ATHENS, Ala. (WHNT) — Municipal elections will be held across Alabama on Aug. 26.
Voters in North Alabama will be asked to decide on mayoral races, city council races and, in some communities, school board races.
In order to provide voters with detailed information about the candidates running for mayor in 12 North Alabama cities, News 19 sent out a number of candidate questionnaires starting in mid-July.
Some answers will also be edited for length, grammar or spelling reasons, but otherwise the content will be published as submitted. Viewer feedback is always welcome.
Not every candidate responded, despite multiple requests from News 19 for a reply.
In Athens, incumbent Ronnie Marks is facing challengers Mark Wilson and Danny Whitfield in the race for Mayor.
Marks did not reply to our requests. Both Wilson and Whitfield provided answers to the questions below:
1. Please provide a short biography
Whitfield: Danny Whitfield was born in Athens and grew up on Grace Avenue and South Houston Street. He married his Athens High School sweetheart, Sandra Baine, and together they have two daughters: Leslie Stanley (Ben) and Anna Castleberry (Jordan), along with three grandchildren, Whitt Stanley, Scottie Stanley, and Sam Castleberry, all of whom reside in Athens. Danny and Sandra have been members of Lindsay Lane Baptist Church since 1993.
Danny retired in 2020 after a 35-year career with Sherwin-Williams. He began his career in 1985 right here in Athens as an Assistant Store Manager, held various sales and management positions throughout the years, and concluded his career as a Global Sales and Marketing Manager. After retiring, Danny and Sandra purchased 100 W. Market Street in downtown Athens in 2021 and founded Market & Monroe LLC, which has operated as Market & Monroe Event Venue since May 2023.
Danny has served on the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, was President of the Athens Jaycees, and completed one term on the Athens City Council. He has volunteered countless hours to local charitable organizations, coached baseball and softball, served as Chairman of the Athens Christmas Parade, and supported numerous other community causes. Currently, Danny is an active member of the Athens Rotary Club, the Athens-Limestone Chamber of Commerce, and a volunteer and donor to organizations such as Sleep in Heavenly Peace, the Make A Way Foundation, Seeds of Hope, and the Women’s Resource Center.
Wilson: I’m Mark Wilson, a lifelong resident of Athens, born and raised in District 5. I graduated from Athens High School in 1978 and have run a small business here since 1997, offering scrap metal removal and selling produce. I’m not a politician—I’m a local neighbor with deep roots and a strong desire to serve this community.
2. What led you to run for Mayor?
Whitfield: No reply provided.
Wilson: I’m running because I’ve seen too many parts of Athens—especially Districts 3 and 5—left behind. I want to bring fairness, transparency, and real action to city leadership. I’ve already worked on projects like traffic safety improvements and accessible sidewalks, and I’m ready to do more.
3. What will be your top priority if you are elected?
Whitfield: If elected, my foremost priority will be to drive operational excellence across every facet of our city government. I am committed to elevating our performance in Public Safety, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, Planning, and Utilities. By setting ambitious standards and relentlessly pursuing improvement, we can truly transform our community. Together, we will enhance our services and create a vibrant, thriving environment for all residents to enjoy!
Wilson: Public safety and infrastructure. My first focus will be fixing dangerous roads, reducing accidents, and addressing neglected properties that threaten safety and quality of life.
4. What are the main challenges currently facing the city? How do you plan to address those issues?
Whitfield: Athens is the second fastest-growing city in Alabama, and we’re excited about our growth, which brings many benefits. However, this rapid development also presents some challenges, such as increased pressure on our departments and infrastructure. We need to assess all our needs collectively and thoughtfully prioritize the most urgent ones to ensure that we continue to thrive and effectively serve our community.
Wilson: Neglected infrastructure, housing inequality, and a lack of transparency are major issues. I’ll prioritize road repairs, invest in underserved areas, and make government more accessible through livestreamed meetings and clear communication.
5. Do you have a personal hero? Who is it and why?
Whitfield: I don’t have just one hero; I have many, and each one holds a special place in my heart. When I think back to the time my wife Sandra suffered her heart attack, I am filled with gratitude for the remarkable men and women who worked tirelessly as First Responders. Their quick actions were crucial in those harrowing moments. I deeply appreciate the doctors and nurses at the Athens-Limestone Emergency Room who stabilized her and provided compassionate care. The medics and Med Flight technicians who transported her to Huntsville Hospital showed incredible dedication, ensuring she received the help she needed. Finally, I am forever thankful to the doctors and nurses at Huntsville Hospital who stood by her side during those critical first 72 hours in November 2011.
Wilson: Yes, my personal hero is God. I look to God as a source of strength, guidance, and unwavering purpose. His presence in my life provides clarity during challenges and inspires me to live with integrity, compassion, and humility. The values and principles I draw from my faith continually shape my character and decisions.
6. Tell us something about you that might surprise people.
Whitfield: I’m a percussionist who loved teaching drumlines at summer band camps! In high school, I spent four amazing years in band with Dan Havely, and I had the privilege of coming back during college to work alongside Dan at Athens, Dexter Greenhaw at Clements, and Stanley Nelson at Ardmore band camps for several years. It’s always a joy to share my passion for music with others!
Wilson: I have a strong sense of integrity and cannot be influenced by material gain. My principles guide my decisions, and I believe in doing what’s right—even when it’s not the easiest or most popular path. This commitment to authenticity often surprises people in a world where compromise is common.
7. Why should people vote for you? What makes you stand out from the other candidates in the race?
Whitfield: I have managed hundreds of millions of dollars over a 35-year career in management, sales, marketing, and sales management at a Fortune 500 corporation. I possess strong skills in identifying concerns, setting priorities, planning next steps, and strategizing involvement, all of which I will bring to the mayor’s office. Unlike my opponents, who lack business experience, I believe that my background is essential for Athens during this time of rapid growth.
Wilson: Because I’ve already been doing the work. I’m a hands-on leader who listens, acts, and puts people over politics. I know this city, I care about its future, and I’ll fight for every resident—no matter their zip code.
You can visit Your Local Election Headquarters to see Q&As with candidates in mayoral races in other cities.
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