Ray Shelton is seeking election to the Ward 4 seat on the Douglas City Council.

The 36-year resident has served as Cochise County School Superintendent, Valley Union High School Superintendent, and Naco Elementary School Superintendent, and eight years as principal and vice-principal in the Douglas Unified School District.

His local involvement includes membership in the Douglas Rifle and Pistol Club, Douglas Historical Society, First Baptist Church or Douglas, Gideons International, The Douglas Airport Authority Board and volunteering to help out for many other school and community events.

Shelton received a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Western New Mexico University, with a major in Political Science and minor in Physical Education in 1977; and Bachelors of Arts in Teaching from Western New Mexico University with a major in History & Physical Education and Minor in Safety Education in 1973

Other Educational experience includes the University of Oregon, University of New Mexico, University of Phoenix, Northern Arizona University, LeTourneau University and Cochise College.

Shelton and wife, Paula, have been married for 28 years. She retired last May after putting in over 40 years teaching and coaching at the college and high school level. The couple has two children. Ron graduated from Douglas High School in 2002, played college football at Eastern Arizona and Western New Mexico University and graduated from WNMU last year. He is now in the process of pursuing a physical therapy degree. Daughter Stephanie graduated from DHS in 2006 and is currently going to Western New Mexico University and playing tennis for the Mustangs. We have always been a very close and loving family.

Why should I vote for you? I would like to give back to the city some of what it has given me the past 36 years. My school administrative experience has allowed me to deal with a great variety of people from various backgrounds and to handle a variety of problems concerning the school districts. I am also knowledgeable in many aspects of the Arizona state budgeting processes. I will be impartial when voting on sensitive issues concerning city contracts and employee situations.

What is the primary goal you want to accomplish during your two years and how will you achieve that goal? First and foremost the mayor and city council must have a very close and cohesive relationship, without this nothing will be accomplished by city government. My primary goal will be to vote favorably on issues to increase job availability for the citizens of Douglas and issues concerning the governmental plaza to revitalize the downtown area. This goal can only be met if our elected officials cooperate and work together.

What primary goal should the council as a whole have over the next four years? The city council, mayor, and city manager need to prioritize the on going projects that we as a city are involved in at the present time. This being the downtown Government Plaza, the new future port of entry, new businesses locating in Douglas, and the building of the Best Western Hotel.

What unique characteristic do you bring to the council? I like working with people in a team situation. My many years of being in public service have given me a broad spectrum on what the constituents want and expect out of their elected officials. I am well-read and have traveled extensively in the United States and abroad thus giving me a unique perspective on many local matters.

One area facing all communities is the economy. What are your plans for the Douglas economy?

1. Complete the Governmental Plaza Project.

2. Help with the revitalization of the downtown shopping area.

3. Encourage and help with the call center project where needed.

4. Help and cooperate with the United States and Mexico governments in the planning of the new port of entry project.

5. Keep seeking to bring the new Best Western Hotel to town.

6. Encourage other businesses or factories to relocate to Douglas or Agua Prieta.