After 12 years as the Mayor of Riverside, Rusty Jessup is looking for another way to serve St. Clair County. 

“I really think I can help,” Jessup said. “I don’t have an ax to grind or an agenda. It says in Proverbs ‘Seeds of hate and discontent cannot grow in a thankful heart,’ and I am very thankful.” 

Jessup officially announced his campaign at a fundraising reception held at Riverside Landing on Nov. 28. Jessup credits his wife of almost 43 years, Sandra, with the arrangements and success of the event. 

 “You’re sending me to Montgomery,” Jessup addressed the crowd, which included other local elected officials. “I can’t do this by myself.” 

Jessup said his focus if elected to the Alabama District 30 State House seat, which covers parts of St. Clair and Etowah counties, would be on education and infrastructure.  

“My commitment is to the classroom teachers,” Jessup said. “That’s where we need to focus.” Jessup also stated that he would concentrate on getting additional funds to fix the infrastructure in St. Clair and Etowah counties. 

“I would like to get both Etowah and St. Clair counties to work together for the common good,” Jessup said. While currently serving as Mayor of Riverside in St. Clair County, the position of District 30 State House would also represent parts of Etowah County. Jessup said both counties could mutually benefit from working together, especially on economic development.  

The primary election for the District 30 Alabama State House is in June.  The election is in November 2018.