STAFF REPORTS:

Dianne Richardson would like to announce her candidacy for Luverne’s City Council District One.

“I live in Luverne and know most residents,” Richardson said.

“My desire for Luverne is to see it continue to prosper and to have the residents of District One participate in this prosperity. This is what led me to run for the council position.”

Richardson attended Tuskeegee Institute and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in social work and a masters of education degree in personal services and administration.

After college, her first job was as a director at Mary Holmes College in West Point, Mississippi.

“While there, I recognized the need for a living and learning center within the dormitory confines and wrote a $50,000 grant,” Richardson said.

After her tenure in Mississippi, she relocated to Atlanta, Georgia where she held management positions in contracts, maintenance and safety and training.

She resigned from these positions when her family’s health required her to return to Luverne 17 years ago.

“Since returning, I’ve been active in The Friendliest City in the South,” she said.

“I worked at Luverne School for 10 years as a K4 aid, and since my return I founded a women’s jail ministry, a back to school program for youth, the Brighter Day Ministry and other programs.”

Richardson says that her past management experience taught her the importance of situation awareness, strategic planning and team work.

“Equally important is listening to the citizens and ensuring current information is passed to those affected,” she said.

“My platform entails collaboration and collectively preparing for the future. Collaboration or team work is essential to ensure teams are working together, residents, council and mayor, to develop realistic short term and long term goals.”

Richardson says she will work with citizens to prepare for a successful future.