After having lived in Russellville all of his 52 years, Mark Stratton knows his hometown from just about every angle. He grew up working in a family owned business, attended the city schools all the way through graduation in 1976, married a Russellville girl, was employed in local factories, sent two children through the Russellville schools, has been a self-employed businessman for over a decade, and found himself frustrated with his city's image and served two terms on Russellville City Council.

     Now he wants to put all of that experience and knowledge of his hometown to good use by serving as mayor. His name will be on the ballot in the Nov. 2 general election.

     "We've got to work together to change the image of the city. It has to be a we, not an I or just the mayor and council. We've got to get everyone involved in this," he says.

     He is one of seven sons of Kathryn and the late Tony Stratton, who owned and operated Stratton Furniture in downtown Russellville. The boys grew up working in the business. One of his brothers, Michael, served as Russellville Chief of Police for many years. Another, Marvin, is his pastor. The other brothers are Bobby, Johnny, Danny and the late Lanny.

     A 1976 graduate of Russellville High School, he attended Western Kentucky University. After working eight years at ITW and another 10 at Logan Aluminum, Mark went into business for himself as a painter. He has been self-employed for 15 years.

     He's been married for 31 years to the former Connie Burchett, also a graduate of RHS and the IT manager of Carpenter Co. They have three children. Derrick is a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College where he played soccer. While working on his masters degree in biology, he is lab inspector for Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis. His wife is in dental school in Indianapolis. Daughter Morgan graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in elementary education. She will be getting married in June and is serving as an instructional assistant at Auburn Elementary School. Son Landon is a freshman at Logan County High School where he is a member of the soccer team.

     Stratton served two terms on the Russellville City Council, beginning with his election in 2004. He thinks 2010 is significant as the second decade of the 21st century begins.

     "We are heading into a new decade filled with challenges and opportunities. If elected mayor, I am committed to making sound business decisions that will help lead us to financial stability," he says. "We need Russellville, once again, to be a city of economic growth and opportunity. I don't have all the answers to the critical issues that currently face our city, but I have a willingness to work closely with our council and city leaders to resolve these issues. We must maintain the pride and dignity that the city of Russellville and its citizens deserve."

     He promises to be accessible to all the citizens of Russellville with an open mind to their concerns and suggestions.  His flexible work schedule will allow him to dedicate the much needed time to serve as your mayor.

     Russellville's leadership has not always coexisted in harmony over the last several years, but Stratton says that can change. "We're not all going to sing Cum by ya, but we can all be on the same sheet of music even though we may not be on key," he says.

     Mark Stratton knows the job will not be an easy one, but it's one he's willing to tackle. "After serving on the council for four years, I understand the challenges that face our city. I know there are a lot of decisions and choices that are going to have to be made. I don’t have a problem making tough decisions.  I want to do whatever is necessary to move our city forward.”