Clanton City Council member Mary Mell Smith believes it is essential that city funds are used wisely.

“Due to the downturn in the economy,” she said, “we will have to make sure we are frugal with the city’s money.” She explained the City of Clanton is not in a financial bind other cities are facing but, “We want to make sure we can remain in good financial condition,” she said.

Smith, a native and life-long resident of Clanton, was first elected to the council’s Ward 5 seat in 2000. She was elected for a second term four years later and again in August, 2008. She won the first election by five votes, the second by 50 votes and the 2008 election by a landslide.

After retiring from the U.S. Postal Service, Smith remained at home for eight years then decided she wanted to give back to the people of Clanton by serving on the city council.

“I didn’t want to run for a county-wide office because it would have put me into that Democratic-Republican politics. The seat on the city council allowed me to serve in a more confined area,” she said.

Currently, she also serves as director of First Baptist Church’s Weekday Education Program where its 106 students keep her busy. Her position also allows her time for her three sons, Kendall, Chris and Kyle, her nine grandchildren, and husband, Bonny.

Clanton’s City Council meets the second and fourth Monday nights of every month at 5 p.m. at City Hall on Second Avenue.