Local businesswoman Jane Dawkins will seek South Pittsburg mayor position

photo South Pittsburg businesswoman and former educator Jane Dawkins

JANE DAWKINS• Age: 58• Family: Husband Gary Dawkins, son Tyler and daughter Mary Katherine• Education: M.Ed. in administration/supervision from Middle Tennessee State University; also attended Nashville Law School• Experience: Marion County commissioner, longtime teacher in county school system, former South Pittsburg city commissioner

SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. -- Local businesswoman and former educator Jane Dawkins has formally announced her intention to run for mayor of South Pittsburg.

Last month, South Pittsburg Mayor Mike Killian, who has served two terms as the city's leader, said he will not seek re-election on Nov. 6.

"I went into this telling the people who supported me that I would serve two terms, and I have almost served those two terms," Killian said in February.

Dawkins said that, if she's elected, she hopes to maintain the progress that has been made in recent years and then move forward as the economy progresses.

"This is not a time to make big promises other than honest government and hard work," she said. "We do not know what our future holds regarding finances, weather, etc., but we do know that our people and their volunteerism, creativity and love of community are our greatest assets."

Dawkins, now a Marion County commissioner and owner of Dawkins Southern Insurance, plans to complete her term even if she is elected mayor.

"I am serving as chairwoman of the [county commission's] education committee and vice chair of the Budget Committee," she said. "I am committed to following through with the first building of our new college campus here in Marion County. This is important."

Dawkins taught in the Marion County school system for 16 years and was an assistant principal of her alma mater, South Pittsburg High School, during that time.

She also serves as chairwoman of the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development's Elevator and Amusement Device Safety Board, and in the 1980s was the first woman to serve as a South Pittsburg city commissioner.

If elected in November, Dawkins would be the first female mayor in the town's history.

"I'm bringing experience, love of community, common sense, honesty and a level head to this job," Dawkins said. "If that's what [the citizens in South Pittsburg] want in their mayor, then get ready to work and get the vote out. It's time people started voting their concerns."

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