Joe Barger - City of Ringgold Mayor

Ringgold, Ga., Mayor Joe Barger has been in office 36 years, but he wants at least one more term to make it a nice, round 40.

"If things don't change and I feel good, I will," said the 81-year-old Barger.

Barger, a retired electrical engineer, said there's still plenty he would like to accomplish, even though he's been working on it since Gerald Ford was in the White House.

Barger was in his early 40s when he joined the Ringgold City Council, and he acknowledged that his comparatively good health was the biggest determining factor in his decision to run again.

After April's tornado, the Army veteran said the city needs leadership more than ever, and as long as his health holds up, he plans to be in the running.

"I feel people need help," he said. "Everywhere you look, there's something to be done."

Council members must speak loudly at meetings to be sure the mayor hears them.

Three council members also are up for election. Terry Crawford and Bill McMillon both said they plan to run for re-election, but attempts to reach Councilman O.C. Adcock were unsuccessful Friday.

McMillon, who has served on the council for 16 years, listed a range of improvements current members have overseen, including parks, new sidewalks, a new City Hall and a nature trail.

"I'd like to see it just continue on," McMillon said.