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December 13, 2009

Wilburn, Adams recognized for city service

Misty Watson

CHATSWORTH — Before Ken Wilburn was elected to the Chatsworth City Council in 1974, the police department didn’t keep records, didn’t have much equipment and the officers had “practically no training,” he said.

“The reason I first ran was to try to install a modern police department in Chatsworth,” Wilburn said. “That was my No. 1 goal for running. I’ve accomplished my goal.”

Wilburn and fellow council member Margaret Adams were honored Sunday with a reception at the senior center for their many years of service to the city.

Wilburn, who served as a council member for 30 nonconsecutive years, did not seek re-election this year. He served as the chairman of the police committee for 28 of those years.

Adams has served on the council for 37 years. She has been the only female to serve on the council. She ran for re-election this year, but was defeated by Celeste Martin.

“We’re losing a lot of years experience with them off the council,” said Fred Welch, who has been a council member for 18 years. “Margaret’s always brought a woman’s point of view. She’s big in recreation, and she kept us abreast on what was going on with recreation. ... Ken had a very good police background. Each of them have avenues of expertise they’ve helped with. They’ve helped make the city what it is today.”

Several improvements have been made to the city during Adams’ and Wilburn’s tenure, Welch said. A new City Hall, fire station and police department were built. Water services were also expanded, he said.

“It’s time for me to retire and let someone else take my place,” said Adams, a retired teacher and coach. “I’ve enjoyed it a lot. We improved a lot of things.”

Wilburn, who has worked for the FBI, Murray County Sheriff’s Office and the Chatsworth Police Department, said he’s glad to have been a part of the City Council. Wilburn is also a retired teacher and coach.

“I was 78 in September, and they’re four-year terms,” Wilburn said. “I thought I should get out of politics before age was a factor. I’ve been retired from teaching and coach for about five years. This gives me more time to travel.”

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