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Georgiana native Jerome Antone has declared his intention to run for mayor of the town he and his family have called home for over 25 years. With the support of his wife, Alice; son, Sebastian (Jamal) and daughter, Japonica, Antone aims to foster economic development, improving infrastructure and increasing youth involvement in the south-Butler County town where he works and worships.

“As I announce my candidacy for mayor in the upcoming municipal election this August 26, I am compelled to share my core values, vision and aspirations for our community.,” Antone said. “At the heart of a thriving community is strong leadership rooted in experience and heartfelt dedication. I, Jerome Antone, am confident that I am embodying these principles.”

Having served as mayor already, from 2012 to 2020, Antone has consistently demonstrated a commitment to enhancing the lives of Georgiana residents. Some of his accomplishments as mayor include bringing the court system back to the city after 40 yrs to create seven new jobs, attracting new business like — MJ’s, Family Dollar, Pharm-a Care Drug Store — adding patriotic American flags seen around the town, restarting the Organized Community Action Program (OCAP) Head start Program, purchasing the National Guard Armory as a work station city workers court system workers, improving Georgiana roads worth $22,000, hiring 12 youth through the Georgiana Summer Hire program. Installing the first red light, presenting a book scholarship to the Georgiana valedictorian and salutatorian, sponsoring a toy drive program which presented over 8,000 toys and 600 bikes, sponsoring the Annual Black History Essay Contest, mentoring outgoing seniors during the annual senior luncheon, hosting a community Christmas dinner, organizing Georgiana’s first blues concert at Hank Williams Park and orchestrating the annual Fourth of July fireworks show.

As an educator and someone who proclaims a strong Christian faith, Antone said he believes in integrity, service and community engagement.

“A strong community thrives on collaboration and shared purpose,” he said. “We are people who can work together to create a change. I understand change can be challenging, but together with faith and collective action, we can achieve significant progress. I am committed to listening to the needs of our residents and making decisions that reflect our shared aspirations.”

Antone envisions a Georgiana where economic growth fosters a high quality of life for its residents, attracting new business opportunities, supporting local entrepreneurs and developing job training programs to cultivate a vibrant economy. As mayor, he hopes to bring diverse industry for a strong economic base and the resources residents need to thrive.

“Our youth are the future of Georgiana, and their voices matter,” Antone said. “I will work to create programs that engage young people. By investing in our youth, we are investing in the future of our community.

“I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead for Georgiana, and I am confident that, together, we can make meaningful progress. I humbly request your support in this journey. Your vote is crucial in bringing our vision for a thriving community to life. I am qualified, honest and ready.   Leadership you can trust. It’s more than a job to me; it’s the future of our children and the community. I will follow the law and honor you by being your mayor. Everyone will be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of race, gender or economic status.”