May 17, 2008 08:45 pm
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Although it has already been reported that District 2 Athens City Councilman Harold Wales intends to run for re-election, he did not make the announcement official until late last week.
“Travel and golf will have to wait because there is just too much work to be done,” Wales said. “Building a new Public Library for Athens and Limestone County is one of my top priorities. This is a project that I have pushed for over a year. I now believe that the timing is right for Athens and Limestone County, with the help of the library board, to make this a reality.”
Wales lists among other priorities:
• Renovate or build new City Hall
• Improve infrastructure throughout city
• Cooperate with county to share services cost
• Support strong industrial, commercial development
• Study new ways to deliver services while cutting costs
• Work toward making pay and benefits of municipal workers more competitive
“Since I was elected to the council it has become apparent to me and other council members that we are loosing many of our well-trained employees to other cities, mostly because of their salaries. My goal is to have each one of our city employees on an equal pay scale with other cities.”
Wales said that in some instances security guards earn more than Athens Police. Accomplishments in District Two:
• Streets paved – Bolyn Street, Angus Street, Christine Street, South Houston Street, Hasting Road, Wellington Road, 6th Street, 7th Street, continued the completion of the intersection of Forrest and Highway 31, intersection and turning lanes at Lindsay Lane and Highway 72, Freeman Avenue and Maryville Street
• Coleman Hill drainage project
• Athens Middle School detention pond
• Indian Trace drainage
• French’s Subdivision drainage
• Maize Street paving, repairing drainage pipe in summer
• Pike Road widening, paving, bid in June
• Cottonwood Subdivision sewer grant
• Cottonwood streetlights, additional Memorial Street lights
“I should have a very strict vicious animal resolution ready to present to the council on May 27, 2008,” said Wales. “This resolution will call for greater penalties for any animal that is in violation.”
Wales also counts among his accomplishments getting the city’s employee benefit package changed where retirees can retain their health care benefits even though they accept a part time job that offers a lesser health care plan. They are now allowed to keep their benefits until they reach the age of 65, regardless of other employment
“One of my goals if I am re-elected to the Council is to continue our services without raising taxes on our citizens,” said Wales.
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