I love Athens, Alabama. There is no better city to live, worship and raise your family.

I have lived in Athens the last 35 years after marrying Tom and Doris Dean’s daughter, Mary Kay, who is now a former Athens City Schools’ teacher.  We have one son, Matthew, and we attend Lindsay Lane Baptist Church.

Why is Athens great? Athens has one of the best school systems in the state because of the commitment of our teachers, administration, staff and parents. The recreation facilities here are excellent, safe and a standard for other cities in our area.

City employees, staff and department heads are second to none in being courteous and efficient while providing for the needs of our citizenry. Athens-Limestone Hospital has grown and is providing top-notch doctors, nurses and state-of-the-art equipment in administering the medical needs of our community. Many specialized physicians and practices have located in Athens, adding to our current medical field.

Great restaurants and shopping areas have been built in Athens, with more on the way.

Athens State University has played a major role in buffering the slowing economy in our area by preparing an educated workforce, tooled with skill sets needed in a high-tech, ever-changing world. Athens State’s administration and staff is to be commended for implementing the curriculum changes needed to meet the needs of the growing metro area of Limestone and Madison counties.

In 2001, I had the honor to be appointed by the George W. Bush Administration to head a state United States Department of Agriculture agency known as the Farm Service Agency. The purpose of the agency was to provide services, authorized by Congress, to farmers and landowners in Alabama’s 67 counties. Eight years in that position gave me invaluable experience in managing a large service-based agency similar to the size and scope of Athens’ workforce.

I experienced budget cuts and staffing reductions, while being charged with providing USDA services across Alabama. I believe this affords me with essential experience needed for a councilperson during budget hearings, especially if our local economy is impacted more negatively.

I am running for City Council to maintain the great leadership that councilpersons Johnny Crutcher and Mignon Bowers provided for District 1. Conservative, honest, experienced and responsible leadership is what I will commit to the residents of district one and the city of Athens, working alongside the council and mayor.