Joan Whisenhunt has announced that she is running for Mayor of Mount Ida. Below is printed her announcement.
My name is Joan Whisenhunt, and I would like to officially announce my candidacy for the office of Mayor of Mount Ida. I want to assure everyone that the decision to seek this office has been considered and prayed about for years. I love this community and I’m extremely proud to call it home. I landed in Mount Ida at the age of 14 when I was left at a local flower shop on the square. All I had was a telephone number in my hand that I was told to call. This city became my safe haven then and has been my home ever since. I care deeply for this community and want to ensure that it’s continually cared for in the future.
Mount Ida has been my home for over 30 years. My husband of 33 years, Dutter Whisenhunt, was born and raised here. We have two children, Megan Beggs and Hunter Whisenhunt, and four grandchildren. Both attended and graduated from Mount Ida High School District. In my youth, I was employed at Gibson’s Grocery Store and the Mount Ida Shoe Factory. My husband and I have owned and operated two businesses withing Montgomery County. Dutter has worked for the county for 19 years, currently serving as the Road Foreman. For nearly 27 years, I’ve worked for Mount Ida Preschool, where I’ve had the privilege of getting to know many families. We attend and are actively involved in Community Outreach Church.
While this is an office I have never held before, I have skills that I believe would greatly benefit the community if I were elected. During our time of being business owners, I was solely in charge of records and bookkeeping. I was responsible for managing funds, completing paperwork and issuing and collecting payments, all while working closely with other people. I have also developed meaningful skills in my 27 years as an educator including dealing with the public and co-workers. I know what it means to build and be a part of a successful team, all while working towards common goals. I’m skilled in time management, meeting deadlines and delegating tasks as needed. Being organized and having experience with various computer programs will also allow me to manage the position successfully. Each year I seek professional development trainings to stay updated in my career path. In addition to working full time as a teacher, I have served m community in many other ways. I participated in the Care to Share program with our county’s extension office and volunteered at the Montgomery County Food Pantry. In addition, I was in charge of the Backpack Program, where I packed food to send home with students on weekends. I helped execute two festivals on the square with Sharing Jed Outdoors, participated in the Mayor’s Christmas Party on the square, and I’ve been an active member of our city council for the last five years.
If elected Mayor, I would be honored to work with and for the people, alongside city council members, our county judge, sheriff, and the Chamber of Commerce as a unified team. I desire for our community to be safe, visually appealing, thriving economically, and a place we are proud to call home and welcome those who visit. If elected, determination to dig deep and learn the daily ins and outs of this position, along with a passion and love for this city, will help me be the best Mayor for this community and its people. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” – James 1:5
It is with this letter that I ask for your support and vote for Mayor of Mount Ida. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Joan Whisenhunt
Joan Whisenhunt enters Mayoral race
