Editor’s note: To help voters make informed decisions in local municipal elections on Aug. 28, The Clanton Advertiser collected biographical information and personal messages from those running for office in the four Chilton County municipalities. Each Thorsby candidate is listed below. Voting is from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at city and town halls. Runoff elections would be held Tuesday, Oct. 9, if necessary. Those elected will take office on Monday, Nov. 5.

Mayor

Dearl Hilyer (incumbent)

•Age: 44

•Family: Wife, Nicole; daughters, Ashlin and Anna.

•Education: Thorsby High School, Environmental Health and Safety, University of Memphis, Tenn.

•Personal message: Many positive changes have come about during my current term as mayor. The combined efforts of the leaders in the Town of Thorsby have resulted in a balanced budget during a very difficult economic recession. Reduced Thorsby’s debt by $393,000 (zero new debt), awarded $508,000 in grant funding (town’s match $45,000), untouched $581,000 in reserve, eight new businesses have located in Thorsby, no municipality is less expensive on water, sewer, garbage, business licenses, sales tax and tobacco tax. Success doesn’t come from pie-in-the-sky thinking. It’s the result of consciously doing something each day that contributes to the right thing for Thorsby and its citizens. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the citizens of the town of Thorsby. I feel that many tasks have been accomplished, yet there are still opportunities on the horizon that we are working toward. Please vote Dearl Hilyer for mayor of Thorsby.

Tara Hunt Jewell

•Age: 41

•Family: Spouse, Ron Jewell, married 11 years; children, Justin, Taylor and Lindsey Robinson; step-children, Ron, Ross and Ryan Jewell.

•Education: Thorsby High School, 1976-1988; 1989 graduate of Jemison High School; George C. Wallace Community College, 1989-1991; 2000 graduate of Alabama Fire College.

•Personal message: I have been on the Thorsby Town Council for the past four years and would like the opportunity to serve the next four years as your mayor. Some of the things I would like to see happen if elected mayor. We will work with the Board of Education to do everything we can to see that Thorsby gets a new school. We will continue to seek grants for our town. We will encourage new businesses to come into Thorsby while supporting our current businesses. We will work on posting the minutes, financials, and upcoming meeting agendas to our website so that all citizens can stay informed. This is one of many open door policies I would like to see for Thorsby. One promise from this candidate: I will always do what I believe is best for Thorsby. I am asking for your vote on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012. Thank you.