Longtime Eastern Shore restaurateur
announces bid for mayor of Fairhope
Fairhope businessman and former restaurant owner Rick Gambino announced his candidacy for mayor of Fairhope today.
“Fairhope has been good to me and my family for over 30 years," said Gambino. "This is a chance for me to give
something back to the city and citizens I love."
"I am concerned about the future and want to
make a difference, while keeping the charm
and quaintness of Fairhope," he said. "There is
no other town like it. Fairhope is unique and I
want to keep it that way.”
Gambino has been a businessman in Fairhope
for over 35 years. He and his family ran
Gambino’s, a popular restaurant. It was at
one time, one of Fairhope's largest employers. Currently, Gambino is involved with rental properties in Fairhope.
“We need a common sense, business-like approach to what we do for Fairhope citizens and businesses," said Gambino. "As restaurant owners, Gari and I quickly learned you must serve your customers. As mayor, I will work for and serve Fairhope citizens and the small unique businesses in Fairhope."
Gambino has been married for 45 years to the former Gari Finley. They have five grown children – Richie, Brett, Adam, Joshua and Lucas -- and 19 grandchildren. A 33-year resident of Fairhope, the Gambinos have a home overlooking Mobile Bay, which once served as the home of Doctor Greeno, Fairhope's first mayor.
Gambino’s principal campaign committee is led by Chairman Dick Noel, a local roofer, and also includes Kris Wise, Mark Cramton, John Chadwick and Gari Gambino (Treasurer).
Noel said recent change in Fairhope “worries me."
"Some changes make me uncomfortable," he said. "We need stop the bickering and keep Fairhope – Fairhope. City government needs to be fiscally responsible with its debt and finances. Rick will bring an open, honest and fiscally conservative approach to the office in dealing with Fairhope’s citizens and businesses and the challenges ahead.”
Municipal elections in Fairhope will be held Aug. 26.
