I am Shawn Henson, candidate for Mayor of South Pittsburg. I am married to Annise Smith Henson, and we have 2 children, Mary, who is a student at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Jack who is a student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
I have spent my entire life in this area graduating from Bridgeport High School, attending the University of North Alabama and working my entire career for Moss Motor Company until my retirement three years ago after 51 years of service.
I have lived in South Pittsburg for more than 30 years and have been involved in the local community throughout that time. I served on the South Pittsburg Planning Commission and Board of Zoning and Appeals for four years where I was elected chairman of both, and on the Marion County Election Commission for 17 years.
I served on the board of directors and coached South Pittsburg Youth Baseball. I also coached South Pittsburg Youth League Football. During our children’s time at South Pittsburg Elementary School, I was active in the PTO. I was a member of the SPHS Quarterback Club and am a current member of the SPHS Letterman’s Club. I was on the original organizing committee for the National Cornbread Festival where I now serve on the Board of Directors. And I am on the Board of the South Pittsburg Historic Preservation Society.
Your vote for me will be a vote for fiscal responsibility. I will take a multifaceted approach to lowering your taxes. First, I will review the budget to see if there are any expenses that can be reduced without cutting important city services. I will create a business-friendly environment to encourage businesses to move into the empty store fronts in town. I plan to form a city merchants’ association to promote our local businesses and to encourage people to shop locally. I will address abandoned buildings and homes throughout town to get them cleaned up and generate income through property and/or sales taxes.
We have several positive things going on in our city now including a new river park project, a new business in the Kmart Plaza, a possible new retail business on 12th Street, a new recreation center at the Armory and several new restaurants. I will work to continue this positive momentum through business-friendly policies and recruiting efforts.
For longer-term plans, I would like to see South Pittsburg Little League Baseball and Softball to return to our community, an improved boat dock and fishing pier, and improvements to our city infrastructure. Maximizing opportunities with the Princess Theater to get people into downtown will also be a priority.
Your support and vote for me will be greatly appreciated. I look forward to the opportunity to serve you as Mayor.
*this announcement was inadvertently left out of our October 31 edition and we apologize for the oversight.
