Two candidates are running for the Hillsboro mayoral seat on April 8. Former Hillsboro Mayor Dennis Bradley is challenging incumbent Mayor Buddy Russell for the seat. The term is for two years and the mayor is paid $150 per meeting.
Russell, 73, retired from Union Pacific Railroad as a carman welder. He graduated from Hillsboro High School and attended Jefferson College and Arkansas Tech. He has two children.
Bradley, 72, retired after 32 years at Chrysler in 2008. He graduated high school and completed some college. He is married to Margaret and has three children and four grandchildren.
What experience do you have (elected office, civic organizations, volunteer work, etc.) that might serve you well in this position?
Russell: I have been Hillsboro mayor for six years; vice president of the Hillsboro Community Civic Club and president of the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce. I am a member of the Hillsboro Lions Club and the Hillsboro Rotary Club and a board member for the Jefferson Barracks Museum, the Hillsboro Food Pantry and the Hillsboro Special Road District. I have received many community service awards and have served on many other committees in my community.
Bradley: I previously was Hillsboro mayor.
What are the biggest problems facing the city and how would you address them?
Russell: The biggest challenges are growing the city and bringing in more business; improving infrastructure, like the water tower, streets and sidewalks. We need to work with the people in the community, improving communication and getting everybody to work together – all the usual stuff, but we need to get it done. Talk is cheap.
Bradley: This board is not moving forward and is spending money wildly, using city equipment without board approval.
Why should voters elect you to this position?
Russell: My heart is in Hillsboro, and I want to see our community caring for each other and respecting each other. I know what this town needs, including with our schools, our kids and the safety of our people. No one will love this town more than me.
Bradley: On Feb. 3, I spoke at a meeting to announce my candidacy and was thrown out by this board. This, I believe, was their way of keeping challengers from beating their opponents. Not very democratic.
List your goals, if elected.
Russell: I want to be a caring community first. I want to promote communication and working together to improve schools, fire and police and to attract more business and more rooftops. I want the city to work closely with the college. I want to increase our revenue for better pay, better parks and better streets. I want a better future for our town, moving forward with a small-town feel.
Bradley: Get rid of “good old boys” and start moving Hillsboro forward.
