Linam announces his plans to run for mayor

— Charles Linam recently announced his plans to run for the office of Mayor.

Linam is experienced with citygovernment after serving two separate times on the city council, and said he has been considering a bid for mayor for a long time.

“I’m not running against anybody. I’m running for the office and for Decatur,” he said.

Linam grew upin north Arkansas and lived all overthe state over the years. As an adult, he worked for several accounting companies and gained his education in accounting and computers from the Draughton Business School in Tulsa.

Linam moved to Decatur 31 years ago to get away from the “rat race” in Tulsa. After visiting his mother, who had recently moved to Decatur, he was impressed with the quiet and friendly atmosphere, and madethe decision to make Decatur his home as well.

In northwest Arkansas, Linam worked for Franklin Electric for 25 years before retiring. He is now employed at the Decatur School District as a bus driverand a substitute teacher. His wife Tasha Linam, also serves as a substitute teacher at the school.

During their free time, the couple enjoys reading and use the Iva Jane Peek Library extensively. They also volunteer at the DecaturFood Pantry, and enjoy fishing and camping. They have two children that live in Sand Springs, Okla. and one granddaughter.

Linam said his experience in finance has prepared him for the office of Mayor. In addition to his work as an accountant, he has prepared income tax and done bookkeeping for small businesses for the past 45 years.Linam has also had experience managing employees. He has served two separate stints on the city council - the first for four or five terms and the second for two terms - familiarizing him with city government and the needs of Decatur.

Linam said he feels the biggest issue facing Decatur is finances. Linam is concerned that the city’s contingency fund has dwindled over the years, and he would like to see it built back up to a higher level.

Linam said he is pleased with the new employment opportunities in Decatur, including the FNA pressure washer manufacturing facility, and Simmon’s Foods new pet food plant.

“I would like to find a way to encourage workers at our plants to livein Decatur to help our cities and our schools,” Linam said.

Linam is a big supporter of Decatur schools, and firmly believes that “what’s good for the school is good for the city.”

Since Linam is retired, he plans to devote lots of time to the office of mayor if he is elected. Linam said he wouldn’t make any personnel changes, except to make sure each job has a written job description.

Many of the city's employees are doing a great job, Linam said, commending the fire department, and the streets and parks departments.

“If elected mayor, my one goal would be to do what’s best for the city of Decatur. Charles Linam doesn’t need anything from the city office, Ihave nothing to gain. But I do hope I have a lot to give. I hope we could work together to make it an even better city and I think it’s a great city now,” Linam said.

News, Pages 1 on 06/30/2010