STAFF REPORT
Glasgow News 1
Candidates for Cave City mayor, City Council and District 6 magistrate participated in an Oct. 13 forum at Cave Area Conference Center ahead of the Nov. 3 election. Code enforcement, city beautification and economic development were among the topics discussed.
Seven of the nine candidates seeking six City Council seats attended and answered questions. They were incumbents Leticia Cline, Ronald Coffey, Andrew Bagshaw and Denny Doyle, and challengers Lindsey Lawhon, Chris Adwell and Jonathan Lawhon.
Code enforcement and beautification drew the most response during the council discussion. Candidates described approaches to improving the city’s appearance and noted that some elderly property owners may need help maintaining their properties.
Cave City has passed an ordinance imposing fines of 75 cents per $100 of assessed real property value for failing to maintain or repair dilapidated property. Several candidates cited the ordinance as a starting point for encouraging maintenance.
Mayoral candidates Dwayne Hatcher, the incumbent, and Clifton Parsley answered questions submitted by the public, including when residents should learn about potential development. Parsley is a council member who did not seek reelection in ordoer to run for mayor.
“The quickest way to lose a deal is to speak before the [developer] is ready to go public,” Hatcher said.
Parsley supported attracting business and industry but said, “we want to keep the small town life we are used to.” He also agreed that the mayor must respect developers seeking to come to the community.
Both mayoral candidates said code enforcement and encouraging property maintenance would be priorities.
The submitted question about business development was likely sparked by a data center development that came to light in May.
District 6 magistrate candidates Ronnie Stinson, the Democratic incumbent, and Republican challenger Steven Gibson introduced themselves but were not asked questions.
Key Facts:
– The forum took place Oct. 13 at Cave Area Conference Center.
– Seven of nine candidates for six City Council seats attended.
– Dwayne Hatcher and Clifton Parsley are running for mayor.
– Ronnie Stinson and Steven Gibson are running for District 6 magistrate.
– The election is Nov. 3.
What’s Next:
Voters will choose candidates in the Nov. 3 election, including the contests for mayor, six council seats and District 6 magistrate.
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