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http://www.omniture.com --> Sections Home Page Local News AP News Archives Business Classifieds Event Calendar Forums Life Opinion Obituaries Photo Gallery Since We Asked Sports Tempo Weather Special Coverage 2006 Britt Festivals --> Shop Our Valley AutoFinder HomeFinder JobFinder Search Our Valley Special Sections Homelife Magazine Joy Magazine Readers Choice 2006 Oregon Golf Info Oregon Wine Info Our Valley Other Publications Local Links Ashland News eSouthernOregon Newspapers In Education Personals Moving Here Movie Listings TV Listings Volunteer Customer Service Advertise With Us Media Kit Place Classified Ad Contact Us FAQ's Home Delivery Site Map --> Email Story to a Friend August 7, 2006 Incumbents seek re-election in Central Point By Buffy Pollock for the Mail Tribune CENTRAL POINT — In the race for four City Council positions in November, three of four incumbents plan to seek re-election. Interest, otherwise, has been nil. Mayor Hank Williams and Councilman Bruce Dingler took out election paperwork in recent weeks with plans to run, both said, in order to offer continuity for the council and to see a host of projects to fruition. And Councilman Mike Quilty plans to run again as well. First elected in 2002, Williams, a banker, was re-elected in 2004. "Yeah, I'm running again. I'm just trying to see if I can find 20 people that say I'm a good guy," said Williams of his 20 required endorsement signatures. "I'll run at least once more. Things need to get done that are not done yet." Williams said his third term would be focused largely on continuing efforts for the regional problem solving process and helping the city adjust its urban growth boundaries. "... I understand how those things work, so I figured I'd probably do as good a job as anybody," he said. Despite recent zoning code changes, the city still is grappling with multiple applications for development for a Wal-Mart Supercenter on a site the council has deemed inappropriate for such a large store. "Wal-Mart is back. I have not seen the application, and I told (city planners) that I don't want to see it. It will have to stand trial like the first one did. Those people just don't go away," Williams said in regards to the issue. Williams also hopes to see the Tolo Road area become part of the city for industrial development and use, eventually as a rail station. Rail service for the valley is a topic near and dear to Quilty's heart as well. Chairman of the Metropolitan Planning Organization and active with the Rogue Valley Area Committee for Transportation and Oregon Freight Advisory, he has spent much of his recent term working on solutions for regional transportation woes. "My involvement in all of those things is an important connection in helping find state and federal transportation dollars for projects in Central Point and in the Rogue Valley," Quilty said. Quilty said a lot had been accomplished over the past four years and more was on the horizon. "We've got a parks and recreation district up and running. We've built a skate park. We've built a new City Hall," he noted. "We've got a lot more going on, so I'm eager to see what comes with another four years." First time Councilman Bruce Dingler, appointed this year to replace Councilwoman Sandy Richardson this year, said a partial term gave him time to figure things out and he might as well use the newfound knowledge. "I've been encouraged to run by several people for re-election ...," said the retired dentist. "I've spent the time studying past issues and decisions. I'm at the point now I feel I can conduct the position of a councilor in an adequate way."s City Recorder Deanna Gregory said Councilman Nate Banry, whose wife recently passed away, had informed her he would not seek re-election. Gregory was concerned with having "very little interest from citizens" for Banry's Ward 1 seat. Gregory said it was not unusual for just one candidate to try for a vacant seat. Over the past decade, Gregory said, there had only been two elections during which more than one candidate sought the same seat. "I'm mostly concerned with finding someone to run for Nate's seat," Gregory said. "I'm hoping we can put the word out and get some interest for that." Interested candidates for city government must have lived in the city for the past 12 months or longer and collect 20 signatures of registered voters within the ward for which they plan to run. Maps are available at City Hall, 140 S. Third St. For details, call Gregory at 664-3321, Ext. 231. The deadline to register with the city for the November election is 4 p.m. Aug. 24. Buffy Pollock is a freelance writer living in Medford. E-mail her at [email protected]. Advertisement s Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2006 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback online casinos news Home Security Systems California Casinos Men's Clothing Southern Oregon Loans --> GMAT Prep Fundraisers Send Flowers Entertainment Guide --> Casinos Canada Trunks, Footlocker Online Casino Reviews