Editor’s note: Pickens Mayor David Owens recently asked the Courier for space to run an important message about his nearly two decades of service to the city, including four terms as mayor. His letter is published in its entirety starting below.

Dear citizens of the city of Pickens,

I have spent a great deal of time lately just reminiscing about the past 19 years of my public service. While the many accomplishments related to improvements in our community over the years certainly generate a reasonable sense of pride, it is exceeded by the gratitude I feel for having been given the opportunity to serve the community as a council member for three years and as mayor for the past 16 years.

During my tenure in these positions with the city, it has been a true privilege to serve the people. I just want to mention a few of many improvements over the years, as well as accomplishments, made possible through the cooperation from many constituents and leaders in the community.

During my time as a council member, the hospitality tax, designed to fund and promote tourism-related programs, was enacted.

Under the leadership of former Mayor Ted Shehan, ground was broken for the construction of the Pickens Recreation Center in 2003. The center was completed in 2005, during my first term as mayor. Our recreation facilities and programmatic activities are

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