Saturday update: Masterson to run for city council

By Staff
Jeff Masterson has announced his intent to run for Russellville City Council, District One.
Economic growth is a major issue facing Russellville and Masterson said, if elected, he would make recruiting jobs a top priority.
"My plan for Russellville is simple," he said. "When the county elections are settled in November, we've got to sit down with the county government and explore the possibility of forming a partnership with the towns in Franklin County to develop their new industrial park just outside of Russellville."
Masterson said the site would be ideal for an operation that could employ up to 500 people and unified effort to bring jobs to the county could be the key.
"We've got two separate industrial boards that are eager to and are working with our industrial recruiter," he said. "It seems to me we would be stronger combining resources…Without some additional jobs, our young couples are going to be forced to continue leaving Russellville in numbers, subsequently starving our small businesses."
Another priority, Masterson said, was to make sure the city schools were adequately funded, adding the council should dedicate itself to helping the school system establish new programs in any way it could.
"We have got to start the dialogue with the school board in funding and developing training for the students who have no plans for college," he said. "For example, we should be offering welding and machinist classes. The Building and Trades Unions are always searching for apprentices…The opportunities are endless."
Among his other goals, Masterson said he would:
"I would encourage the citizens to attend council meetings in an orderly fashion and inform us as to their goals and ideas for Russellville," he said. "Remember, government is in place for the people, not the reverse."
Masterson is a graduate of Russellville High School, where he played on Coach Jack Tucker's 1982 State Championship team. He has owned and operated an agri-business and retail business and currently operates a land and dozer service. For the last 18 years, he has been employed by Norfolk Southern Railway as a mechanical inspector.
"The next council is going to have to make some tough decisions," Masterson said. "My experience as a labor representative has taught me the importance of sometimes having to agree to disagree and making compromises for the good of the majority."
Most recently Masterson was selected as the Muscle Shoals representative for Railroad Mechanical Carman Local 6060. He is also an Associate Board Member of the Russellville Community Spirit Bank.
He is married to the former Leah Hester, a fourth grade teacher at Russellville Elementary.
They have two children, Julie, 12, and Jill, 10. The family attends North Highland Church of Christ in Russellville.