Place 3 City Commissioner Don Aydelott outlines goals, qualifications for reelection

Don Aydelott

I believe we need people who are passionate about our community in key positions to help ensure the prosperity and longevity of Vernon. My family history in Vernon goes back generations. My wife and I raised our children here; they are raising our grandchildren here. My brother and I are third-generation owners of a business based in Vernon. To say that I am rooting for the success of Vernon, Texas, is an understatement. Having been self-employed for nearly 30 years has taught me vital skills such as managing finances in a manner not to overspend while ensuring a high-quality finished product. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that you don’t have to know everything. Sometimes, just listening to ideas and opinions that differ from your own can be very enlightening.

In my opinion, one of the most important issues facing the citizens of Vernon is the substantial increase in the cost of living. The same is true for the cost of city operations. Everything we do is significantly more expensive than it was five years ago. Passing a balanced budget is now extremely hard without increasing the tax rate. To maintain a balanced budget, one of two things must happen 1) Make cuts to the budget or 2) Raise taxes. I am now have have always been against raising taxes.

Infrastructure has always been an important issue with me. Since I’ve been serving on the city commission, we have rehabilitated the wastewater treatment plant. We have also approved funding to replace the main water line to the city, which is in the process of being installed. We’re looking into a more cost-effective way of treating the city’s water. Every year, we’ve budgeted money to upgrade streets in Vernon. It is my hope that at some point in the near future, every street in town is paved.

I was involved with activities and volunteer work that supported this community long before I ran for public office. In my line of work, I get asked on a regular basis, “Why do you still operate out of Vernon?” The tornado in May of 2022 left us having to rebuild almost 100 percent of our business. We never considered moving to a different place. I choose to invest my time and money in Vernon because my roots are here, and it is home to my family and me. I would appreciate your vote.