On August 24, 2004, the Marion Mayor’s Race will be held at the Old National Guard Armory in Marion, Ala.; however, one familiar face will not be among those who are present.

Long time Mayor, Edward Daniel, announced on June 8, his decision to not run for re-election, providing a satisfactory conclusion to 12 years worth of success and dedication to the Marion Community.

“My age is the main factor I decided not to seek re-election,” said Daniel.

” I also have to take into consideration the number of terms I have been in office and the fact that new, young blood might be a good change for the community.”

Daniel, who was born and raised in Birmingham, Ala., first relocated to Marion after accepting a teaching position in the school system.

Daniel taught and coached for 35 years, served two terms on the City Council and was elected to Mayor in 1992.

Daniel has served the city of Marion for a total of 14 years.

According to Daniel, he decided to run for Mayor in 1992 because of a speech he heard given by a motivation speaker.

“He said ‘I’ll see you at the top.’

I was on the City Council then and decided I needed to run for the next level.

So, I did.”

Since, Daniel’s term in office, the community of Marion has seen improvements in the wastewater plants, the development of 43 town houses on Utah Street, conversion of the Old National Guard Armory into a community center and the downtown railroad bed into a lighted walking trail.

“Being mayor takes a lot of energy,” Daniel said.

“I’ll miss the people the most but I’ll still see some of them around.”

Daniel believes that the next mayor of Marion needs to have the best interests for the community in mind.

“This is not just a part time job,” Daniel said.

“It’s a full time position and you have to give the people a fair shot.

You have to have a sense of humor and be upfront with them.

They’re only looking for someone they can trust.”

Marion Council Member, Corin Harrison, Jr., believes there is a big possibility that he just might be the right man for the job.

“I’ve been on the council for 16 years,” Harrison said.

“I’ve lived here my whole life and know a lot about the city.

I can cut costs and do some things to help the city get in good shape without raising taxes.

Lots of folks know me.”

Harrison, who attended the University of Alabama, represents District 5.

” I won’t qualify for the election till July,” Harrison said.

“We’re having to redistrict right now.

We have to get some things cleared up first.”

Mayor Daniel, who became a Baptist after moving to Marion, is a member of Trinity Baptist Church.

Daniel is also a member of Cross Ties, Sowing Seeds of Hope and a staunch supporter of improving the Judson College campus and Marion Military Institute.

“Those schools are very important to the community,” Daniel said.

“If you can improve the schools, then you can improve the town.”

Daniel is the President and an active member of the World Conference of Mayors.

“I work with a lot of non-profit groups that try to improve the quality of life of the people,” Daniel said.

Daniel was also awarded the Alabama League of Municipalities Distinguished Service Award last month at the Birmingham State Convention.

This award was given to him for outstanding performance in promoting the aim and objectives of the Alabama League of Municipalities and Daniel has served 12 years on the Municipalities Executive Committee, as well as, ten years on the Energy, Environment, and Natural Resources Standing Committee.

“I guess it’s time to really retire now,” Daniel said.

” I’m ready for the slow life.”

Despite rumors that he would be moving after the election, Daniel stated that he would remain a part of the Marion community.

With his retirement, Daniel plans to spend time with his grandchildren and possibly travel.