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Hoover’s newly elected mayor and police chief Nick Derzis supports Chris Lane for the Homewood City Council.

Chris Lane Receives Endorsements for Homewood City Council Candidacy

Chris Lane, a new candidate for the Homewood City Council, has gained support from Police Chief Hoover and Mayor Nick Deltzis, recognized leaders in Alabama’s law enforcement. Chief Deltzis, who has served as police chief since 2005, commended Lane for his commitment to public safety, transparency, and accountability.

“As someone who has diligently held the position of Hoover’s police chief for nearly two decades, I have seen firsthand how vital public safety is,” Deltzis stated. “Chris Lane stands out as the candidate who prioritizes this mission.” He emphasized that Lane understands the necessity of equipping law enforcement with adequate resources, ensuring families feel secure in their neighborhoods. Moreover, he mentioned Lane’s approach to valuing resident concerns deeply, particularly regarding community safety.

Deltzis shared his personal motives for pursuing the mayor’s office, citing a desire for transparency. “I sought the mayor role because I believe in openness and responsibility. Chris Lane embodies that same commitment, ensuring the new Homewood city council operates in the community’s best interest instead of behind closed doors,” he noted.

In response, Lane expressed appreciation for the endorsements, stressing the importance of collaboration across communities. “Creating a secure environment for families in Homewood is my top priority, and I’m proud to have Chief Deltzis’s backing,” he commented. He voiced gratitude for the support, reiterating the shared belief that public safety must be underpinned by clarity and accountability. Lane also pointed out that leaders should listen to their constituents regarding safety matters.

“Strong cities don’t exist in isolation,” Lane continued, mentioning that many challenges extend beyond city borders. He looked forward to working alongside neighboring communities to share effective strategies and form partnerships, ultimately aiming to enhance safety in Homewood and the surrounding area.

This backing aligns with growing concerns about public safety and homelessness, particularly after a recent incident in Homewood. Parents in the area raised alarms when a homeless man was spotted bathing in a stream near a school. Instead of addressing these worries, Lane’s opponent, John Manzeli, dismissed the issue as “political” on social media, later retracting the comments.

Lane criticized this approach, stating, “Families in Homewood deserve leaders who take their worries seriously.” He stressed that homelessness should be managed with compassion while ensuring neighborhood safety for children and families.

As of September 16, Manzeli has not provided a plan to tackle the issue, while Lane has introduced a 10-point strategy to update Homewood’s regulations concerning homelessness. The election runoff is set for September 23, where voters in the 3rd district can cast their votes at the Homewood Library. Notably, registered voters can participate in this runoff, irrespective of their participation in the earlier election on August 26.