Shelton seeks slot
Nyssa candidate said she believes in the future of the Thunderegg capital
By Larry Meyer
Argus Observer
Monday, October 20, 2008 11:19 AM PDT
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| Larry Meyer | Argus Observer
Mary Shelton, who loves animals, plays with one her dogs in her home. She is running for a seat on the Nyssa City Council. |
NYSSA —Nyssa City Council candidate Mary Shelton has already contributed to her community through her volunteer work.
But the 51-year-old daycare operator said she wants to give more.
That’s why she is in contention for a spot on the Nyssa City Council in November.
She is one of six candidates running for four seats on the council in the general election. Ballots were mailed out Friday.
Shelton, 51, has lived in Nyssa for 33 years, moving with members of her family to the community at the invitation of an aunt after her mother died. Eventually the whole family came.
Shelton has operated her day-care center for about eight years.
“Before that I worked at Ore-Ida for 25 years,” she said.
Shelton said serving her town is one of her top goals.
“I want to get more involved in the community,” she said, adding she thought running for council would be a good way to do that.
“I believe in Nyssa. I think we have a lot of positive things,” she said.
She said she wants to be a voice for those people who feel like the don’t have one, she said.
“I’m looking forward to learning a lot of things,” she said.
One thing she said she would like to see is a program to spay or neuter cats, complaining she has a lots of cats dumped at her place, some of which have obviously been well taken-care of.
“I would like to seek the community grow with more business,” she said.
During the last four years, Shelton has been coordinator for the annual community Thanksgiving dinner.
“I’m gearing up for that right now,” she said.
She substituted one year for Kathy Oliver, who started the event and has been leading it ever since.
“It is one of those things you hate to see stop,” Shelton said.
Shelton also teaches classes for couples and individuals about budgeting and how to get out of and stay out of debt, as a volunteer for Love INC, and is has begun teaching her sixth 13-week course.
She has also been a Brownie Scout and a Girl Scout leader and has helped with the Nyssa Community Food Pantry. “I love volunteer work.” she said.
Her daycare is open year-round.
“I know what is like to find day-care a the last-minute.”
