Jonathan Rossell 2026

Jonathan Rossell is a seasoned leader, U.S. Navy veteran, and transformative community advocate with decades of experience in government, military, and municipal leadership. As a native of Hale County and former Mayor of Akron, Alabama, he brings a legacy of results-
driven service, a proven ability to turn challenges into opportunities, and a bold vision for the future of Hale County. His campaign for Hale County Commissioner, District 1, reflects a deep commitment to rural progress, equitable development, and empowering every community in the
district.

Throughout his career, Jonathan has worked alongside families, seniors, veterans, youth, faith communities, and local organizations to strengthen access to resources, advocate for community needs, and promote responsible leadership. His experience in public service has taught him that effective leadership begins with listening, continues with action, and is sustained through accountability.

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A Proven Record of Local Leadership
 

During his tenure as Mayor of the Town of Akron, Jonathan Rossell delivered measurable results that strengthened infrastructure, expanded opportunity, and improved the overall quality of life for residents. He led a comprehensive revitalization effort that restored fiscal integrity, improved infrastructure, and laid the foundation for modern governance. Under his leadership, Jonathan negotiated a $100,000 compensation package with Norfolk Southern Railroad after the Town Council unanimously approved the closure of a closely situated rail crossing following Norfolk Southern’s proposal and safety review. He eliminated more than $700,000 in municipal debt in just two and a half years, secured $5.4 million in infrastructure grants, and introduced advanced technologies such as remote meter reading for the town’s water system. Additionally, he initiated a major sewer rehabilitation project, including the rehabilitation of the town’s lagoon and critical dam repairs, work that is currently underway as a direct result of the groundwork he laid before leaving office.

Jonathan made history by spearheading Akron’s first municipal leadership team to earn the Certified Municipal Official (CMO) designation through the Alabama League of Municipalities, completing a two-year program in just eight months. His team’s achievement symbolized a renewed commitment to professional excellence and effective governance.

Jonathan is running a clean, ethical, and people-centered campaign focused on engaging every voice—especially the more than 1,600 registered voters in District 1 who did not participate in the 2022 election.
 

He believes that local leadership matters most, because local decisions directly affect everyday life.

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​Key accomplishments:

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• Negotiated a 10-year franchise agreement with Charter Communications to bring fiber-optic, high-speed internet access to Akron and surrounding rural communities through a multi-billion-dollar federal broadband expansion initiative.

• Reclaimed the former Akron Elementary School and secured the annex building for community use as a Senior Citizen Center.

• Led major infrastructure upgrades, including rehabilitation of the town’s water tower featuring a new logo he designed, installation of 16 new fire hydrants, and multiple road repair projects.

• Partnered with Alabama Power to install energy-efficient lighting upgrades at the town entrance and public park.

• Honored local leaders by renaming five streets, including one recognizing Akron’s first Black mayor, the late Honorable Elijah Knox.

• Modernized City Hall using federal COVID relief funds and distributed surplus personal protective equipment (PPE) to community members.

• As a member of the Hale County Hazard Mitigation Committee, helped secure two FEMA-backed storm shelters, one completed and one currently in progress.

• Served as an active member of the West Alabama Rural Planning Organization, advocating for regional transportation improvements.

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