Robin Litaker: The Transparent, Accountable Leader Homewood Needs in 2025

Guest Opinion by Hunter Payne

Homewood stands at a crossroads. As we approach the August 26, 2025, municipal election, voters will not just choose a new mayor—they will decide how our city navigates a historic shift to a council‑manager form of government. The stakes could not be higher.

Among the candidates, one stands out: Robin Litaker. A retired educator, former Alabama State Teacher of the Year, and longtime Homewood resident, Litaker brings unmatched experience, and a vision rooted in transparency, accountability, and community‑driven growth.

Litaker’s career speaks volumes. For over three decades she served as a teacher and administrator, managing budgets, leading teams, and advocating for students and families. Her credentials—culminating in a doctorate from Samford University—reflect not only expertise but also a lifelong commitment to public service. Unlike candidates balancing other careers, Litaker pledges to serve as a full‑time mayor, available every day to listen, respond, and lead.

Why does this matter now? Because Homewood faces significant challenges.  The city has a staggering debt of 159 million dollars. The Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts recently cited the Homewood City Council for failing to properly oversee city finances—this finding should concern every resident.  In addition, the city has an aging infrastructure, and a lack of transparency in major development decisions. Residents have too often been left in the dark—whether about traffic changes near Dawson Church or multimillion‑dollar projects near Samford University. Litaker refuses to accept that status quo.

Her plan is simple yet transformative:

• Monthly public reports detailing her meetings, decisions, and priorities.
• A resident‑led Communications Committee to overhaul how the city shares information.
• Proactive financial safeguards modeled after the strict oversight she practiced in public schools.

Equally important is Litaker’s approach to growth. She supports revitalizing areas like Brookwood Village and partnering regionally on projects like the Over‑the‑Mountain trail and using the expertise of small business owners and residents to shape decisions—she insists that these stakeholders will be primary decisionmakers from day one. Her philosophy is clear: good ideas come from the community, not just consultants or developers.

Litaker also brings a personal understanding of Homewood’s infrastructure struggles. Flooding, runoff, and aging stormwater systems threaten neighborhoods and property values. Her solutions combine practical fixes—like phased repairs and stronger construction oversight—with forward‑thinking strategies, including natural flood‑mitigation methods.

On public safety, Litaker has shown courage in addressing sensitive issues, such as the tragic police shooting of Jabari Peoples. She calls for full transparency from investigators, understanding that trust is impossible without truth.

Perhaps most importantly, Litaker champions Homewood City Schools. She knows our schools are why families move here—and she has the experience to advocate for teachers, safety, and resources like no other candidate in the race.

In short, Robin Litaker offers what Homewood needs: steady leadership, full‑time commitment, and a record of putting people first. Her campaign is not about personal ambition—it’s about building a city government that works for everyone.

As Homewood prepares for its 100‑year anniversary and a new era of governance, voters have a chance to choose transparency over secrecy, collaboration over division, and vision over complacency. Robin Litaker is ready to lead us there.

Hunter Payne is a former Homewood City Council member and long-time business owner with deep family roots in the Over the Mountain Community. Having lived in Homewood during his early years and later in Mountain Brook, he returned to Homewood in the early 1990’s to raise his young family. Payne has consistently contributed to local civic and business life.  His combined experience in public service and private enterprise provides a unique perspective on the city’s growth and future

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