Incumbent Mayor Nic Farley will be challenged by Rick Phillips for the Mayor’s job in the city elections next April.
Farley, who initially was uncertain about running again, now says he will seek re-election.
Phillips feels residents should have a choice for their elected leaders. He retired from the Union Pacific Railroad 12 years after a lengthy career that included 20 years in management. Phillips says he had his own budget and had to abide by rules and regulations while having an open door policy with employees, all that should help him by mayor.
“I want to give back to the city that has given me what they have over my lifetime living here,” Phillips said. “I’m willing to step up and hopefully give an opportunity to make our community better for the citizens’ kids and grandkids so that they have an opportunity here as well if they decide to stay local in our community.”
Phillips says he has no axes to grind.
“I feel like our city has moved forward in the last ten years,” Phillips said. “I think that things have gone well. You’re always going to find things that you don’t agree with, but for the most part our city has definitely grown. I feel like the current administration has done a great job, and I feel like sometimes we need a new set of eyes and a new vision to continue on.”
Phillips at one time owned Granny’s Paragon restaurant and currently owns a real estate property business for both storage buildings and rental homes.
Farley has not yet talked about his plans if re-elected to another term.
Petitions are available for mayor and city councilmen are currently available from the city clerk. They do not get filed until October.
