PORTERDALE, Ga. – Porterdale Mayor Arline Chapman announced Monday that she will seek a third term this November.

First elected mayor in 2011, Chapman spent time on the city council before ascending to the city’s top job.

During Chapman’s tenure as mayor, Porterdale has experienced a metamorphosis that includes the city being named in 2018 as a Georgia “Live, Work, Play City” by the Georgia Trend magazine.

Chapman has worked to strengthen housing codes in the city and eliminate slum lording. She has also overseen improvements to the Yellow River Park, including picnic areas with grills and a new kayak ramp at that have made Porterdale a go-to destination for kayakers.

She told The Covington News last spring that changing the housing culture in the city helped bring about changes in the way citizens, especially children, saw the city.

“Over time, with a more caring and better government, and good planning, I can see a big difference in the children. I see a big difference in the people walking around the streets,” she said.

Chapman has also championed free libraries in the city giving children a chance to experience the joy of reading.

In her press release, Chapman said she is asking Porterdale voters to support her for another term.

“It takes a village,” she said. “And we have a team and citizens here that will keep up the momentum and take Porterdale into a prosperous, healthy and successful future.”