Congratulations to Mayor Gordon Stone: Now It's Time to Pull Together for the Future of Pike Road

Congratulations to Mayor Gordon Stone on his re-election in the closest mayor's race in Pike Road history. Just 54 votes decided the outcome, with Stone edging challenger Mark Spurlin 1,566 to 1,512 after one of the largest turnouts our town has ever seen.

That razor-thin margin speaks volumes: every vote mattered. Every conversation, every door knocked, every opinion expressed, each one made a difference. But now that the ballots have been counted, it's time to celebrate Mayor Stone's victory and then come together as one community.

Campaigns bring out passion, debate, and sometimes division, but Pike Road is at its strongest when we stand as one. Whether your support was for Gordon Stone or for Mark Spurlin, our investment in the future of this town is the same. From our schools and our streets to our zoning challenges and strategic growth plans, the work ahead is common ground.

And let me pause to give kudos to Mark for getting in the race. From personal experience, I know how tough it is to put your name on a ballot, to campaign hard, and to open yourself up to public scrutiny. His willingness to run reflects the kind of civic engagement and passion that makes Pike Road special. Having spent much of my own life in public service, I understand both the challenges and the rewards of serving a community you love. It is never easy. There are long days, tough decisions, and moments of disagreement. But there is also great joy in seeing people come together to accomplish things no one thought possible. Pike Road has that same spirit, and I believe the unity and energy of this community will carry it into an even brighter future.

Mayor Stone has laid out a clear roadmap for the years ahead: strengthen our schools, expand youth sports and recreation, manage growth wisely, improve roads and infrastructure, enhance community amenities, and attract the right businesses to keep Pike Road thriving.

- Education Excellence – Building on the successful establishment of the Pike Road school system, he is committed to keeping it strong and competitive through high standards, community support, and innovative programs.

- Youth Sports & Athletics – Pike Road now has a full K–12 program with competitive athletics. Stone is determined to continue investing in youth sports, recreation programs, and facilities that give students opportunities to grow, compete, and succeed.

- Managing Growth & Housing Development – As Pike Road continues to expand, new housing developments must be planned with care. All Pike Road residents should have input in how these developments are designed and integrated into our community.

Growth is important, but it must serve the people who already call this town home while preserving the identity that makes Pike Road unique.

- Infrastructure & Roads – He has pledged to improve and expand the infrastructure that supports our daily lives, from roads and utilities to long-term transportation planning.

- Community Amenities & Culture – From parks to recreational programs to cultural events, Stone envisions Pike Road as a town where families thrive, seniors are supported, and everyone has a place to belong. One great example is the Pike Road Theater. Judy and I recently had the pleasure of seeing Grease there, and it was simply awesome. The energy, the talent, and the excitement it brought to our community show how the arts can enrich Pike Road's quality of life.

- Business & Jobs – He is focused on attracting the right kinds of businesses that complement Pike Road's character while boosting the local economy and creating opportunity.

These are not partisan goals. They are Pike Road goals. They belong to every family who calls this community home.

This is a moment for neighbors to put aside campaign yard signs and social media arguments. The challenges Pike Road faces require all of us. The voters have decided who will lead, and now it is time for us to do our part to support that leadership with unity, hard work, and faith in each other.

Pike Road is one of the fastest-growing communities in Alabama, and that growth isn't by accident. Families continue to choose this town because of the quality of life its people have built together. That growth is a testament to the dedication, energy, and vision of Pike Road's residents.

Now, let's take the next step. Let's commit to showing up at town meetings, supporting our schools and youth sports, giving input on housing developments, and enjoying community life together-whether it's Friday night football or a show at the Pike Road Theater. When Pike Road works as one, there is nothing this community cannot achieve.

The best days for Pike Road are still ahead. Let's build on this moment; stronger, more resilient, and bound by our shared love for this community.

Perry O. Hooper Jr. is a former member of the Alabama House of Representatives, a member of the Alabama Republican State Executive Committee, the 2016 Trump Victory Chair, and a frequently published political columnist.

Opinions in the Alabama Gazette are those of the writer alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Alabama Gazette staff or publishers.