Mayor Al Hoyle is seeking re-election in the Ellijay City Election on Nov. 7.
Hoyle is a life-long resident of Gilmer County, living in downtown Ellijay for the past 35 years. He is a member of First United Methodist Church and the Gilmer County Chamber of Commerce.
After graduating from Gilmer High School, Hoyle received a degree in business management from North Georgia College and State University and has owned several successful businesses over the past 40 years.
While in office, Hoyle has endeavored to continue his education in ways to make himself a more effective public servant. He was awarded the Certificate of Excellence from the University of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association for his governmental training accomplishments. He graduated from the inaugural class of Leadership Gilmer, The Georgia Academy for Economic Development and the Leadership Institute for Municipal Elected Officials.
He has also served on several boards and committees, including the North Georgia Regional Development Center (serving as chairman for four years), the Northwest Georgia Regional Commission (serving as chairman for two years), the Georgia Emergency Management Agency’s All Hazards Council, the Council of Chief Elected Officials and the Regional Advisory Council.
Since taking office in 1997, Hoyle secured over $4 million in federal grant money to implement streetscape enhancement projects and badly needed water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
The Ellijay Police Department has gone from an understaffed department driving vehicles purchased at state surplus to one recognized and respected throughout the state. A new fire department was created resulting in a substantial decrease in the city’s ISO rating. A state-of-the-art public safety facility was constructed and residents can enjoy the ongoing development of Harrison Park.
Hoyle looks forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the community, striving to maintain Ellijay as a place that citizens are proud of, visitors admire and other cities envy.