Occupation: Retired School Administrator
Family: Jeriann wife of 57 years, 3 sons, Jeff, John and Joel
Why are you running for Mayor of Winner? I am running for the office of mayor because it is very important that the mayor and city council have a good working relationship. For the past 13 years I have been involved in city government. As a councilman, I serve on six different committees. This has been a learning experience while working with some very capable people. At this time we have a very knowledgeable council and I can provide the proper atmosphere for the mayor and council to work together.
The job of mayor requires a lot of time to meet with the staff and various committees that serve the public. This takes the time that I am willing to provide. I believe that the office of mayor is an important job that deserves the experience of a trained leader in staff and finance management.
What do you see as the biggest challenges or the biggest issues facing the City of Winner? The biggest challenges and issues are one and the same. Finding and spending the funding to run our city is the biggest challenge that the mayor and council must deal with on a day-to-day basis. Developing and managing the yearly budget is the responsibility of the mayor and council. All the department heads have a part in this process. The two departments that help support the rest of the city are the light department and the combined law enforcement center. They generate income that is used to support the police, parks, streets, sewer, and water department.
The city of Winner is over one hundred years old. Its streets, plumbing, and water lines are old and in need of constant repair and replacement. There are miles of old cast iron water lines and red clay sewer lines in the older part of town. Every year a different street is scheduled to be replaced. The water and sewer ones under that street must be replaced at the same time. New equipment and modern technology have enabled the city to reduce staff and still provide the services that make Winner a great place where people enjoy living and raising their families. Taking care of our city is a task that is on going and will never end.
What experience and qualities do you bring to the table to serve as mayor of Winner? My years as a school administrator and business manager, plus 13 yard in local city government, have given me the necessary experience in staff management and finance to help guide the council and staff to make the best use of the resources that are available to the city. The ability to listen and learn from your co-workers is what makes a good leader. It is important to be available at public events that take place in the community. I have spent many years working with parents, teachers, members of the planning committee, council members, and various other committees in the task of solving common problems. We must be willing to meet and work with the schools, county government, and the public in order to make our city and community a better place to live and work.
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