Clinton’s mayor praises city’s debt-free milestone ahead of re-election bid
Scott Burton
Those achievements are central to the platform incumbent Mayor Scott Burton intends to run on while seeking another term in the November 2026 election.
“It’s almost unheard of for local governments to be debt free, but we’re on the verge of accomplishing that on July 1 of 2026,” Burton said.
“We have proven that Clinton can be a place that invests in our future, while also keeping our taxes low and our budget balanced.”
While the city may be debt free at the end of this budget year, that doesn’t mean the city hasn’t been busy investing in improvements.
Over the past four years, the city, utilizing grants and partnerships with the state, has invested more than $13 million in capital projects.
The focus of those projects has been public safety, recreation and infrastructure.
The public safety investments include renovations to Fire Station 1 and building an addition to Station 2, as well as the soon-to-be-installed traffic signal at Mariner Point Drive and South Charles G. Seviers Boulevard.
Recreational facilities have seen significant improvements since 2022.
Jaycee Park has received a new playground, splash pad, and swimming pool.
Pickleball courts have been added to Lakefront Park, and the bowling alley completely updated at the Clinton Community Center.
Some of the most substantial investments have been improvements to the city’s infrastructure, with millions invested in utility upgrades, road improvements, and sidewalks.
“I love Clinton,” the mayor said. “With sound management and a focus on the priorities that matter to residents, we can protect what makes Clinton great, while making this the best place to live, work, and raise a family in the country.”
The election for city mayor is on the ballot in November 2026 and is a non-partisan “winner-take-all” general election.
Other offices on the ballot next November include governor, state legislative offices, three City Council seats, and three school board seats.
A lifelong resident of Clinton, Burton was elected mayor in 2010 after serving one term on the City Council.
He has worked as a real estate agent since 2018, after 19 years in the pharmaceutical industry.
Burton and his wife, Tracy, have three children.
The family attends Memorial United Methodist Church in Clinton.