Tony Powers, Chairman of Decatur’s Planning Commission, announced his candidacy for the at-large berth on the city commission. Powers’ lone opponent so far is former commissioner (1998-2002) John Ridley for the seat that’s being vacated by Mayor Jim Baskett.
“I think without question,” Powers said, “the biggest issues facing the city is [Decatur schools’ $75 million general obligation] bond and the tax digest. We have to figure out a way to keep our seniors, to allow them to age in place.”
A 1983 graduate of Decatur High, Powers has worked for Intown Ace Hardware since 1985 and became co-partner in 1996.
He is one of very few with both city-government and city-schools’ experience. He’s been on the planning commission since 2008, and was an original member of the Decatur Educational Foundation, serving for 10 years including a time as chairman.
Meantime Brian Smith is the only candidate who’s announced he’s running for the District 2 seat held the last 16 years by Kecia Cunningham, who resigned Monday.
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