Mayor Brown will not seek a third term
By Staff
Jason Cannon
Franklin County Times
When voters go to check their ballots in this year's Russellville city election, one name will be noticeably absent: The incumbent.
Mayor Johnny Brown said Wednesday, after much consideration and two terms in office, that he would not seek re-election to the city's top post this year.
"I just think it's time," he said. "I've got grandkids and great-grandkids. And I like to fish. My wife likes to fish. I like to garden. There's just some things that I'd like to have more time for."
Brown, who will turn 67 this year, said he's enjoyed his time with the city – nearly 20 years as an employee or elected official.
"We have gotten a lot accomplished and that shows what can happen when the mayor, council and everybody else works together," he said. "I have had a bunch of good bosses – the people."
In the year's Brown has been in office, both the city budget and the retail base has grown and he said there is still much left on the doorstep of the town as it heads into 2008.
"The town has moved forward, and facts and figures show that," Brown said. "I am proud of what has been accomplished, and I'm sure that whoever gets in here next will continue to do a good job."
Among the projects currently in the works are a streetscape campaign, which will include new street lighting, sidewalks and intersection work for the downtown district.
Work on a new fire station is expected to begin in the coming weeks and the town has voted to begin the restoration of the Canteen, which will be used for meetings and other gatherings.
Much of the groundwork that has been laid for these projects was done in Brown's administration. But with so much to look forward to in the years to come, Brown said he was leaving with enough memories to last a lifetime.
"One of my fondest memories is when I would go and visit the (elderly) and when I would leave, they would always say, 'We're praying for you,'" he said. "When someone tells you that, you know you're stepping pretty tall. That makes you feel good."
