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Council service chance to give backFeb 18, 2011 (Pauls Valley Daily Democrat - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- PAULS VALLEY, Oklahoma -- One candidate is looking to rejoin Pauls Valley's city council while another has decided to make a run because he wants to give back to the community he calls home. Former council member Gary Alfred and newcomer Chris Tucker are the two candidates looking to step into the seat left open last fall with the passing of Keith Brinley. Local voters will decide which candidate is the man for the job when an election rolls around on April 5. Alfred served one full term on the council from 2005 to 2009 before he dropped an election to Hal Blevins. During last week's filing period Alfred said he decided to try and rejoin the council because he wanted to be a part of the group finishing some of the projects started when he was on the council before. "There are some projects unfinished that I would like to see through," Alfred said adding big ones like a new local water plant and recreation center are done. As for Tucker, he's got a few reasons of his own for making the decision to sign up and run for a spot on the local council. Probably at the top for Tucker is he was born and raised in Pauls Valley and several years ago decided to make this the place to raise his own children. That's why he sees the council as a chance to give back to PV. "First and foremost I would like the opportunity to serve the same community that served me so well," Tucker said. "This community instilled in me the values and integrity that has seen me though the difficult times in life and propelled me to the success my family and I enjoy today," he said. The idea of running for a public office, specifically on the city council, is something Tucker has considered for some time. "I have thought about it for a long time," he said. "What sparked my interest have been some issues at the city council and at times I didn't feel I had a voice. I want to ensure the people of Pauls Valley have a voice." Another reason for running is Tucker believes he can, as a council member, help make a "significant difference in the way this community is viewed from outsiders who may look at Pauls Valley as a home, a place to live and work or start a business and invest in our city or visit some of our many attractions." Whether he wins or loses the race Tucker said he is encouraging local residents to get involved in the community and vote. Last week's filings for the local council did result in Billy Riddle and Jocelyn Rushing earning new terms with no opposition. Riddle has already served two terms starting in 2003, while Rushing has served one full term and part of another. Her service began in 2005. To see more of the Pauls Valley Daily Democrat or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://paulsvalleydailydemocrat.com/. Copyright (c) 2011, Pauls Valley Daily Democrat, Okla. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services (MCT), visit www.mctinfoservices.com. |