Eugenia Allderdice has withdrawn as a candidate for the Signal Mountain Council.
She said, "It’s with great disappointment that I am withdrawing my candidacy for the Signal Mountain Town Council. Personal and family reasons keep me from continuing in the race.
"I want to share the reasons why I wanted to serve. Our town is facing decisions that will have a monetary effect on all citizens.
At present, the council is considering restoring the original portion of the MACC, restoring or tearing down the newer part of this building, moving the MACC programs to town hall and building a new town hall, or building a new facility for the programs. The MACC needs to stay in its historic building and continue its fine arts programs for all citizens:young and mature!
"An incumbent councilman suggested the purchase of $1.6 million for land on the Brow for a new town hall location and park, thus freeing up the present town hall property for a sports complex. The current owners could not get previous town councils to approve their suggested developments and brazenly said they would wait for a 'friendlier council.'
"This year, the council didn’t research if grant money could fund the SRO for the Signal Mountain Middle/High School and didn’t ask the Sheriff’s Department to add our town to the list if Hamilton County wins the Cops Grant. An incumbent councilman stated he wanted the Signal Mountain police to fill this position, costing over $50,000/year.
" In the near future, we will have an almost $1 million shortfall because of the repeal of the Hall Tax and Alexian’s new non-profit status. I am concerned the council will consider selling our water system to Tennessee American, a for-profit company, as a solution to the budget issues we face. Both our sister towns of Walden and Lone Oak have recently ended their agreements with Tennessee American. A simple Google search of the American Water Company should end that discussion.
"Because of these challenges, I’m sorry Bill Lusk won’t be back on the council. He served the town well. My hope is that Dan Landrum will be an independent voice, will question and research all the issues and not be a puppet of other council members.
"Thank you to all the citizens who have supported and encouraged me to run for office.
"I will still be attending council meetings and I hope more Signal Mountain residents will do so as well and let their voices be heard."