02/15/11 Local businessman Jim Vinall threw his hair into the ring for Mayor of Plymouth, literally.
Monday afternoon Vinall with the moral support of Rich Huff stopped in at the Marshall County Clerks office and filed as a candidate for Plymouth Mayor on the democrat ticket.
A graduate of PHS Jim Vinall was in management at American Optical for 20 years and has been a businessman in Plymouth for 30 years. This is not his first go at politics. About 20 years ago he challenged Ken Lukenbill for a city council seat but fell short.
Vinall has been very active in Plymouth serving on several city committees and a board member of the Chamber of Commerce.
When asked why he wanted to run for mayor Vinall said, “I care about Plymouth. Our downtown building has been my life for the last 5 years.” He continued by saying that he son was back and would handle many of the responsibilities freeing Jim up to fulfill the duties of mayor.
Vinall also said, “The new census numbers are out and we finally hit 10,000. Why? It’s been that since I was a kid.” He was noting the need for growth in the community. The big issues Vinall sees facing the city include attracting industry, getting the Metronet and housing. He said he would like to work in conjunction with the MCEDC (Marshall County Economic Development Corporation) and Chamber of Commerce on helping the city grow.
When asked if there were any immediate changes he’d like to see or implement Vinall said, “Nothing major. I like to go in quiet and see what’s going on before you open your mouth.”
As for “throwing his hair into the ring.” After having long hair in a pony tail for 20 years Vinall cut his pony tail off to show his sincere intentions in obtain the democratic nod for Mayor. He will meet Anthony Gamble in the May primary.
