City Council candidate Marian Allen holds campaign rally

May 29, 2009

By Charlotte A. Graham, countyreporter@laurelleadercall.com The Laurel Leader-Call Fri May 29, 2009, 11:36 AM CDT

Inclement weather didn’t dampen the spirits of supporters of Laurel City Council candidate Marian Allen Saturday.

Allen, an Independent candidate for the Ward 7 seat, will face Democratic candidate Trey Chinn in the June 2 general election.

“It’s been raining all day, but we started our rally at 11 a.m., as planned,” said Allen. “Because of the weather, we will end at 1 p.m., instead of 3 p.m. as we planned.

“We are thankful for those who came out, despite the rain,” she added. “We appreciate the support.”

About 50 people came to wish Allen well in an event that was billed as the “Campaign Rally for Marian Allen.” She served hot-dogs and other refreshments under the shed at Boston Park. Games and plenty of gospel music were on hand to entertain those in attendance.

Among the supporters was Allen’s sister-in-law of six years, Dana Allen of Laurel. “I’m supporting her not just because she’s my sister-in-law, but because she is one who stands up for what she believes in does what she know is right,” said Dana Allen. “She’s also a woman of her word and I believe in what she stands for.”

Longtime friend Rose Jefferson said she supports Allen because she is “fair and she does whatever she says she is going to do.”

Allen, a licensed social worker, said she wants to bring much needed improvement to Ward 7. “One of the first things I want to address is the infrastructure,” she said. “I want to fix the streets, as well as walk the streets to hear from the people.”

Allen also wants to address the needs of the youth in the area. One of her major plans is to establish a Boy’s and Girl’s Club in Ward 7. “I would love to establish the club at the old Pendorf School,” she said. “Since that area was annexed into the city, I believe it would be the perfect place.

“Our children need some place to go for entertainment,” she said. “There is nothing for them to do in this city. I want to bring about change for your family and mine.”

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