Coburn Announces Candidacy for Mayor of Glade Spring

Emphasizing heightened economic development and intensified community involvement, Glade Spring councilman and businessman Lee Coburn announced Monday his candidacy for Mayor of Glade Spring.

In making his announcement Coburn said he will bring a business approach to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of Glade Spring's government, while also pursuing aggressive strategies for advancing Glade Spring's economy, and welcoming a broader group of citizens to participate in the development of the community.

“With Glade Spring poised for growth and prosperity, this community needs a leader prepared to create  and manage opportunities.” Coburn said, “As mayor I will bring new energy, a record of accomplishment and strong leadership that will afford Glade Spring a future worthy of its great people and rich past.”

Coburn, who has served on Glade Spring's Town Council for four years, has operated an advertising and marketing firm in the town square since 2005.

As  a member of the Town Council, Coburn has championed efforts to reduce financial waste while maximizing services. Among other initiatives, he was instrumental in providing sustainable improvements to streets while dramatically cutting costs.

As a businessman and investor in the community, Coburn revitalized several buildings on the Glade Spring Town Square, providing renovated commercial spaces, now occupied by new business, and creating numerous jobs.

As mayor, Coburn said he would focus his efforts on energizing greater community involvement in  the planning of the town's future. “I believe local government should run like a business. It should be fiscally responsible,  focused on the future, and working in partnership with its people.”

Coburn's success as a businessman and civic leader was recently recognized by the Tri-Cities Business Journal, which honored him with the 2009 “40 under 40” award. He serves on the Washington County Camber of Commerce Board of Directors and is a graduate of Leadership Washington County. He also serves an adjunct professor at Emory & Henry College.