RINCON -- Former Rincon City Councilman Kevin Exley announced his candidacy for the mayoral post Wednesday.

Exley ran for council in 2018 and stepped down Feb. 24, 2020, due to a potential move out of the area with his employer. His employer changed its region alignment in November 2020, allowing him to commit his time to serve the City of Rincon.

“During my term as a councilman, I observed some of the challenges of an elected official in this city due to some decisions being made before we would meet," Exley said. "My goal was to always bring smart growth to Rincon and be the voice of the residents, but things were not always handled with the best intentions, so, the real need is to give the power back to council and let them do their elected duties working together for the betterment of the city. As your mayor, I will bring innovative ideas to the council for their review, ask council and staff to make Rincon a business friendly city that is helpful, not an obstacle, and provide steadfast leadership as I have over the last 25 years in the public sector without fail!”

Exley also announced that Damon Rahn will be seeking election to the city council. Three seats are up for grabs this year.

Rahn was appointed by the council to fill the vacant IDA representative position for the City of Rincon in 2018, is currently on the board of directors for the CURE Caties Fund, a member of the Effingham County Rotary Club and is employed by Georgia Power. 

"Mr. Rahn and I have discussed on multiple occasions running on the same platform as we both agree the city needs unbiased leadership while still having a difference of opinion," Exley said. "We also agree that we have a responsibility to unify the council so that every area in the city is represented. Damon and I look forward to earning not only your vote but injecting energy back into the city and gaining your trust in us to make sound financial decisions, amenity upgrades, a beautification plan for our city and finally, investing in a safer community for all!"