By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Alice Lobell, A longtime Helena resident and lifelong educator that includes 25 years of teaching art at Helena Elementary School has announced her candidacy for Helena City Council.

Lobell announced she is running for Place 3 on Helena City Council. She is running against current Helena City Council Place 3 Councilwoman and President Cris Nelson.

Lobell’s main reasons for running is because of a love for the city of Helena and to make Helena the best that it can possibly be.

If elected, Lobell’s two main concerns she plans to address will be the youth and city employees.

“The two things that are my main concern for the city, and I think the city’s run very well and I want to keep it a great town is that I think the children are one of my biggest concerns,” said Lobbell. “Making sure we’ve got some of the best facilities for them, our ballparks, our recreational parks and to just keep those maintained and keep expanding our programs we have for our youth because in my opinion, if you have good things for the youth, you’re going to attract families that have children and then you’ll get those people to come back here. Another thing is I want to make sure our city employees have the best benefits that we can provide for them.”

Lobell, referred to by many as Ms. Alice, has a bachelor’s degree from Harding University and master’s degrees from George Washington University and the University of Montevallo. Lobell is also a certified travel counselor.

“I really love this place and I want to serve it,” said Lobell. “That’s one of the main reasons I’m running for city council. I feel that now that I’m retired, I have the time to do it and I think I’ve got the energy to devote to it.”

Lobell has one son and two granddaughters, and for more information on her campaign, visit Msalice.org.

The Helena municipal election will be held Tuesday, Aug. 23.