I am Todd Rauch, and I am running for Opelika City Council – Ward 5. I answered the call to serve my Country in the U.S. Army as a Military Police Officer and was awarded the Purple Heart after my Team was ambushed while on patrol outside of Baghdad in August of 2003. I am once again answering the call to serve, closer to home, in our community.
Both my wife (Ali) and I are incredibly active and invested in Opelika! I have the pleasure of working in our community on a daily basis by growing funds for future community projects, exploring new community programs, and supporting non-profit organizations with community awareness opportunities like “Opelika Giving Day.” I am proud to serve on the board for the Museum of East Alabama, Opelika Chamber of Commerce “20 Under Forty” Leadership program, and the Opelika Kiwanis Club. Additionally, I represent the City of Opelika on the Lee-Russell Council of Governments MPO Citizen Advisory Committee, which coordinates transportation improvement programs throughout Lee County.
My campaign for Opelika City Council – Ward 5 is built around dedication and hard work, because I believe the most effective way to run for office is to connect with each voter face-to-face by knocking on your door and asking for your vote. Although COVID-19 has caused some challenges, after consulting with several health care professionals, we have implemented additional measures to make sure that we are taking every safety precaution when taking our message to your door. I am committed to creating a personal relationship with every person in Ward 5, by focusing on accessibility, communication & transparency. As your City Councilman, you will be counting on me to keep you informed in advance on major projects, so we can have meaningful discussions on how it will affect you and your family’s day-to-day life.
So far, we have knocked on more than 4,000 doors throughout Ward 5. With Ward 5 being largest geographic ward in Opelika, that is not an easy feat. Some of the issues that voters in Ward 5 have shared with me are new, but some have gone unresolved, leaving them frustrated and defeated when speaking out about issues in their neighborhood. Many of these issues involve safety concerns like excessive speeding and log-trucks using Lake Condy Road as a cut through, or daily complications with water pressure on and around Etowah Avenue, or concerned homeowners on India Road worried about their property values due to erosion and flooding on their property after it rains. Every issue is personal to the people that bring them up, and I try to put myself in their shoes to understand how they feel. I will give you a voice.
In addition to those issues, I am committed to focusing on 5 priority issues in Ward 5, which include:
1. Prioritize infrastructure improvements including waterways, roads, bridges and sidewalks.
2. Provide resources to Opelika City Schools, students, and teachers.
3. Focus on workforce development through recruitment and training programs.
4. Expand and diversify the Opelika Industrial Park
5. Improve and advance the recycling program throughout the city of Opelika
I sincerely ask for your vote on August 25th! If you have any questions, please contact me at 334-610-1750. Each and every vote counts. We are depending on you!
Thank You and God Bless,
Todd Rauch
Candidate for Opelika City Council