McDONOUGH – The Town of McDonough may see some upcoming changes as three new candidates oppose two incumbents seeking re-election for two available councilman positions.
This year, voters will have a choice in Democratic candidates Harvey DeForest and Patricia Clendening, Republican incumbents Penny Beckwith and Leon Barrows and independent candidate Lewis Hungerford.
Leon Barrows, 72, has served the town for two terms and said he wants to continue being an advocate for people of his age group. He retired at 62 from Grand Union, where he worked for 43 years. He currently does farm work in the area.
As a retiree, Barrows said his demographic embodies a large portion of the McDonough population so his concerns center on the budget restraints of the retired community. “Forty percent of McDonough is on a fixed income, mainly from people who retired,” he said.
“McDonough is facing tough times,” he added, while pointing to his eight years of experience and reputable performance on the council.
“If people want change, there’ll be change,” he said.
DeForest, 69, also recognizes McDonough’s senior population and the issues concerning many residents on a fixed income. DeForest, a retired worker for Unison Industries, wants a strong voice of representation for the elderly community.
“We have a lot of senior citizens on a fixed income. Someone needs to work for them,” he said.
DeForest has served two terms on the board and more recently, acted as highway superintendent until “someone else with more interest in the position took over,” he said.
DeForest said he will focus on collaboration with the town while working to control the budget. “We have to do the best we can with the money we have,” he added.
Clendening said that underlying problems are not the cause of little representation, but rather a lack of communication between the people and local government. Clendening, 59, currently works as a sales associate for the Raymond Corporation, where she has been employed for 34 years.
Clendening supports community involvement and said she wants to be “a spokesman for the people.” As an active participant in community meetings and the current chairman for the McDonough Improvement Committee, she is hoping her reputation will be beneficial in this election.
“I want a more transparent government ... I want a better explanation of the things they are doing,” she said. “I’m not a big politician ... I just want to get to some of the unaddressed issues.”
Hungerford, who is running for his first political position, said the town is being neglected. The 54 year old is now on disabillity after years of being a contractor, and said his priorities will be centered on maintenance and town involvement. He said he is “not pleased with the way things are being run” and wants to see more responsibility in the town’s leadership.
“We need more of an interest in the town,” said Hungerford, stressing the need for concern. Hungerford added that board members need to have more of a voice in speaking for the people.
Republican incumbent Beckwith, 44, was not available for comment.