By james art 
MADISON COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — Two candidates are facing off Nov. 5 for a chance to represent District 2 in Madison County.
Republican Steve Haraway faces Libertarian Isaac Crowe. A three-term incumbent takes on the local business owner, each with a different vision for the county’s future.
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To see exactly what area District 2 covers, visit the Madison County Commission District Map here.
News 19 sent a series of questions to each candidate in this race. The answers they provided are below and have been edited for grammar and spelling only.
1. Please provide a brief biography.
Haraway: I was born in Rogersville, Alabama and moved to Madison with his family in 1975. I attended elementary and middle school in Monrovia and graduated from Bob Jones High School. I am the oldest of four brothers and I understand how to give and take to achieve goals.
My wife, Donna, and I were married in 1992. We have two boys, Dustin and Dylan, who attended Madison City Schools. Dustin now lives in Madison and Dylan lives in Birmingham. Donna and I attend The Church of the Highlands.
I was elected to the Madison County Commission in 2012 and re-elected in 2016 and 2020.
crow: Isaac Crowe is a dedicated and passionate political candidate running for Madison County County Commission. 2. A military father and local small business owner, Isaac is committed to achieving results for our community through new leadership and fresh ideas. With your support, Isaac is poised to bring positive change to Madison County.
Sample ballot papers for the 5 November 2024 general election
2. Why are you running for this position?
Haraway: I am running for this seat again to continue to make Madison County better every day.
crow: I am running to provide an alternative to the incumbent president who has been virtually unopposed for 12 years.
3. How would you describe District 2?
Haraway: Quarter 2 is mostly urban, hard-working, young families
crow: District 2 is a dense, diverse population that includes most of the city of Madison, Triana and parts of Huntsville south of Hwy 72 and west of Research Pkwy.
Q&A with Madison County Commission Chair candidates
4. What are two specific things you hope to accomplish if elected?
Haraway: I plan to continue to improve the overall infrastructure and complete the Slaughter Road project.
crow: I will work to make county government accessible to more citizens and promote participation through policies, especially in my own county
5. What do you see as the most significant challenges facing Madison County? How would you help address these challenges?
Haraway: One of District 2’s most significant challenges will definitely be dealing with growth. I will continue to focus on improving infrastructure.
crow: I will work to make county government accessible to more citizens and promote participation through policies, especially in my own county.
6. Who has inspired you in your life?
Haraway: My wife. She always believes that there is a way to make things better.
crow: my father. He has been self-employed most of his life and as a result controls his own destiny. I followed in his footsteps, running multiple small businesses myself.
7. What about you might surprise people?
Haraway: I can operate all the large equipment and machinery we use in the county. Most people are surprised to see me actually driving and operating city equipment on a job site.
crow: I never had any political ambitions in my life before this race and I don’t plan to make a career out of it. I am here to improve conditions for citizens, not to enrich myself.
8. What sets you apart from the other candidate in the race, why should voters choose you?
Haraway: experience. I understand the needs of this area and how to improve the quality of life for the residents who live here. I have lived here most of my life and I want this area to continue to prosper.
crow: I’m new to politics, but I’m a strong fiscal conservative while being a moderate on most other counts. I will never stop looking for ways to make Madison County more efficient without affecting the quality of service. I will limit myself to a maximum of two terms in office. I refuse all donations from developers and other parties over whom I might have jurisdiction as a commissioner.
From now until Election Day, News 19 will feature candidate profiles in commission races in Madison, Marshall, Morgan and Limestone counties.
The general election takes place on November 5. For more information on voting in your county, click here.
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