Published: November 04, 2009 08:12 pm      

Ferguson mayor unsure about seeking another term

The mayor of Ferguson may not seek another term.

Allen Dobbs told the Commonwealth Journal Wednesday he is pondering another term as mayor of Ferguson or seeking the office of magistrate from District 4.

“My long-term goal is to seek a higher office ... to serve more people,” said Dobbs. On the other hand, he noted several projects under way in Ferguson that are a challenge.

Dobbs, a manager at Toyotetsu America Inc., pointed out that officials in a 5th class city have until 4 p.m. August 10 to file for office.

“If I were to be unsuccessful in the race for magistrate I could still file for reelection as mayor,” Dobbs reasoned. Several people have asked him to run for magistrate, he noted.

A magisterial race would present stiff competition. Glenn Maxey, the incumbent, has filed for reelection in District 4 as well as Charlie Acton. Potential candidates in District 4 are Paul Moody, Steve VanHook, Darwin K. Harris and Donnie L. Whitis.

Dobbs, now in the third year of his first term as mayor of Ferguson, would be the only local mayor so far who has expressed doubt about running again. Somerset Mayor Eddie Girdler, Eubank Mayor Frey Todd and Science Hill Mayor Bill Dick all have said they will seek another term. Burnside Mayor Chuck Fourman has not returned several telephone calls inquiring about his future plans.