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Caldwell qualifies to run against Lee in Tyrone

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

Qualifying for the November mayoral and council elections in Tyrone began Monday and both Mayor Sheryl Lee and her challenger in this election, Grace Caldwell, qualified to run. Councilman Paul Letourneau also qualified Monday and councilman Mike Smola is expected to qualify this week as well.

Lee has been a Tyrone resident for over 30 years and has been mayor since 1999. Among the many things that have occurred under her watch in Tyrone are the construction of two softball fields, a restroom andÊconcession stand at Redwine Park, the creation of multi-use paths throughout the town, the securingÊof $600,000 in state and federal grants for capital improvements in Tyrone, the purchasing of 40 acres, breaking ground, and construction ofÊfourÊbaseball fieldsÊat Handley Park including sports lighting and the successful defending in court of Tyrone’s right to determine its own destiny.

Lee is quick to point out that these are not her accomplishments but a result of the hard work and dedication of an entire community along with mayor and council.

Caldwell has been a resident of Fayette County for 26 years and a Tyrone resident for four years. She was a county commissioner from 1986-1990 and serves on the Fayette County Tax Equilization Board. She and her husband, Mike, have three grown children.

Among the issues that Caldwell feels need to be addressed are the enforcing of all soil, sediment and erosion ordinances, the enforcing of all zoning ordinances and adherence to the land use plan.

“New development should not have a negative impact on Tyrone taxpayers,” said Caldwell, who also wants to assure all town agencies respond to the Tyrone taxpayers needs in a timely manner and to study and seek taxpayer insight on important long term planning and infrastructure issues such as any potential sewer conversion. Caldwell also added that the town needed proactive leadership as changes occur in the community.

“Tyrone should be an asset to Fayette County,” said Caldwell. “It is the first town that many people see as they come into the county.”

Lee stated that her vision for Tyrone has not changed over the years. “It is inevitable that growth will happen, so how we manage that growth is important to each and every one of us,” said Lee. “I would like to see Mayor and Council continue to provide the highest level fo services at the lowest cost to the citizens of Tyrone and to maintain balanced growth.

Lee also discussed several ongoing projects, including the develop the triangular piece of property purchased with greenspace money. The property is centrally located in the middle of town across from the post office and serving as a focal point in town will leade the way for Tyrone to develope a Better Home Town program, similar to Fayetteville’s Main Street program. The town is also hopeful about receiving fuding from the state legislature this year for the construction of a new library.

The election will take place Tuesday, Nov. 2. The Town Council meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of every month.