Darlene Savage remembers the heyday of Porterdale, and like so many, she hopes to move the city back in that direction.

Savage, 48, was born and raised in Porterdale and, after moving to Rockdale County for a more than two decades, returned to her hometown in 2006.

"I've been back in Porterdale long enough to see the growth and changes going on. I'd like to be part of revitalizing Porterdale, helping it to grow into more of a community," Savage said this week. "I can't turn back the hands of time and bring the past back, but I remember the closeness of the community and would like to establish that type of feel."

She has not yet decided whether to run for Post 1 council seat, held by Robert Foxworth, or the Post 2 seat, held by Linda Finger.

Savage has worked in customer service for the past five years with Channel Velocity, a Chicago-based company that helps sell excess inventory on the internet.
Prior to working with Channel Velocity, she did not work for a few years, but was previously employed for 15 years with Conyers-based manufacturer Maxell. She held various production line and warehouse positions

"I would like to see businesses brought back into the town, businesses that will benefit the townspeople and outsiders. I would like to see a grocery store, something that would greatly benefit the people of Porterdale and also those in the near radius of Porterdale," Savage said.

"I would like to work with the police department, because I feel the security is very important in Porterdale. I will work with them to ensure the people that our police department is capable of handling any issue that may arise in town."

Savage graduated from then Newton County Comprehensive High School in 1980.

She volunteers in the kitchen of the Garden of Gethsemane Homeless Shelter and also attends Rainbow Covenant Ministries church in Porterdale.

She has two sons, Scott Autry, 29, and Marcus Autry, 22.