Richard “Rick” Tipton qualified for his candidacy for Gray City Council, District 1. He resides in the Graystone Park Subdivision with his wife Ann and their three sports-minded grandchildren, Chase Ham, Skylar Wall and Kamden Williams.
As a retired U.S. military veteran with 20 years of honorable service and retired real estate professional, past member of the Jones County Blight Committee and Veterans Committee, Tipton says his combined experience offers a unique perspective to serve Gray’s shared vision.
“Whether safeguarding property interests, overseeing million-dollar military projects, or protecting classified information, my mission has always been the same: reduce waste, increase efficiency, and protect those I serve,” Tipton said.
Tipton stressed the importance of voter participation in local elections.
“Every election impacts our lives. The greatest act of service we can perform for our community is showing up to vote — whether early starting Oct. 14 or on election day Nov. 4,” he said.
Past non-presidential elections have shown of the 650 voters in District 1, less than 200 turned out to vote. District 1 includes: Graystone Park Subdivision, Land Fall at Porter, Jackson Heights and from Weidner Road by the Government Center to Maggie Califf school area.
Tipton’s campaign priorities include:
• FairUtilityRates–Ensure costs of new development aren’t unfairly passed to current residents.
• InfrastructureNeeds– Tackle blight, stormwater, roads, and utilities to protect neighborhoods and property values.
• Smart,ResponsibleGrowth – Support growth that strengthens the economy, broadens the tax base, and preserves Gray’s character.
• TermLimitsforCityCouncil – Limit councilmembers service to two terms, eliminate retirement for councilmembers, this small step alone should bring in new ideas and talent.
• EliminatePropertyTaxes – Stop seniors from losing their primary residence due to taxes. No one should have to pay rent to the government for the luxury of living on their own property. His campaign message is: “People First – Gray Always.”
— Contributed
