CATLETTSBURG — Experience has emerged as a central theme in the Catlettsburg mayoral race.

Of the four candidates in race, three previously held positions in city government. Two are former city council members and one a longtime employee and elected official. They are current Mayor James Allen Lambert; the city’s former clerk and treasurer, Pauline Hunt; and former Councilman William “Billy” Cornette.

Political newcomer Lonnie Ashley is also seeking the position. A former police officer for Wurtland and a lifelong resident of Catlettsburg, Ashley says his work ethic and desire to “get things done” will make up for his lack of experience.

Lambert, 61, has been serving as mayor since being appointed to the position by fellow members of Catlettsburg City Council in January. He has served on the council since 1991.

Lambert said he has been working well with city staff and plans, if elected, to finish a number of projects that have gotten under way since he took office. Building a new city garage and renovating the City Building to create a conference room, along with updating infrastructure, are important projects to complete, he said.

Lambert said he believes aging infrastructure is Catlettsburg’s biggest challenge. He proposes the city create a preventative maintenance plan to upgrade vulnerable infrastructure — particularly sewer lines — before they break down.

“I think if we go about it the right way, such as getting grants and attacking this early, we can keep up with this,” he said.

Lambert said he would also like to get more residents involved with city projects. “We’ve had some people who have donated their time on our park system and that is something that really impressed me,” he said. “If we could get more people in town involved in things and feel like they are involved ... you can get a lot of things done. There are so many things that people would like to get done they just don’t know how to go about getting involved.”

Hunt, 80, retired last month after 34 years at the City Building. She began her career in public service in 1974, when she was elected city clerk. Five years later, she was appointed to serve out the term of Treasurer Virgie Combs, who died in office. She was later elected to the post in a special election and continued to serve as treasurer until 1993 when the city created the appointive position of clerk/treasurer. Hunt continued in that capacity until her retirement. She has served under nine different administrations.

“Although I am one of the older folks, I still have much to do. I believe that no matter what one’s age is there are tasks and challenges that lie ahead,” Hunt said in a written statement to questions about her candidacy. “I believe I have the courage, wisdom and strength to face the challenges that are present with this responsible position,” she wrote.

Hunt said she would like to discontinue the city sticker and reduce property tax as mayor — but only if it is feasible to do so. She also advocates annexation to counter a shrinking tax base and would push to have the city office open half a day on Saturdays for the benefit of working residents.

Other goals, she wrote, are to establish a picnic and fishing area behind the floodwall and provide weekly transportation to residents of Grandview Manor “for the purchase of supplies.”

Former two-term councilman Cornette, 41, ran for mayor in 2006 but was defeated by Donald Wellman. He says he believes his experience with the council and the 19 years he spent as a volunteer firefighter make him the best choice.

He also would do away with the city stickers if possible and parking meters, which are hardly ever enforced anyway, Cornette said.

His No. 1 goal is to bring more business in and to grow the city by annexing. “The tax base is shrinking and we need more business. We need to draw more business,” he said.

Cornette said he thinks the city also needs to hire a grant writer. “We’re missing out on a lot of money that the state lays out there because we don’t have a grant writer,” he said.

“Just find somebody, full time or part time, whatever the city can afford,” he added.

Ashley, 57, is the only candidate to never have held political office in Catlettsburg. However, being the top official of his hometown has been something he’s thought about since he was a small child, he said.

“I’ve lived here in Catlettsburg the biggest part of my life. Things need to be changed and brought up, fixed up. I don’t like waiting around. This has been on my mind for 50 years,” he said.

Ashley said he would do what needs to be done regardless of political interests or pressures. “I am a person (for whom) right is right and wrong is wrong. There are things in this town that have been going on here 50 years,” he said, “I’m no better than anyone else. I just like to see things get done. When I set my mind to something I like to see it done. Things have needed to be done here so long.”

“My No. 1 goal, that could cover a lot. The whole purpose of everything is seeing the town get straightened up, get the town things it needs, get things done. I want to serve the people the best I can. The town needs a 24-hour-a-day mayor. Living here in the (Grandview) Manor, what’s more handier?” he asked.

The winner will serve out the remainder of former Mayor Wellman’s term, which expires Dec. 31, 2010.

CARRIE KIRSCHNER can be reached at ckirschner@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2653.