Mattie Freeney has announced her candidacy for election to the River Falls town council.

Freeney was appointed to the town council when Bethel Dotson died a few years ago.

She is a native of River Falls, and began her education at River Falls School No. 2. She graduated from Woodson High School, and earned a degree in business administration from Troy University.

She has been employed at PowerSouth for 37 years, working her way from receptionist to department secretary to applications analyst.

“All I want to do is serve the people in the manner they deserve,” she said. “I have a sincere love for the people and have the best neighbors in the world.”

Freeney said she wants to ensure that her constituents have a voice in the community, and the line of communication will always be open.

“I just want the city to run like it’s supposed to be run,” she said. “Over the past years, several people have shared their concerns and desires to make simple and major improvements in the city. Their major concerns include water and the city’s appearance.”

Freeney said she’d like to see some industry and some places for people to work come to River Falls.

Freeney is active in the community, being one of the driving forces for preserving the River Falls School and making it into a community center.

“We are working to renovate it for life enhancement,” she said. “That’s the purpose for all we do. The group holds a play per year and a Taste of Black history event both of which draws a sold out crowd.”

Freeney said if she’s elected, she’ll serve to the best of her ability, bringing concerns to the meetings.

“If not elected, I promise to do the same for my district, because River Falls should be a family of people, working together for the betterment of all its people.”