The Atmore City Council heard from a candidate in the District 1 congressional race, during their regular meeting Monday afternoon.

Bradley Byrne, one of nine Republican candidates vying to replace former congressman Jo Bonner in the upcoming election, spoke briefly to council members at the end of their meeting Monday. He said that he appreciated the fact the council was able to keep their meeting short and efficient.

“I think the United States Congress could learn a little bit about how to do business by watching y’all today,” he joked.

He said that he would work hard in Washington to get U.S. Highway 31 four-laned from the Escambia County-Conecuh County line to Bay Minette. Byrne also said that “when elected,” he would work cooperatively with local officials.

The primary election to determine the Republican candidate is Sept. 24.

If no runoffs are required following the primary election, the general election will be held on Nov. 5. If runoffs are required, they will be held Nov. 5 and the general election will be held Dec. 17.

In other business, the council:

• Approved for the organizers of the seventh annual Stomp The Yard festival to use Houston Avery Park, and provide for city workers to help with maintenance and clean-up. Felecia Bishop, one of the event’s organizers, thanked the city for its cooperation with the annual event.

“This is what we do as a way to give back to the community,” Bishop said. “We have seminars throughout the day, but it’s also a fun day at the park for the youth. Everything that we do is through donations from the community, and it’s 100 percent given back to the kids with free food, free activities as well as free seminars.”

The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 5, from noon to 5 p.m.

• Unanimously recommended for Vasaroy Johnson to replace the late Silverzee Brown on the Atmore Housing Authority board of directors.

• Expressed their appreciation for Dr. Michael L. Wilson Sr. and his Community Friendship Club, who recently cleaned up Liberty Street as a club project. District 4 council member Susan Smith said the club is a shining example for other citizens.

“That was badly needed and I wish that more people will follow that lead,” she said. “Thank you on behalf of all of us; we really do appreciate it.”