While many fellow classmates from the Russellville High School Class of 2016 probably spent the summer relaxing, Billy Patterson spent it campaigning. He is running for District 4 on Russellville City Council.

“We need a new change in Russellville,” Patterson said. He decided to run after graduating high school. “My friends said, ‘You’d be a good city councilman, if you would run.’”

Patterson said he aims to make Russellville “a great place to live.”

“The roads need to be paved and cleaned up,” Patterson said. “And I think you should have to live in Russellville to work for the city. We have people from Muscle Shoals working for the city. I think you need to live in Russellville.” Patterson said the initiative parallels RCS requiring students to live within the city limits (or else pay tuition).

Patterson said support from friends all over the city is his greatest asset in running for election. “They’re all helping me, and they all want me to win,” he said. Respectfulness and honesty are also traits he prides himself in. “I tell the truth. I don’t lie about anything.”

He added, “I stand for Russellville and our citizens. I will do what’s right for them.”

Other priorities for Patterson include improving ambulance service in the City of Russellville.

Patterson said he plans to attend college classes in the evenings while he serves as a city councilman. He is considering a criminal justice degree at the University of North Alabama; law enforcement and welding are his long-term career goals.