Florence mayoral race focuses on changes in infrastructure

In the Florence mayor?s race, incumbent Greg Winn is being challenged by Mary Shipman.

Winn, 48, is looking for a second term in office to complete what he started.

For Shipman, 60, she believes Florence is ready for some changes.

Both candidates are looking at infrastructure issues, but in different areas.

?We desperately need a grocery store,? Shipman said, ?and there are major problems with runoff.?

Shipman said drainage problems were even more evident following the Friday snowstorm, which blanketed the entire county. She said she would like to see improvements with roads and guttering.

Shipman said she also wants to do something for the kids.

?I would love to see something done for them,? she said.

Winn wants to accomplish scheduling for general maintenance on buildings and other equipment.

He also said Florence could be an even better place to live through beautification efforts.

?Resolving some of those issues on a timely basis is something I want to see done,? Winn added.

Shipman has lived in Florence for 40 years and works in the dietary department at St. Luke Hospital in Marion.

Winn said he has been a Florence resident for more than four years and is manager of Johnson?s General Stores in Florence.

?Eureka (about 60 miles from Florence) is my hometown,? Winn said. ?After living in Lawrence for a number of years, it was for family reasons I returned to Eureka and business reasons that brought me to Florence,? he said.

Winn said he has traveled and seen a lot of places.

?Florence is paradise to me,? he said. ?This is where I want to stay and continue to see it improve.?

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