MADISON – Marc Highsmith has announced his campaign for Mayor of the City of Madison.

Highsmith, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel and combat veteran, formerly worked as an Inspector General of Army Contracting Command at Redstone Arsenal.

Highsmith has become concerned about city government. “Too many people do not participate in our elections, too many decisions are made with too little input and even less outreach, and officials who should accept responsibility to recognize and correct problems our city faces often fail to do so,” Highsmith said.

Highsmith wants to preserve and enhance Madison’s assets. “We cannot reach the great heights … for all of our people for a bright future unless we change. It is you who can make that change happen,” he said.

He pledges “not to be in the pockets of special interest groups, PACs and ‘dark money’ groups. I will be a good steward of taxpayer money.”

“As a military officer, I took an oath to defend the U.S. Constitution, even at the risk of my own life. When I am mayor, I promise to conduct the people’s business in full public view, seek participation of every citizen and accept responsibility not only for what I do, but for what I allow to be done.”

“After serving my country for over 21 years, I now want to serve the Madison community. I want to build a community that is inclusive to all the citizens of Madison,” he said. “Representatives … must be accountable for all their actions. It’s time for change, and I want to bring that change to Madison.”

Highsmith, 46, has taught human resources, logistics and management as adjunct professor at Alabama A&M University. He volunteers at organizations feeding the homeless and works in voter registration drives. Previously, he has served as youth leader in his churches and currently is an active member of Restoration Foursquare Church. He’s a lifetime member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

As an Army officer, Highsmith led a team ensuring respectful treatment of remains of fallen warriors and civilians during overseas conflicts. He conveyed the message to families and offered compassionate support.

He volunteered with Friends of Africa in Djibouti, Africa and provided needed supplies to communities and taught English and teambuilding.

Highsmith has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and a master’s degree in human resources. He received a football scholarship to Benedictine College.

He and wife Vicki have been married for 23 years. She works as a civilian employee with the Army on the arsenal. Their daughter Ravyn is a graduate of the University of Alabama in Huntsville in communications, media and political science. Son Darius II graduated from James Clemens High School and is a sophomore studying biology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham; Darius wants to become a physician.

For more information, visit highsmith4mayor.com, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.