By Briana Harris / Staff Writer

PELHAM – Councilwoman Beth McMillan said she never imagined that she would one day become involved in politics, but after living in Pelham for 13 years and having her five children attend Pelham schools, she said she developed the desire to make a difference in her community.

McMillan is serving her first term as a Pelham City Council member after she was elected to Place 3 in 2012. She said the journey has been both rewarding and challenging.

“I’m running for re-election because I want to continue contributing toward improvements and growth in Pelham,” she said.

The creation of Pelham City Schools and the Commercial Development Authority are two of the council’s biggest accomplishments, she said. McMillan said both were necessary to spur growth and development in the city.

She said she would like to see the construction of the Pelham City Center – which includes Pelham Park Middle School, a recreation center, library, walking trail, dog park and retailers – through to completion.

McMillan said she attended planning meetings with the architects of the recreation center and gave input on the design of the facility.

“The meetings and hours spent on the Pelham City Center show my determination and commitment to providing excellent facilities to the city of Pelham,” she said.

McMillan, who is the manager of operations at St. Vincent’s East in Birmingham, received a Bachelor of Science in finance from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. She has been married to Alan McMillan for 28 years.

McMillan’s opponent in the Aug. 23 municipal election for Place 3 is Marco Gonzalez. Pelham residents will vote from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pelham Civic Complex, 500 Amphitheater Road.