By STEPHEN DAWKINS

Staff Writer 

Steve McClinton has long been an advocate for education and wants to continue those efforts from the city of Hoover’s mayor’s office.

McClinton is a local businessman and president of the Hoover City Schools Foundation.

He grew up in Birmingham, attended Auburn University and moved to Hoover in 1998.

McClinton said his father had a strong influence on his life. McClinton’s mother died when he was 13, and his father was heavily involved in his school parent-teacher organization and baseball team as a coach.

“Most men probably would have failed at that,” he said about his father’s role in his life.

McClinton’s start in promoting education was the formation of the “Deer Valley Dads” group that began as an informal gathering in 2008 and now includes as many as 600 people attending meetings.

McClinton said he and his wife have three children who attend Hoover City Schools.

The candidate said his “One Hoover” platform includes education and city planning.

McClinton said city officials should seek public input about planning and recruiting businesses.

“You’re not going to make everybody happy, but at least they feel like they have input in the equation,” he said.

Meanwhile, the city’s financial support of the Hoover school system has waned, McClinton said, and other projects have been prioritized.

McClinton pointed to Hoover spending $10 million a year on recreation services but far less on education.

“I think most people would look at that and shake their head,” he said. “The biggest thing is we need a shift in mindset.”

He also referenced the city’s decision to spend $80 million on a new sports complex.

“I want the same aggressive approach to solving a problem—to take care of the schools,” McClinton said.

While he does not think there is gross misuse of city funds, McClinton said he does think more money could be reserved to support the education system—and he is the man for the job.

“I would not be doing this if I didn’t feel like I could make the most impact,” he said. “I believe in it. I’m doing it.”