Challenger Holt Clark Makes Case for Northport District 4 City Council Seat

A Northport father of four is running for city council when voters go to the polls late next month, and is running on a platform of transparent, responsible governance.

Holt Clark, a political newcomer, is seeking office for the first time. He told the Thread he decided to do so when, about four years ago, he and some neighbors were sitting around a pool talking local politics, and none of them could name their city council person.

Clark lives in District 4, which is represented by incumbent Jamie Dykes, who is seeking re-election in August.

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"Somebody was having an issue and they didn't know who to call, and another person said they had tried calling but I haven't heard anything back," Clark said.

Clark's late cousin was Tom Barnes, an aide to former Senator Richard Shelby who was murdered in Washington in 1992 when he was just 25. The senseless tragedy has shaped Clark, but also made him feel called to run to represent his neighbors in District 4.

"I'm from Northport. I've always wanted to give back to Northport, but I never really knew how to do that," he said.

His platform is one of transparency, clear communication and strategic growth - flashpoint topics in Northport, especially in the wake of the council's rushed marriage to Texas developers on the $350 million University Beach lagoon resort.

"I feel like they kind of neglected the voice of the people and I was not for that," Clark said.

He told the Thread he is not "pro" University Beach, but also said its development is probably a foregone conclusion, especially after news broke last week that Harrison Construction will build a luxury Marriott hotel as the centerpiece of the 76-acre lagoon resort.

"This has already been done," Clark said. "If I'm not mistaken, it's done. I get it, there are some obstacles that the developers have to get through, meeting specific criteria and deadlines. That could be a way out, but as I understand it, you're facing a $350 million litigation fee if, for some reason, the city tries to negate their agreement."

Clark said the next council may be tasked not with finding a way out of the project, but with finding a way to make it work responsibly and transparently.

Clark said he has a background in PR and understands the importance of clear communication and would meet with reporters and constituents after every council meeting to discuss their actions and host regular meetings for his District 4 residents.

Some of Clark's ideas for office included launching an ambassadors program to promote Northport and draw businesses to it, prioritizing cooperation with Tuscaloosa and the county government, and investing city resources in supporting locally owned businesses.

Clark said he was raised in Northport and graduated from Tuscaloosa County High. Aside from eight years in Atlanta, he has lived and worked here his entire life. He currently works as the Business Development Manager for the company that handles staffing at Mercedes-Benz U.S. International, following stints at BellSouth, AT&T, and a four-year run as owner of his Northport bar and restaurant, Clark's Sports Pub.

A married father of four, Clark said he would like to see a dedicated park built in District 4 during his tenure, as that area of Northport currently lacks one.

Northport's municipal elections will be held on August 26, 2025. Four of five city council seats and the mayor's office are up for vote. Check out our just-launched coverage hub for those races here.

Any incumbent or challenging candidate seeking coverage on the Thread can reach the editor at stephen.dethrage@townsquaremedia.com.

For updates on those races and more, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.