John Manzelli
Homewood City Council - Ward 3, Place 1
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About the Office
The City Legislature is the municipality's governing body, responsible for voting on ordinances and policies, and often is in charge of hiring a city manager.
Term Length
4 years
Election Date
Aug 26, 2025
About Me
Party
independent
Occupation
Teacher
Fun Fact
I was just awarded an Honorable Mention in the 2025 Excellence in Theatre Education Award, presented by the Tony Awards and Carnegie Mellon University.
Past Experience
{"skills":"Proven fighter – led efforts to stop Creekside overdevelopment 25 years in education (high school & university)- Business & Budget expertise –10 Years in Arts Administration Truly Independent – no ties to developers or business interests in our area. I am responsible to the citizens only.","achievements":"over the last two months, I’ve proudly stood with you — my neighbo","responsibility":"over the last two months, I’ve proudly stood with you — my neighbors — to fight against the overdevelopment of the Creekside Project by Landmark and Samford University. Thanks to a powerful grassroots effort, we collected 649 signatures on a petition we won."}
My Top Issues
Arts / Culture
With over 25 years in arts administration and my current work at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, I bring a unique perspective on how creative programming can serve both youth and adults. I’d welcome the chance to work with residents, artists, schools, and cultural partners to imagine expanded access—from public art and workshops to shared performance spaces and cross-generational learning.
Infrastructure / Transportation
As one of our city’s most historic neighborhoods, Rosedale represents the resilience, culture, and community spirit that define who we are. I pledge to protect it from harmful rezoning and work with residents to strengthen livability and long-term opportunity. That means putting real resources into neighborhood clean-up, infrastructure improvements, sidewalks, speed bumps, and stormwater management—basic investments that every community deserves.
Infrastructure / Transportation
As Samford looks to future development, I am committed to working with them—openly and constructively—to find solutions that serve both the university and the people of Homewood. I will continue to fight against overdevelopment and stand with residents to ensure any growth stays within existing zoning guidelines and involves local, accountable partners. Progress must be mutual—never one-sided.
Infrastructure / Transportation
On City Council, I’ll advocate for smart, long-term planning that addresses both major infrastructure and the small fixes that improve everyday life.
Who I'm Running Against
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