By Jeff Devine, Dale County Chronicle
OZARK –After attending his first official Ozark City Council meeting this week, Councilman Bryan Macario says he is more optimistic than ever about the future of the city and ready to put his campaign promises into action.
The Dale County Chronicle spoke with Councilman Bryan Macario about his first meeting and the transition from candidate to a member of the Ozark City Council. Macario expressed a bright sense of optimism, a recommitment to his campaign goals, and an excitement to roll up his sleeves and get to work for the city for which he cares deeply and the city to which he attributes a great deal of his personal growth, work ethic, values, and character development.
Following his first meeting on the City Council this week, Macario said, “In my opinion, the first meeting went well. I believe joining the council will be a learning experience, but I have already learned a lot and look forward to learning more.”
Macario, who won his August election bid against then-Council Member Leah Harlow, said the transition from campaigning to governing has been both humbling and energizing. “I mostly look forward to putting Ozark on the map and giving it positive recognition from the surrounding cities and people in other counties,” he said.
The meeting represented a milestone for Macario, who built his campaign on themes of transparency, community involvement, and support for small businesses. During his campaign, he told the Chronicle he wanted to “revitalize youth participation in local decision-making” and “make sure young people have real opportunities to be involved and make an impact right here in Ozark.”
He also emphasized that open communication between the city government and citizens would remain a top priority. “Sharing on social media, including the numbers, statistics, and events—getting the word out about what is going on with city government—is important,” he said during his campaign. “We need to make sure all the information is available to the people, whether it be on social media, the newspaper, or other ways to spread information to the public.”
That same spirit of openness and engagement was evident as Macario participated in his first council session. He said he plans to maintain a strong connection with residents and local business owners, encouraging ideas and feedback to help the city move forward.
Before joining the council, Macario had already shown a passion for community service. He volunteered his time, labor, and personal funds to help revitalize Oben Everett Park and assisted with projects at the Ozark Boys & Girls Club, painting and repairing facilities. He has also been active with the Roberta Rose Foundation, which supports mental health and substance abuse recovery efforts, and has taken part in initiatives to assist the city’s homeless population.
During his campaign, he explained those efforts reflected his belief that leadership means showing up and serving others directly. “Not to just push the issue aside but to acknowledge it and work to do something about it,” he said about homelessness. “We can extend help and offer rehab to those struggling with substance use disorders.”
Now, as a sitting councilman, Macario says he is committed to turning his words into action. “This campaign—and now this position—has always been about all of us,” he said. “It’s about doing what’s best for the people of Ozark and making sure every voice is heard.”
The Dale County Chronicle has also reached out to newly seated Council Member Caitlyn Cummings, Place 5, for an interview, and we hope to conduct an interview with Cummings soon and post the results of that special interview soon.
The next regular meeting of the Ozark City Council is scheduled for November 18 on the second floor of the Ozark Municipal Complex.
