Foley, Ala. — (GSN) — State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine) said Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich is one of the best in the state.

While speaking at a South Baldwin Republican Women luncheon at The Hotel Magnolia, Elliott addressed the mayor.



“I’m so proud of the mayors that we have in Baldwin County and I’m telling you, Ralph, y’all are nailing it,” Elliott said.

Elliott, a former Baldwin County Commission chairman and Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization chairman, has been in the Alabama legislature since 2018. During that time, he said he has worked with municipalities statewide and recognized Hellmich for going above and beyond.

“You see a lot of the 464 municipalities, 67 counties and you got all kinds of different elected officials statewide of different quality and different caliber,” Elliott said. That's my nice way of saying that, Mayor, you are absolutely one of the top of municipal officials in this state.”

The senator thanked Hellmich for his work during a time of unprecedented growth in Foley.

“You are doing what you can do to slow growth. You are doing what you can do to plan for growth. You are not simply folding your arms and saying, ‘it's not coming.’ You are ahead of the curve,” Elliott added. “You are investing ahead of the curve.”

The city has the Foley Façade Improvement Incentive Grant program, which provides funding to enhance the exteriors of downtown buildings. Elliott credited Hellmich for leading the program to ensure property owners are incentivized to make improvements.

“What a great answer to what are you doing to help downtown look better,” he said. “We have a grant program where we'll help you with your façade. I'm just blown away. It's fantastic, guys.”

Elliott is running for re-election. Janet Appleby is challenging Elliott as the Democratic nominee. The general election is November 3.