Two vie for Plains mayor

Dan Rowan is pleased with what he's accomplished over the last four years, but he said he'd like to continue to build on the progress and improvements he's made during his first term.

"I don't believe that my opponent will continue that trend, judging by his past performance," said Rowan, one of two people vying for the job of mayor, along with Michael E. Brinson, who had served as mayor from 2006 to 2013. "My record over the last four years reflects positive, proven leadership. My opponent in this race, previously held this office for eight years, and I am happy to compare our respective records," added Rowan, who started his first term in January 2018. The 54-year-old Rowan was a council member for Ward 3 for five years immediately prior to becoming mayor.

Rowan said that one of his proudest accomplishments was the creation of the $250,000 Road District Tax, a five-year plan that started when he was a council member and continued when he took office as mayor. It gave the town additional money specifically for roadwork. He said that while the money has been used on several road repair projects, there is a lot more work to be done and he'd like to continue if elected to a second term.

He cited Farmer Street, which had been referred to as "Lake Sinclair" because much of the road was underwater after a heavy rain or when ice thawed. Rowan said it was a big problem during Brinson's terms, but nothing was done. "I believe that street conditions are one of the top concerns for Plains residents," said Rowan. "Although we have made substantial improvements and repairs over the last four years, there is still more to do," he said.

Brinson said that he would continue the levy program in an effort to continue street improvement. "I believe I was a good mayor for the two terms I served. The town always came first," said Brinson. He was especially pleased with the success of a water project that increased water volume availability east of town by one-third after the town installed a third pipe under the railroad tracks on the south end of town. "This also gave more gallons per minute to fight fires if something happened at the school or hospital," said Brinson, who didn't seek a third term because he wanted to concentrate on his business, Brinson's Building Supply, which he had for almost 20 years.

Brinson was born and raised in Columbia, Ill., and moved to Plains in 1998. The 75-year-old Brinson served as council member for Ward 2 for just over a year, resigning in February 2019 because his wife was ailing. Shirley has passed away and he sold the hardware business and now he's ready to get back to being the town leader. "Being mayor would automatically get me closer, but hands on will give me a better prospective, plus being sure the council does have a full understanding of the situation," said Brinson. He said he hasn't been apprised on the legal case between Plains and Nick Lawyer over the new proposed site for the sewer lagoon, but he believes that it's maybe time to look for another site. He said it's a project he said he'd liked to have involvement.

Getting funds to relocate the sewer lagoon to another site is Rowan's biggest long-term accomplishment and he said he'd like to see it through. "Obviously, I would like to see the new sewer lagoon completed. I also plan on working to repair and replace more of the sidewalks in town, which are for the most part in disrepair or non-existent," said Rowan, who said he is also glad he's been able to get the community pool repaired and operating.  

Rowan's mother, Viola, is from Plains, but he was born in Georgia, his father's home. His family moved to Plains when he was a toddler, then back to Georgia. He went back and forth between Plains and Georgia, where he graduated from high school. He bought a house in Paradise in 1997 and moved to Plains in 2005. In 2012, he decided that he wanted to play a bigger part in the operation of the community.

Both candidates agree it's not a 9-5 job and both realize that working effectively with council is key to getting things done. "Being a good mayor is having a good council. The council also has to be for the town, not for any individuals. It has to be a group effort," said Brinson. Rowan stated that he works well with council and has their support. "I am proud that I have received the support of our former mayor, Greg Eitelberg, who during his term was able to implement much needed change within the town, change that I have been able to build on," said Rowan.

"I believe people should vote for me based on my performance and demonstrated ability to get things done over the last four years," said Rowan.