Ford v. Hill in race for mayor

Voters will decide Saturday whether Alderman Tommy Hill or Mayor Chris Ford gets to lead the City of Clarendon for the next two years. Both candidates took time out of their day Monday to sit down with the Enterprise to discuss their campaigns.

Mayor Chris Ford has served Clarendon for two and a half years and says he wants to continue working for the city.

Ford grew up in Clarendon and attended Clarendon High School before graduating from the New Mexico Military Institute in 1980. He later received a Bachelor’s degree in nursing from Wayland Baptist University. After several years, he moved back to his hometown; and he and his wife, Terri, are now self-employed having started their Finders Keepers remodeling and construction business two years ago.

In September 2006, Ford was appointed to the Board of Alderman to serve the remainder of Mark White’s term after White took over for Tex Selvidge as mayor. Ford was elected to his own term in 2008 and was selected as mayor pro-tem. When White stepped down last December, aldermen again chose Ford to succeed him as the city’s 36th mayor.

ENTERPRISE: What would you say are the main accomplishments Clarendon has achieved since you joined the Board of Alderman?

FORD: I’m proud of the improvements at City Park. Our water line project (on the west side of town) will be a major accomplishment when it’s completed. We’re developing a plan to fix city streets properly, and planning an upcoming seal coat program. City Hall is looking better after its paint job. I’d say that hiring (City Administrator) John Webb was a step in the right direction. I’d also like to say we’ve developed a positive working environment for our employees. I’ve always felt like encouragement, positive input, and occasional criticism help develop a positive working environment.

ENTERPRISE: Does the city need an administrator and what do you think of the job Mr. Webb is doing?

FORD: I certainly believe we need an administrator. We found that out with the financial condition the city had slipped into when we did not have someone watching day to day. John Webb is a tremendous asset to the city. He is goal oriented. He can plan, organize, and execute effectively.

ENTERPRISE: City residents and businesses have seen their water and sewer bills go up this year, in some cases dramatically. Was that necessary; and if so, why?

FORD: I believe it was necessary. Past boards had not adequately gone up incrementally; and with rising costs, we were forced as a board to make those tough decisions.

ENTERPRISE: What can be done to improve the maintenance of city streets?

FORD: I’ve said it since I got on the board. You can’t put a Band-Aid on them. You’ve got to cut them out, square them up, and fix them right. You’ve got to plan to fix them and move on to the next one.

ENTERPRISE: What are your goals if re-elected?

FORD: Streets first. Fix the potholes properly and move toward seal coating areas of town. Finish the water tower project. Begin to replace some of the older pipes in the ground. And I’d like to see continued involvement with the Clarendon Economic Development Corporation and the Chamber of Commerce to beautify downtown.

ENTERPRISE: As you look at Clarendon 10 or 15 years in the future, what do you see?

FORD: I’d like to see a community storm shelter combined with an emergency command center possibly attached to a new City Hall. Definitely I see continually better streets. And continue to promote Clarendon as a wonderful place to live with new businesses.

ENTERPRISE: Why should people vote for you?

FORD: I believe I have the leadership and the ability to listen and work with citizens and the board; and I have the character to be non-judgmental, listen to both sides of an issue, and make the decision that will be best for Clarendon.

ENTERPRISE: What would your final message to the voters be?

FORD: I have only one agenda – to always think about what is in the best interest of Clarendon when I make decisions for our city. I’ve enjoyed serving as mayor and feel strongly that I’m best qualified for the position, and I would appreciate your support.