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55 °F Forecast | Road Cams Monday, September 20, 2004 Today's News | Classifieds | Autos | Homes | Jobs | Tempo | Health | Community | Home Delivery SECTIONS Home Page Local News Sports Business Obituaries Life Opinion - Politics Tempo AP News Weather Classified Archives Site Map SPECIAL SECTIONS Since We Asked Outdoor Journal How To Guide Wellness Connection Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Wedding Guide Rogue Valley's Finest EXTRA Newspaper in Education Personals Movie Times TV Times E The People MARKETPLACE Find a Car Find a Home Find a Job Classifieds Place an ad eSouthernOregon Automotive Communities Entertainment Publications Recreation Calendar CUSTOMER SERVICE Frequent Questions Advertising Information Home Delivery Employment Contact Us Media Kit Network Affiliate Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend September 8, 2004 Newcomer puts hat into ring in Central Point mayoral race By BUFFY POLLOCK for the Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT — Political newcomer Charles Collins, 31, will challenge 68-year-old incumbent Hank Williams for the mayor’s job in the November general election. A naval reserve officer who is taking business and criminal justice courses online, Collins grew up in the Rogue Valley, graduating from North Medford High in 1992, and served active duty until 1996 when he returned to make his home in Central Point. Collins said that if elected, his primary goal would be to encourage more businesses to move into the downtown. Collins said he hopes his campaign will be a jumping-off point for future political endeavors. "I’ve always been big into politics," he said. "Essentially, I want to become a representative or run for the senate and I believe this is probably the right place to start. Advertisement "As for the council, I’ve kind of liked what I’ve seen happen since I’ve left. The city has certainly gotten bigger. I’d like to see more locals get into business." Williams said he was surprised to see an unfamiliar name on the list of November candidates. "I think it’s fine if somebody else wants to run," he said. "It will probably make me try a little harder to stay in office. "But this isn’t a stepping stone for me. What I do, I do for the city. That is, politically, all that I am. I would be more comfortable as a citizen if (Collins) would kind of get acquainted and attend a few council meetings and find out what’s going on before the election." A retired banker, Williams was elected in 2002, replacing longtime mayor Bill Walton after three consecutive terms. Williams said he opted to seek reelection to keep the city following a path of well-planned growth and responsible spending. "I think the city is in pretty good shape and heading in the right direction for the most part," he added. "Fiscally it’s sound. They don’t spend money they don’t have. We’ve got enough new construction coming along we don’t have a cash crunch. We’re not real big but we’re able to provide basic services." While a controversial no-smoking ordinance, construction of a 5,900-seat amphitheater and tax measures were hot topics in the 2002 campaign, there are few local issues of contention this time around. The lone controversial issue, plans for a 207,000-square-foot Wal-Mart Supercenter that were struck down by the City Council this year, sparked no debate from either candidate. Collins said he had not been in the city long enough to have an opinion on Wal-Mart. Williams, who pointed out he’s rarely been given the chance to vote during his tenure as mayor, said he felt the City Council did the right thing, given unresolved concerns over traffic impacts and other issues. Mail Tribune Home Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life Opinion - Politics | AP News | Archives | Site Map E Southern Oregon | Classified Copyright © 1997-2004 Mail Tribune. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions Website Feedback ADVERTISERS A D V E R T I S E R S SPECIAL SECTIONS Auto Finder Job Finder Home Finder Joy Magazine Homelife Magazine Tempo Readers' Choice Real Estate Showcase Since We Asked Outdoor Journal Moving to Southern Oregon? Volunteer Opportunities