Athens Mayor Jerry Don Vaught Files for Re-election

Press release

Athens Mayor Jerry Don Vaught has filed to seek re-election.

Vaught has been on the City Council for eight years this coming May, and has worked diligently to help get Athens to progress in growth and prosper with economy.

“Athens has an incredible opportunity to grow and develop into a flourishing city,” Vaught said, “but we have to continue to work hard to attract more retail and manufacturing jobs to Athens. I want to continue to work hard for all the citizens to make Athens flourish.”

“As mayor I will continue to work with Athens Economic Development Corporation to help attract businesses to Athens and keep current businesses in Athens,” Vaught said. “As mayor, I have been on multiple business trips to assist AEDC in recruiting businesses to Athens. I feel it is my duty to work on assisting AEDC to get businesses to Athens for the sake of the citizens.”

Vaught continues to work hard on tackling the project of revitalizing downtown Athens.

“The bump outs have added a tremendous contribution to our downtown, making it much more pedestrian friendly and safe for persons crossing at intersections. I will continue exploring funding opportunities for more bump outs to help with pedestrian safety and making downtown more visually appealing, as well as encouraging downtown building owners to refurbish and lease out buildings for new businesses for the square,” he said.

Vaught is also devoted to find sources of funding to the Cain Center.

“I believe the Cain Center is an attribute to our city and we need to take care of the center as best we can,” he said. “It was a generous gift to the citizens and I will do all I can to take care of it.”

Another project that Vaught is actively working and focusing on is the Athens Municipal Airport.

“I completely supported the purchase of additional land adjacent to the city airport. I believe it will be a great asset in the expansion of the airport, as well as make a great industrial park for future businesses that wish to come here and utilize the airport for their business,” he said.

Vaught will continue to work with TxDot Aviation and the Airport Advisory Board to look for sources of funding for the airport expansion. “I believe our airport could be a key ingredient to recruiting businesses to Athens.”

“I will continue to devote a large amount of time to the City of Athens,” Vaught said. “It takes a very dedicated and active mayor to make the necessary and important decisions that will help make Athens prosper and grow.”

Vaught has lived in Athens most of his entire life and has co-owned Expressions Florist, Gifts and Home Accessories for over 24 years. He has served on numerous local boards, and organizations, which include the Athens Chamber of Commerce, Henderson County American Cancer Society, East Texas Arboretum, and the Central Business Association of Athens.