Huntingdon Mayor, Council Take Oath

HUNTINGDON — Huntingdon has a new mayor and three new councilpersons, who represent a younger generation than previously. They were administered the oath of office last week to immediately begin their public service.

Chad Edwards, 36, is the new mayor and received an overwhelming show of support at the ballot box. The political newcomer promised transparency and a listening ear as the head of city government. The mayor’s office is a part-time position.

One of the top priorities is to correct the many problems with the city’s water system, one plagued by brown water due to the high iron content and often misread water meters.

Three new council members were elected, including Lori Dillahunty, Chad Barnhart, and Daniel Eubanks. They replace Lori Nolen, Charles Hodges and Carl Byars, who did not seek re-election. Will Atkins returns to the board as an incumbent.

Edwards is a lifelong resident of Huntingdon and married his high school sweetheart, Ashley. The two have been married 15 years and have two children, Wesley, 14, and Will, 7.

He is a certified water system operator and is the manager of South Carroll Utility District. He and business partner, Nathan Rich, own and operate CN Underground, a directional boring company that helps with the installation of undergoing piping. He has worked in McKenzie, South Carroll, Huntingdon, and Cedar Grove water systems. He noted Huntingdon is the lone system in the county that has to treat water for high levels of iron.

Edwards is the son of Brian and Suzie Edwards. Brian worked in the Huntingdon Public Works Department for 12 years and as the public works supervisor in Bruceton for 30 years. Brian is now retired.

Chad Edwards said the Town of Huntingdon is already installing self-reading water meters and has approximately 500 installed toward replacing all meters throughout the town.

One other priority is to improve the city’s parks - Edwards, Kelley, and Veterans.

Edwards said he wants to stabilize the city’s infrastructure prior to making any expansions. He said he will work closely with the citizens and councilmembers to set the priorities.