Rankin running for Eton Council

By Misty Watson
Dalton Daily Citizen

June 26, 2008 10:20 pm

— Traci Rankin wants to see commercial growth in Eton, but she wants to make sure that growth suits the residents living there.
“We need to bring in (businesses) that would fit,” Rankin said. “We can’t bring a Wal-Mart into Eton. We have a pharmacy, a Dollar General, and a Subway ... places a little town needs.”
Rankin, 33, hopes to oversee future growth in the city by being elected to Eton City Council Post 1 in a special election on July 15. She faces Jeff Manis. The position was vacated when Billy Cantrell resigned to run for mayor after Greg Hogan resigned as mayor to run for Murray County sole commissioner.
Rankin, a 1993 graduate of Murray County High School, is now a math teacher and the varsity girls head basketball coach at the high school. She grew up in the county near Eton’s city limits and attended Eton Elementary School. She has lived in the city for two years with her husband Ben.
“I love this city. I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” Rankin said. “I want to be making decisions for the city (which has an annual budget of $1.2 million). I want to make sure we make the right decisions.”
Rankin, who holds college degrees in curriculum and supervision and instruction, believes there is enough industry in the city for now, but she would like to see more commercial growth.
“I don’t want to over-expand too soon for the city,” she said. “What we have right now is really good, and we still have some space to expand. I would like to have a couple of different restaurants in town. It feels good to have a little country town. That’s a pleasant place to be.”
Rankin didn’t have any specific plans for attracting more businesses, but she thinks council members should look at what types of businesses would benefit residents.
“Someone tossed around a supermarket, but I don’t know that we have enough interest in a town this size (approximately 500 residents in 2006, according to the latest census information),” she said. “Eton needs the residents to voice what they want.”
Rankin realizes that more growth may mean more city employees or moving some to full-time positions. The city currently has three police officers, including the chief.
“If we keep growing like we’re growing, we’re going to have to expand,” she said. “I think the three we have now patrol a lot. I think they do a good job.”
The city clerk position is currently part time but Rankin wants that to eventually be a full-time position.
“I know the issue is touchy at this point,” she said.
City clerk Kim Hall was recently charged with five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, allowing an unlicensed driver to drive and open container of alcohol in the vehicle. Since the council currently doesn’t have enough members for a quorum to take action, deciding what happens to Hall will be one of the new mayor and council member’s first tasks.
“I want to stay neutral at this point,” Rankin said. “I am very professional, and we will have to lay out all the facts and see what affects the city. When you take on the role of any city employee you have to uphold a certain level of professionalism.”
Being involved in city politics runs in Rankin’s family. Her uncle, Jerry Bostic, served as mayor for several years. Her aunt, Judy Bostic, served as a council member for many years and is now running for mayor.
Rankin said she spent a lot of time trying to decide if running for the City Council was a good idea. She may have to miss a few meetings because high school basketball games are played on Tuesday evenings, and the council meets the second Tuesday of each month.
“I thought about it, but if you look at it, if I were to miss any meetings, it would only be about two,” Rankin said. “In December and January there might be an issue. I don’t think it would hinder my performance.”
She said if she had to miss a meeting she would meet with the mayor or a council member to stay connected to decisions being made in the city.
“I’m a hard worker and I always have been,” Rankin said. “I want to come in with a level head and a younger generation view of how things should go.”
Council members receive $75 per week.

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Residents of Eton vote in the special election on July 15 for mayor and City Council Post 1 at Eton City Hall, 3464 Highway 411 North. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. City residents will still have to go to their precinct to vote in the local and state primaries.