River Region Magazine

Meet Prattville's Mayor

If Bill Gillespie Jr., mayor of Prattville, appears to be an unconventional politician, it’s because he is. “I’m not a career politician, just a concerned citizen,” stated Mayor Gillespie. The man at the helm of the city of Prattville discusses the community and its future.

With the Gillespies, it is all in the family and Bill Gillespie Jr. was born to serve the community. Mayor Gillespie was first elected to the Prattville City Council in 2004 representing District 1 in that capacity for over six years. He became the second generation to serve the citizens through government. His father, “Billy” Gillespie, was on the City Council from 1984 through 1992 and his dedication and service to the community became an inspiration to his son. “Since my father served on the city council I knew I wanted to make a difference by doing something good for my community,” Gillespie said. “My father played a huge role in my desire to get involved in community and civic-minded issues.”

“I’ve always been active in the community, so people know me,” he said. “I’ve lived here and grown up here, so people have known me for my entire life. And of course, working with the family business I know a lot of people too. I’ve worked in other campaigns also, so I wasn’t a stranger to the political process.”

Since 1955, the Gillespie family has operated an auto service and repair company in Prattville. Mayor Gillespie began working for the family business in 1970, and took over its management in 1980. During the ’70s and up until he was sworn in as mayor of Prattville earlier this year, he worked at the family business, Gillespie Tire Service.

It’s all in a days work for Gillespie, who continues to moonlight at the family company when he’s not handling city business. Since he was elected, Gillespie has been able to balance his dual career by assisting the family on the weekends and by changing tires for customers. “Of course I was told I no longer was employed there, but old habits die hard,” he said. “But my top priority is to capitalize on the wonderful things Prattville has to offer and to concentrate and focus on getting the financial footing where it needs to be,” he said, hoping to use his business background as a tool to provide service and stability to the city. “I want businesses to prosper and neighborhoods to stay strong, despite the economy that has many struggling.” And he believes an increase in sales tax and stability in government services are the keys to helping that along.

“We approached this budget process with a focus on maintaining the core services that are most critical to our citizens, while at the same time identifying sustainable savings that strengthen our ability to deliver services more efficiently and effectively,” he said.

“I hope in my tenure as mayor that if there is a negative aspect in a business or neighborhood or situation that I can turn it into a positive,” he said. “I know there are going to be challenges, but I also see great opportunities. Prattville is a wonderful city and I feel privileged to be a part of its continued success,” stated Mayor Gillespie. “I remember back in the 70s Prattville was a ghost town on Saturday mornings, but now things have flourished and the town has continued to grow. Something I will work hard to see continue.”

Making Prattville a better place involves believing in this city, and Mayor Gillespie is one of those believers. Bringing more shops and eateries to Prattville is a long-term goal for the area. “It’s very humbling to lead this community forward, along with my colleagues on the council,” the mayor said. “I have a great group of city council members who care about the strategic initiatives and amenities in the city that make it a better place to live. And we can do that… so shop Prattville.”.