The campaigning is coming to a close for the three candidates for District 1 on the LaGrange City Council. Early voting ended Friday and election day is Tuesday.   

“We’re in the push toward the end here,” said candidate and incumbent Mark Mitchell.   

These are the final days for the candidates to talk about their campaigns.  

“It’s been a chance to meet a lot of great people and hear a lot of concerns of real life from everyday citizens,” candidate Curtis Brown said.  “Because I’m on a lot of boards, I usually get high level information, but [in the campaign] I’m getting real raw information.  When you hear real information and real input from people, you can work with other civic leaders to make real change.” 

Candidate Latasha Dudley had a similar experience meeting voters. 

“It’s been a very interesting campaign,” Dudley said. “I have enjoyed and been inspired by the stories of people I’ve met in the community since I started the campaign.”  

It’s a campaign for one seat, and turnout is expected to be low, but Mitchell’s message to voters in the last week is for them to participate.  

“Even though this is the only thing on the ballot, it’s an important race,” Mitchell said. 

“Go to the polls and vote your decision on who you want to represent you on city council.”

Dudley’s appeal continues to be for a sustainable community.  

“I am your common person, your small business owner, an educator, mother, and law student – I am that person.  I can identify with everyone, not just a particular part of the population,” Dudley said. “I would be a good representative for everyone.”  

Brown said he wants to make sure municipal government works for people and doesn’t actually make people’s lives more difficult. 

“We influence institutions in the community through relationships, through budget priorities, and through the legislative process,” Brown said. “Because of my background and relationships in the city, I’m the man for the job.” 

Dudley’s key issues as voters head to the polls are “for seniors not having to pay school tax, for people to have a livable wage, and for viable transportation.”  

“I’m for after school and out-of-school programs, and a diversified economic system,” Dudley said.  We’re really heavy in manufacturing. I would like to make sure mom and pops are thriving and that we bring in industry to attract and keep young people here.”