Enterprise Mayoral Election 2025: A Crossroads for Leadership and Community Vision

August 26, 2025 - ENTERPRISE, AL. - On Tuesday, August 26, voters in Enterprise will head to the polls to decide the city's next mayor in a pivotal municipal election that could reshape the city's leadership and priorities for years to come. With four candidates vying for the top seat, the race reflects both continuity and change, as residents weigh experience, vision, and responsiveness to local concerns.

The Candidates

The 2025 mayoral ballot features a mix of familiar faces and new challengers:

• William E. "Bill" Cooper (incumbent): Cooper, who has served as mayor since 2016, is seeking reelection on a platform of continued infrastructure investment, public safety enhancements, and economic development. His tenure has been marked by steady growth and efforts to modernize city services.

• Bill Baker: A former city council member and local business owner, Baker is positioning himself as a pragmatic alternative, emphasizing fiscal responsibility, transparency, and stronger partnerships with small businesses and civic organizations.

• Richard Moore: Moore, a retired educator and community advocate, is running on a platform focused on youth engagement, educational partnerships, and neighborhood revitalization. His campaign has drawn attention for its grassroots outreach and emphasis on underserved areas.

• Lister Reeves, Jr.: Reeves, a longtime resident and former planning commission member, is campaigning on infrastructure reform, zoning modernization, and improved coordination between city departments. He's garnered support from residents concerned about growth management and traffic congestion.

Election Details

All voting will take place at the E.A. "Moose" Hope Gymnasium, located at 421 E. Lee Street, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.. Voters in Districts 1 and 3 will cast ballots only for mayor, while those in Districts 2, 4, and 5 will also vote for city council representatives.

Key deadlines include:

• Voter registration: Closed on August 11

• Absentee ballot applications: Due by August 19

• In-person absentee return: By August 25

• Mail-in absentee ballots: Must be received by noon on Election Day

Valid photo ID is required for all voters, whether voting in person or absentee.

What's at Stake

Enterprise, located in Coffee County, has seen steady population growth and economic diversification in recent years. The city's proximity to Fort Novosel (formerly Fort Rucker) and its role as a regional hub for education, healthcare, and retail make the mayoral office a critical position for shaping development and public policy.

Residents have voiced concerns over:

• Traffic and infrastructure: As Enterprise expands, road congestion and aging infrastructure have become pressing issues. Candidates have proposed varying solutions, from targeted road upgrades to long-term zoning reform.

• Public safety and emergency services: With recent storms and increased demand on first responders, voters are looking for leadership that prioritizes emergency preparedness and inter-agency coordination.

• Economic development: While Enterprise has attracted new businesses, some residents worry about the sustainability of growth and the need for more local job opportunities. Candidates differ on how to balance incentives with accountability.

• Community engagement: Several candidates have emphasized the need for more inclusive governance, with calls for town halls, advisory boards, and better communication between city hall and residents.

Council Races Add Local Flavor

In addition to the mayoral contest, voters in Districts 2, 4, and 5 will choose new or returning council members:

• District 2: Kenneth LeBlanc and Casey Mack are competing for the seat, with debates centering on neighborhood development and school partnerships.

• District 4: Incumbent Scotty Johnson faces challenger Adair Lee, with infrastructure and stormwater management as key issues.

• District 5: Todd Boland and Todd Walz are vying for the seat, both emphasizing fiscal oversight and community policing.

Districts 1 and 3 feature unopposed candidates: Sonya Rich and Greg Padgett, respectively.

A Turning Point for Enterprise

The 2025 election arrives at a moment when Enterprise is balancing its small-town roots with the pressures of regional growth. The mayoral race offers voters a chance to choose between continuity and change, with each candidate presenting distinct priorities and leadership styles.

Local organizations, including the Enterprise Chamber of Commerce, have encouraged civic participation through forums and public affairs initiatives aimed at connecting residents with candidates and policy discussions. The Chamber's Public Affairs Committee has emphasized the importance of strategic advocacy and open communication between business leaders and elected officials.

Final Thoughts

As Enterprise residents prepare to cast their votes, the mayoral election stands as more than a contest of personalities-it's a referendum on the city's direction, values, and capacity to meet future challenges. Whether voters opt for experienced leadership or fresh perspectives, the outcome will shape how Enterprise navigates growth, governance, and community well-being in the years ahead.

For sample ballots, district maps, and official election resources, visit the City of Enterprise's election portal.