EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one of the last installments of The Ironton Tribune’s election preview.

Monday, November 01, 1999

EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one of the last installments of The Ironton Tribune’s election preview.

PROCTORVILLE – Two candidates for Proctorville mayor – Jim Buchanan and Charles "Sam" Stapleton – will be on the ballot, but a third is hoping the residents will write in his name.

A retired Coca-Cola Food Co. employee and Proctorville native, Richard Johnson decided he wanted to make a difference in his home community.

"I was born here, and I think I can help Proctorville," Johnson said. "I want to help resolve the traffic problems, the water and help the senior citizens. I think the senior citizens are owed more than just a greeting. We need to get commodities back in Proctorville."

If elected, there will be many changes in the village, Johnson said.

"First, something needs to be done with the water – the treatment of it," he said. "The pipes need to be replaced, or something. I would call the American Association of Retired Persons and find a retired engineer we could hire to monitor the water to see what we need to do."

And even though this would cost the village a little money, Johnson said he has at least one idea how to save the community a few dollars.

"I’ll also hold mayor’s court," he said. "I’m already qualified."

Beyond fixing the physical parts of the village and seeing to it that the police department operates more efficiently, Johnson’s main concern are the residents living between the corporation limits, Johnson said.

"I know everybody here, and I also know you have to walk the town to know the needs of the people," he said. "I think we should check on the residents and make sure they are OK. I’ll also try to get as many grants as I can for them. I want to look after them and the town."

Johnson will be competing for the mayoral seat against current council member, Stapleton, and current mayor, Buchanan.

A Proctorville native, Buchanan has served the community in a public office for more than 10 years.

He was councilman for about six years before becoming mayor four and a half years ago, Buchanan said.

Stapleton has refused to comment about his decision to run for mayor on several occasions.