The Interview: Fairhope Mayor Tim Kant

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WALA) - In the last 40 years, Fairhope has had only two mayors.

Former Mayor James Nix told Tim Kant 12 years ago he should run for the office.

DECIDING TO RUN FOR OFFICE

Current Mayor Kant said he didn't know anything about being a politician. He had, however, been serving the people for years in several positions including public works superintendent, so he decided to run.

"'Keep your heart there, and help people, and you'll be just fine,'" Kant said Nix told him.

Kant said that's why he first ran for office in 2000 - because he does loves helping people.  

AN OPPORTUNITY THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING  

He first started serving Fairhope as a volunteer fireman in 1978. Five years later, he got an opportunity that forever changed Fairhope.

"I was hired on as the first city horticulturist in 1983. And, the former mayor then said. ‘Tim, I want you to turn Fairhope into something special.’ So, I went to work having fun doing all of those things. We've been working for the last 40 years to make it a special place to come visit and be part of,” Kant said.

PUTTING FAIRHOPE ON THE MAP

Fairhope's beautification has won national and international recognition and awards.

Kant said Money Magazine's listing as the second best place to retire put Fairhope on the map, and the Eastern Shore became a destination for retirees from around the world.

"Since then, we had people from all over the world and the country that have actually come and found Fairhope and made it home,” Kant added.  

AN INVOLVED COMMUNITY  

Kant said Fairhope's newcomers and retirees become volunteers, and they bring a lot to the table. Some are highly skilled former business owners and many have worked with Fortune 500 companies.

"If you want to be a part of Fairhope, you have to volunteer and get involved. There's something for everybody, that's what draws a lot of those people. They have that sense of being part of a community,” Kant believes.

He said he could not pay for what is being freely given to Fairhope by volunteers.  

CHALLENGES  

Kant said Fairhope is a great place to serve but, there are challenges.

"Being able to listen to everybody (is challenging). Because if you don't take time to listen to even your critics; because one day they're going to bring up an idea that’s going to be the best thing ever for Fairhope, you may miss it,” Kant said.

He said he believes the sales tax increase in 2009, which he opposed, has led to some empty storefronts.

"I still believe it had some negative (affects) and still today has some negative impact on some of our businesses. Because a lot of time that 1 percent or 2 percent to the bottom line is the reason you're here or not there. And so, I think we need to re-look at that issue," he said.

FAIRHOPE FESTIVAL TOP 10 IN COUNTRY

The Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival attracts vendors and visitors from around the world. Kant said its continued success helps give the beautiful city on the Eastern Shore hope and a positive economic outlook for 2012.

"The Arts and Crafts show is grown and grown and it’s always slated as one of the top 10 festivals in the country to go to. Depending on the weather, we get 250,000 people coming through here. It brings people to our beautiful community, and it’s a great advertisement for us. But, it also promotes the arts. I love it," Kant said.

RELATIONSHIPS WITH SURROUNDING COUNTIES

Kant believes that regional relationships and cooperation among Gulf Coast cities that were fostered during the Gulf oil spill crisis are necessary going forward.

He also said that Baldwin and Mobile counties must make sure their children receive a good education because a skilled work force will make the area more attractive to businesses considering locating here in coastal Alabama.

TIME TO START DREAMING AGAIN

"Now is the time to start dreaming again and putting Fairhope back on the map to be one of those special communities,” said Kant.