Sherry Sullivan was elected mayor of Fairhope in 2020. Prior to being elected, Sullivan served as the director of community affairs for the city for 17 years. She also worked as director of governmental affairs and economic development for Riviera Utilities.

In the time since she’s been elected, Fairhope has gone through massive changes, largely related to the growth of the town and the Eastern Shore at large. In December, the city’s one-year development moratorium expired.

Here, Sullivan discusses the issues surrounding the growth in Fairhope and reflects on the moratorium.

Questions and answers have been edited for clarity.

What do you see as the biggest issues facing Fairhope?