The need for more tax base is a pressing issue facing Clanton, according to Ward 3 Council member Bobby Easterling.

“We need more retail businesses that will generate more sales taxes,” Easterling said. “I would like to see the areas in the city limits along the interstate attract more retail stores,” he added, “that way non residents traveling I-65 will help general tax dollars when they stop to shop.”

In 1972 friends asked Easterling to run for the Ward Three seat but he elected to wait until 1976’s municipal election to seek office the first time.

“Several people wanted me to run for the seat in 1972,” he said, “but I did not want to run for the seat help then by Jim Wade. Four years later the same people asked again and I decided to run when I learned Jim (Wade) was not going to seek reelection.”

Easterling won the Ward Three election and has served 33 years on the city council. In 2008 he won another four-year term.

A native of Jemison, Easterling moved to Clanton and until he retired owned and operated a service station on Seventh Street. He now spends much of his time tending to city council business, enjoying his grandchildren and playing golf.

He and his wife, Gearldene, are the parents of a son, Kelly, and a daughter, Valerie Easterling Speaks.