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Last updated on Tuesday, August 7, 2018
(BEDFORD) - Executive Director of the StoneGate Arts & Education Center and Lawrence County Commissioner, Gene McCracken has declared his candidacy for Mayor of Bedford.
McCracken is a former business teacher, Executive Director of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council and winner of the Bedford Chamber of Commerce's Community Service Award.
"I am pleased and honored to announce my candidacy for Mayor of the City of Bedford. During my term as a Lawrence County Councilman and now as a Commissioner, I have gained an understanding of the complexities of government including its capabilities and limitations. I pledge to the citizens of Bedford that I will meet all challenges by balancing fiscal responsibility with sound judgment," said McCracken in his announcement released online.
Online announcement:
In my candidacy, I see helpful and positive roles for the Mayor to fulfill within the city. Most importantly, the primary role for the Mayor should be as advocate for the people of Bedford.
In the future, many issues will come before the city. They include transportation issues like repairing and paving roads and improving infrastructure that will prepare our city for future growth. In addition, we need to strengthen our community foundations by providing opportunities for work force education, which allows hands-on job training experiences to all desiring students in Bedford and Lawrence County. This will provide our local employers with job candidates who are trained for jobs available locally. We are still faced with the ever-increasing drug and mental health crisis. I will continue to work as a member of the Lawrence County Drug Treatment Center Committee to stand up a treatment facility for these very needy individuals.
Second, the mayor should be a vital and active communications link between the people and the city. In my roles as the past economic developer and current elected official, I'm constantly in touch with both citizens and business owners. I understand their needs and desires.
Third, as mayor, I want to be a valued partner with the city council and city department heads. By taking advantage of my experience, skills and perspectives gained as an educator along with political experiences and the many committees and boards I have served on in the past as well as currently, I have been a great advocate for all aspects of community activism.
Fourth, because of my experience, I have "people skills" that can be used to bring people together toward common goals and unity.
I believe that the foundation of any thriving community should include education, the arts, shopping, and recreation. If we want to attract strong companies with better jobs to the area, we must work to enhance and expand these categories.
I look forward to positive campaigning, meeting citizens, and tackling challenges.
Gene is married to Janice (Hawkins) McCracken and they reside at 310 Hill Drive, Bedford. Gene and Janice are both retired teachers. Gene recently served ten years as the Executive Director of the Lawrence County Economic Growth Council and is currently serving as Executive Director of the StoneGate Arts & Education Center. They have two adult sons, Thad and Jamie McCracken.
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