Rusk city government plans for future growth
BY ANGELA RAIBORN

Since the election in May of 2007, I have had the privilege of serving Rusk as its mayor. I am very pleased with the accomplishments made this past year and look forward to having a great 2008.

It has also been a real pleasure to get to know and work with our city council, Don Jones, Don Woodard, Walter Session, Sam Florian and Kris Morgan. These men are dedicated in their service to the citizens of Rusk and work hard to represent their districts. Other great assets for the city of Rusk are our City Secretary Fran Wendeborn, City Attorney Larry Sinclair and City Judge Forest Phifer,. These individuals bring a wealth of knowledge and integrity to their jobs. Since I've become mayor I have developed a great appreciation for the outstanding job that our city manager, Mike Murray, has done. We also have an outstanding city staff from administration, water, sewer and streets to our police and fire department. These individuals provide a service for which our community can be proud. As we roll into 2008, I'm excited about some of the projects that we have planned. I also feel like the opportunities for our town are endless.

ANGELA RAIBORN

One of these great opportunities is having American Heritage run the Texas State Railroad. 2007 could certainly be summed up as a trying year for the railroad, its future looked bleak at times, but it brought out the fighting spirit in us, and a unity between Rusk and Palestine that I have not seen before. I believe it is a battle that could not have been won if it weren't for the support of the Rusk and Palestine communities, our local leaders and state legislators and the dedication and hard work by the individuals who served on the Railroad Operating Authority. After the huge success of the recent events, "Thomas the Tank" and "The Polar Express" and with weekend excursions back on track, I feel like the future of the Texas State Railroad is a bright one and this is just a glimpse of the economic impact that the railroad will have on our community.

One project that I am very excited about will benefit our city for many years to come.

Very soon we will begin the process of gathering ideas and input from the community to help us to set a vision for Rusk and a road map to get there. This process will help us to revamp our outdated ordinances and address zoning issues. We will have the help of a senior community planner, Mark Sweeny.

It is our hope to take a very proactive approach to how our city grows, so that it is "planned growth" as opposed to "unplanned growth." In coordination with this we will kick off a "Make Rusk Beautiful" plan. One of the first steps will be a campaign to encourage home owners and businesses to help keep things neat. I hope to begin a community wide effort in this endeavor.

The other big project for 2008 is the new water well and infrastructure that will soon be under construction. The city's aging infrasture and wells have been a concern for years. The new well and pipes will not only improve service to existing homes, but will allow for growth and expansion in the future. The project will ultimately give better fire protection and as a result lead to lower insurance rates for our citizens.Grant money has opened the door for several projects that could otherwise not be possible. One project being the renovation of the Rusk Civic Center, and another grant secured by the city will build six new homes in the place of dilapidated homes.

I think 2008 holds great things for the City of Rusk and I feel privileged to be a part of it.

Mrs. Raiborn is mayor of the City of Rusk.