Hogden, McEuen contend for mayor
BY CHARLOTTE SMITH Editor

Hogden

Early voting ended Tuesday, and the public now has one more chance to vote, with local city and school races being decided on Election Day, Saturday, May 10.

Both Whitehouse and Troup will have the same polling locations: Troup Municipal Library and Whitehouse United Methodist Church. Hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

For voters in Whitehouse, three city council positions are unopposed, with Danny Hogden and Jeremy McEuen vying for the mayor's position.

This is McEuen's first campaign for public office. Although the Whitehouse graduate said he originally signed up as a joke, he said he is serious about his concern for the city's growth and tax rate. "We pay the highest taxes in East Texas," he said. "I think there are other ways to raise money besides killing taxpayers."

Asked what his ideas or suggestions were for lowering the tax rate, McEuen said he would work with the council on ideas. "That's what they're there for."

Whitehouse has a rate of 59.9 cents per $100 value which is higher than other comparable cities in the area, said finance director Jed Dillingham. Dillingham said ongoing projects to improve the city's long-term plan have required more tax dollars, but said the rate has decreased in past years including a three cent reduction this year.

McEuen

Hogden is currently serving his first elected term on the council, with two prior years of service through appointments. Before that he served many years on the Parks and Recreation and Planning and Zoning commissions.

While Hogden said that water and business growth were two main issues for the city, he said his personal priority would be to increase public participation in city government.

"Six people sit on the council and make all the important decisions," he said. "We need opinions, participation and support. The citizens need to be involved in the decisions."

Although he has been a part of local government for many years, Hogden said he felt serving as mayor was the best position to accomplish his goal.

"I think I would have a better opportunity of getting people to participate than I do now," he said, adding that he has been asked about serving as mayor in the past but waited until he had the time to devote to the position.

With water being an issue that has topped public concerns recently, Hogden said he is a very strong supporter of Lake Striker but believes that whoever serves on the council has to be flexible enough to find other solutions if necessary.

Both Hogden and McEuen said the decision to sign a water contract with Tyler or establish other water sources should be the plan that is the most fiscally sound for the community.

Hogden is a 22-year military veteran. He graduated from Columbus College in Georgia and now works as a computer technician for CBI in Tyler.

McEuen has lived in Whitehouse since he was 8 years old. He attended TJC and is now employed with the Whitehouse Post Office as a rural carrier.