From staff reports

Darlene “Cricket” Swafford has qualified and announced her candidacy for Centre City Council. Her family moved to Centre in 1958 for the construction of Weiss Lake and Dam.

“I am one of the ‘Dam Kids’ as we were soon called,” said Swafford. “After completion of the dam, my family moved and I married Hobert Swafford.

“We have two daughters, Ronda and Lisa, a son-in-law David and four grandchildren.”

Swafford, a member of Centre First Baptist Church, has owned her own business in Centre for 40 years, known as Hi Fashion Beauty Salon located in the Cherokee Plaza. Her customers have been her family for the past 50 years.

She is a member of the Spirit of Cherokee, which sponsors the Miss Snowflake Pageant, Cherokee County Christmas Parade and the Taste of Cherokee, which funds the Avenue of Flags, a salute to veterans on several holidays throughout the year. For the past five years, Swafford has served as chairperson of the Miss Snowflake Pageant.

“I feel Centre has great potential for growth and development, and if I am elected to the council, I will be a voice of reason, dedicated, determined, eager to see the potential fulfilled for our city,” said Swafford.

“To help create new jobs and business, I will work with the mayor and other council members to do that which is right and fair for citizens of the city of Centre,” said Swafford.

“I will be an advocate for growth and development,” said Swafford. “Please consider me, Darlene ‘Cricket’ Swafford when you vote.”