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| Abingdon Mayoral Candidate Stegall Wants City to Grow Again |
A man who wants to be the next mayor of Abingdon says there's plenty of talking but not enough doing when it comes to economic development in the community.
Roger Stegall says he returned to his hometown of Abingdon in 2002 after working for 30 years as a manager at a plant in Alabama. Stegall and long-time educator Don Smith are challenging incumbent Mayor Steve Darmer in the April consolidated election.
Stegall tells WGIL economic development is discussed at every city council meeting, but nothing concrete is being done.
"Back when I was growing up here, Abingdon was a booming town, a lot of things happening. I've not seen much happening since I've been back. I think we are in a downward spiral as far as the city is concerned, and I would like to do everything I can do to try to stop that."
Stegall says he spent the last 25 years of his employment as a General Foreman of Skilled Trades and has the skills to be a good city leader. He's critical of the current administration, saying the city shouldn't be in the real estate and retail garbage business.
City officials have been working to purchase dilapidated buildings in the 100 block of South Main Street that will eventually be torn down in an effort to revitalize the downtown area. The city council and Darmer have also proposed implementing a city-wide trash collection service as a way to get certain properties cleaned up. The plan has been met with stiff resistance, prompting the council to take the matter to the voters in April in the form of a referendum.
Stegall also says because Darmer has a full-time job outside of Abingdon, residents don't have access to him. Stegall, who's making his first bid for a political office, says he will make himself available to the public if he's elected mayor. |
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| 02 15 09 by Newsroom |
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