Monday Update: Willis intends to run for mayor
By Staff
Russellville business owner Greg Willis announced this week that he intends to run for mayor in the August municipal election.
Willis, a lifelong city resident, currently owns Backstreet Deli and Catering with his wife of 30 years, Sarah.
The couple has two children, Jonathan and his wife, Mandi, and Nicholas and his wife, Heather. They have four grandchildren, Zack, Annie, Ellie and Ty.
He is a former United States Marine, a member of Calvary Baptist Church and the Franklin County Cattlemen's Association.
He has been self-employed as the owner of several businesses through the years and is a former employee of the city of Russellville.
"The decision to run for mayor was not an easy one to make, but this is a time where I truly believe I can help the city," Willis said.
"I remember when Russellville was a beautiful, thriving city that everyone was proud of. I want us to have that again."
In order to do that, Willis said the city needs to address several issues.
"We have got to enforce all the ordinances and codes that are in place regarding single-family dwellings and businesses," he said. "Our downtown area used to be full of businesses. I know that downtown districts all across the country have changed and businesses now look for the highways, but we are getting to a point where we are losing our downtown all together."
He also pointed out the deterioration of several vacant buildings and homes around town that have been left standing and became an eyesore.
"We have got to make the city look appealing if we are ever going to pull people from the outside," Willis said, as he mentioned the importance of industrial development.
"The city and county governments have been working hard to promote industrial growth, but they were forced to play catch up because we had gotten so far behind," he said. "We have got to work with our economic development committees and the county commission to ensure that the industrial parks are at a level where businesses want them to be.
"No one will ever come here if we don't give them a reason to. Fighting for jobs so my children and grandchildren will have a reason to stay here is very important. It should be for all of us."
Willis said one reason so many people stay in Russellville is due to the school system and said maintaining that will always be a top priority.
"I will not make any promises during this campaign, except one," Willis said. "I will work hard to do what's best for the city and that means doing what's best for the school system as well."
