Gobbel runs for Spencer mayor

Published 12:10 am Monday, October 2, 2017

SPENCER — Mayor Jim Gobbel is seeking re-election after a productive term. Gobbel, 66, is running unopposed.

Gobbel said he decided to run for re-election because the past 17 months on the town board has been extremely productive, and there are several projects he wants to see through to the end.

In the time Gobbel has served as mayor, Spencer has hired a town manager,land management director, code enforcement officer, labor foreman and fire chief.

The board has also worked on changing local ordinances to enhance the quality of life and safety of town residents.

But he hopes to do more in the future. Gobbel said the town is looking at the possibility of moving the Police Department and Town Hall to the empty Park Plaza shopping center.

“Our Town Hall building is simply worn out and inadequate,” he said.

While that possibility is still far in the future and would require a lot of planning, it’s not the only thing Gobbel has on his agenda. He also hopes to bring new industry into town. Gobbel said doing so will help bolster residential areas.

“There is still a lot of work to be done,” he said.

The town’s six other aldermen are also seeking re-election and are challenged by two new candidates: Sharon Hovis and Rashim Hakim Muhammad. Muhammad did not return multiple calls and messages for an interview.