By NEAL WAGNER / Managing Editor

ALABASTER – In a departure from an earlier decision to run for re-election, incumbent Ward 7 Alabaster City Councilman Tommy Ryals announced on July 6 he will not be running for another term.

“You may have read that I recently announced I would be seeking another term as Council Member for Ward 7,” Ryals wrote in a statement. “However, after careful consideration of my ever-increasing responsibilities on my day job and the fact that my time available to spend on council issues has to be scaled back by default, I have decided it would not be fair on my part to pursue a position with the City Council knowing I may not be able to give it my absolute best effort because of the lack of time.”

Ryals originally announced his re-election campaign in early June before changing his decision after the official candidate-qualifying period opened on July 5.

“Actually, anticipating less time would be available, I had originally decided that I would not seek another term several months ago,” Ryals wrote. “As the decision time approached, friends whose opinions I respect encouraged my participation and I lost sight of what I knew was the best decision for me all along.

“I apologize for any confusion and sincerely apologize to any who have stated they would only run for this office if I did not,” Ryals added. “I hope I have left you adequate time to make your decision.”

At the end of the first candidate-qualifying day Kerri Bell Pate was the only candidate who had qualified to run for the Ward 7 seat. Candidates for Alabaster’s municipal elections have until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 19, to qualify to run in the election.

Alabaster’s municipal elections will be held from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 23, at the First United Methodist Church of Alabaster’s Restore building off Alabama 119.