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Three incumbents for the Norwood Town Council are running in the November election, including one who has served on the board for 16 years.

James Lilly, one of three incumbents along with Robbie Cohen and Wes Hartsell, is running for two at-large seats on the council, along with newcomers Darryl “Pork Chop” Gerald and Tracy Harris.

Lilly, a Norwood native, has been on the council about as long as he has coached high school football in the county, 15 to 16 years.

He said he was running again for the council because he enjoys working with the townspeople.

“They have helped me get to where I am today so I like to give back to them,” Lilly said. “You have to meet (people) in the middle of the road. You can’t please everybody.”

Lilly said one of the aspects he brings to the council is experience, adding “I have been there and done that.”

One of the main issues of concern to Lilly is being able to create more jobs in town, but it is also an issue for everyone and not just Norwood, he added. Developing the downtown of Norwood is also of primary importance.

Lilly said he would like to see more recreational opportunities to give young kids as well as opportunities for jobs for kids just out of school.

“We have too many kids going off to school who can’t come back and serve the community because we don’t have anything to offer,” Lilly said.

Finding new businesses may be difficult in these times, he added, noting people are spending much less money and are not working either.

“We have to have some money come into help people get along for what they need,” Lilly said.

He said many of the grants previously available are not anymore “because the federal government does not have any money. They are leaving things up to the states, and the states don’t have much money either.”

Norwood’s infrastructure, he said, needs more work including the town’s water and sewer systems, noting the need for better pipes.

Fixing up roads in the town is also important, Lilly said.

“I’m very concerned because when it gets cold, (roads) bust. You have to take money and fix them,” Lilly said.

His vision for the Norwood Town Council is for everyone to get along together, help each other and solve some of the needs for the town.

“I love Norwood. Everything I do is from my heart, is for the betterment of Norwood. I am there to serve the people and do the best that I can.”