Malone will not seek council seat again

By Staff
Jonathan Willis
Long-time Russellville City Councilman Thomas "Tinker" Malone has decided that he will not seek another term on the city's governing board.
Malone said Friday that he had given thought to and even discussed the possibility of running for a fifth term on the council or seeking the mayor's office after incumbent Mayor Johnny Brown announced his plans not to run again.
Malone served on the council from 1980-1984 and has been the District 5 representative since 1996.
"I have enjoyed my time serving the people of Russellville, and particularly District 5," Malone said. "I have talked to some people about running again, but it's time to hang it up."
Malone is the county's veterans' service officer for the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.
He said he realized that is a position he does not want to give up.
"I like serving the veterans of Franklin County," Malone, 60, said. "It's an honor for me to be able to serve America's finest."
Malone said he decided to go ahead and make his announcement so other people considering running could prepare.
"I think we will have some good people to step forward and lead the city."