By CHRISTINE BOATWRIGHT / Staff Writer

VINCENT – Nearly every Vincent Town Council district will have competition during the Aug. 28 municipal election.

Town Councilman Ralph Kimble Jr., who currently represents District 4, is the only council member with a secure seat, as he is the only candidate for the position.

 

COUNCIL DISTRICT 1

Louise Spruell Simons, a lifetime resident of Vincent, is running against incumbent Larry King.

Simons, who retired from AT&T and the trust department of AmSouth Bank, said she has the skills, time and commitment to dedicate to Vincent’s citizens.

“I’ve attended almost all of Vincent’s Town Council meetings and planning commission meetings held the last three years,” Simons said. “I believe the present council is out of touch with the people. And as a council member, I pledge equal and fair government for all citizens.”

King, the general manager at NOMIS Seismographs Inc., has served on the council for two terms.

“We’ve had a lot of nice, good things that we’ve been working on for the town that we’ve accomplished,” King said. “I just want to continue trying to better the town and take care of problem areas we’ve still got. The main thing is roads. We still have some sub-par roads we need to get fixed.”

King also said that even with the economic turmoil, Vincent has been able to keep a stable financial situation.

 

COUNCIL DISTRICT 2

Incumbent Bridget Jordan-Smith, the director of the Mercedes Benz Shining Stars Child Care Center, is completing her first term on the council.

“I am looking forward to implementation of the master plan of our park, adding additional play equipment, tennis courts, skate park and recreation/senior center,” Jordan-Smith said.

“I think the thing we’re missing is our own little restaurant and a store such as Fred’s or Dollar General so we don’t have to drive out of our community to find basic supplies like that,” she added. “I think my experience plays a key part. I think it’s important to have someone who’s experienced and committed to the community, and I think I definitely fit that.”

Mae Hugh Kidd said she wants to be a voice for the city.

“The fire department needs to have certified, paid staff, as well as an EMS, as there’s no ambulance service,” Kidd said.

“I’m looking for economic growth,” she added. “We need business coming in, and not ones that will destroy the town like the quarry.”

 

COUNCIL DISTRICT 3

Incumbent Johnny Edwards, plant manager at a truss plant, has worked on the fire department committee during his time on the council.

“I have worked diligently with them to get the funding they need to finance their new equipment and train new employees, and I want to continue doing that so our fire department will be the top in the county under the volunteer system,” Edwards said.

Edwards also said he will work on bringing an ambulance service to Vincent.