Helena special.”

Joseph currently serves on the Helena Library Foundation and the Jane B. Holmes Library Board.

“As a member of the Helena Library Foundation and the Jane B. Holmes Library Board, I will continue working toward building a new facility to house the library and a visual and performing arts space,” said Joseph. “We have outgrown our existing space, and in my opinion, the resources our library provides need to grow with the community. Mayor Hall and the City Council have already designated land for this project, and I’m excited about our future.”

Campaign Volunteer Jack Gray admires Joseph for her passion for the city of Helena.

“After getting to know Laura through volunteering in Helena, I gained respect and admiration for her talents, intelligence, and dedication to our city,” said Gray. “She has put many hours into doing her part to improve Helena, and I believe that she will continue to do so as a member of our City Council.”

“My long-term vision for Helena is to continue working to recruit businesses that will keep people in town during the day, to begin hosting athletic tournaments, to become known as a canoe/kayak destination, and to continue capitalizing on our city’s unique history and charm,” said Joseph. “This isn’t something that can be done overnight, or something that can be done by just one person, but I’d like to be a part of laying the foundation and hope that you’ll join me in supporting this vision for Helena’s future.”

Joseph is an art director for NorthCape, an international outdoor furniture manufacturer, and serves as communications director for the Shelby County Republican Party. Joseph lives in the Old Cahaba neighborhood with her husband of 9 years, TJ, and their two children: Anna Kate and John Marshall. The Joseph family attends Riverchase United Methodist Church.

“Laura’s enthusiasm for our city’s future is unwavering, and I have no doubt that she will be able to do great things on the City Council,” said campaign fundraising co-chair Brianna Huffman. “Laura is dedicated, smart and up to the challenge of serving our city on a larger scale. I am proud to call her a friend, and couldn’t be happier to support her candidacy for Helena City Council.”

A campaign kickoff to be held at The Coal Yard on Thursday, Nov. 5, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This event will be open to the public and will provide an opportunity to meet Joseph and ask questions. Children are welcome to attend.