Clinton, OK – Clinton City Councilman Ernie Dowdell has announced his campaign for mayor, challenging current Clinton Mayor David Berrong.
Dowdell said his decision to run is centered on city leadership, accountability, economic development and long-term planning.
“We can’t stay in the status quo any longer,” Dowdell said. “We have to start planning five and ten years down the road.”
Dowdell was born and raised in Clinton and currently serves on the Clinton City Council. He and his wife, Shannon, have been married for 27 years and raised their three children in Clinton.
Dowdell said his time on the City Council has given him experience with city operations, finances and issues facing the community.
Among the changes Dowdell would like to see is a clearer division of responsibilities between the mayor, City Council and city manager. He said the mayor and council should establish priorities and direction, while the city manager oversees daily operations and carries out those priorities.
Dowdell also said he wants the city to establish clearer expectations and methods for evaluating progress on city projects and priorities.
Economic development is another focus of his campaign. Dowdell pointed to growth in nearby Elk City and Weatherford and said he believes Clinton should look for opportunities that distinguish it from surrounding communities.
He said he would like Clinton to take a more active approach to business recruitment, development and efforts to increase sales tax revenue.
Dowdell is also calling for the development of five, ten and twenty-year plans addressing water, infrastructure, economic development and other long-term needs.
Other priorities outlined by Dowdell include reviewing city fees and utility costs, pursuing state and federal grants, examining the city's permitting and inspection processes and improving communication between City Hall and residents.
He said he would also like to focus on customer service for residents and make city processes easier for contractors, tradespeople and businesses to navigate.
Dowdell said concerns about Clinton's current direction ultimately led him to enter the mayoral race.
“We are stuck,” Dowdell said.
Dowdell said he believes the city needs to improve its ability to make decisions, follow through on projects and prepare for future growth.
Dowdell is challenging current Clinton Mayor David Berrong in the mayoral race. Election Day is Tuesday, November 3.
Dowdell is a lifelong Clinton resident and member of First Christian Church. His family has longstanding ties to the community, including relatives who operated a local department store and others who practiced medicine in Clinton.
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