Everyone in Hartselle – and unfortunately most of Alabama – are aware of the situation we are in.

As you know, Don Hall will be absent as the Mayor of Hartselle for at least two weeks and possibly longer following his arrest for a DUI Friday night on I-65.

All that City Attorney Larry Madison is saying is that Mayor Hall is using this time to handle personal issues.

Right now, Council President Bill Smelser is serving as the acting mayor and President Pro Tem Kenny Thompson will serve as Council President until Hall returns to office.

It is at this time that the city leaders need our prayers and support the most. In the next few weeks, our city leaders will have to make some tough decisions. Some are regarding expected budget cuts.

We also need to pray for Mayor Hall as he deals with his personal issues and makes important decisions in his life in the coming days.

While this is an unfortunate situation for the city and for Mayor Hall, we believe that something good can come from it, but only if we come together and rally around our community leaders as we press forward.