CLINTON, Okla. - TelAve -- Clinton City Councilman Ernie Dowdell announced his campaign for mayor, saying the city needs fresh leadership, stronger accountability at City Hall and a long-term growth plan.

Ernie's decision came after years of frustration with stalled projects, slow decision-making, and what he sees as a lack of strategic direction for the city.

"We can't stay in the status quo any longer," Ernie said. "We have to start planning five and ten years down the road."

Ernie Dowdell was born and raised in Clinton and has deep family ties to the community. He and his wife, Shannon, have been married for 27 years and raised their three children in Clinton. He was raised in First Christian Church and has continued to make Clinton his home throughout his adult life.

His experience on the City Council has given him firsthand knowledge of city operations, finances, and the challenges facing Clinton.

One of Ernie's priorities is restoring lines of responsibility at City Hall. He believes the mayor should set direction and priorities with the council, while the city manager should be responsible for managing daily operations and carrying out those priorities.

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Ernie believes Clinton needs more leadership, clearer expectations, and a stronger system for evaluating whether city priorities are actually getting done.

He points to the growth of nearby communities such as Elk City and Weatherford as evidence that Clinton cannot afford to remain stagnant. Dowdell believes Clinton should identify opportunities those communities do not have rather than simply trying to copy them.

Clinton once served as a regional hub, Dowdell said, and he believes the city needs a more aggressive approach to business recruitment, development, and sales tax growth.

Ernie Dowdell also wants Clinton to develop a five-, ten-, and twenty-year plan addressing water, infrastructure, economic development, and other long-term needs.

His priorities include reviewing city fees and utility costs, pursuing state and federal grants, simplifying permits and inspections, and improving communication between City Hall and residents.

Customer service will also be part of that effort. Dowdell believes residents should be treated like customers because they are the ones paying the bills.

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He has also raised concerns about contractors and tradespeople facing unnecessary delays and paperwork when trying to work in Clinton. Dowdell said making city processes easier to understand and navigate is an important part of creating an environment where businesses want to invest.

Dowdell said his decision to run ultimately came down to whether he was comfortable with Clinton continuing on its current path.

"We are stuck," Dowdell said.

He said he is excited about the possibility of change and believes Clinton needs the ability to make decisions, follow through, and start planning for the years ahead.

For more information, visit: https://www.facebook.com/DowdellForMayor