Why Florence Can't Have a "Young" Mayor

 

During the most recent debacle orchestrated by Florence mayor Andy Betterton, many have commented that the City needs a "young" mayor with new ideas. The supposed benefit of new policies aside, could Florence attract anyone under the age of 45 to run for its highest office?

What does recent mayoral history tell us? Mayoral terms are full-time positions and can be short:

Mickey Haddock - 2012-2016

Steve Holt - 2016-2020

Andy Betterton - 2020-2025 (a foregone conclusion)

Now suppose you're a young person working your way up the job ladder, possibly supporting a growing family, would you give it all up for a position that guarantees no more than four years of stability?

No, a candidate for mayor will be one of these three things:

* Retired

* Owner of his/her own business

* Person of independent wealth

Declared candidates as of today are:

Andy Betterton

Bill Griffin

Roy Tyler

Billy Ray Simpson

In the highway of life, all four can see 45...in the rear view mirror.

*****

In the mean time, Andy says "More money!"