A&M-Commerce student seeks city election

The city of Commerce may be headed for change as Texas A&M University-Commerce student Coby Marcum prepares to run for Mayor.

Marcum, currently a senator for A&M-Commerce's Student Government Association, has been promoting his campaign, hoping to gain the support of his peers. While many students are currently unaware of his political ambitions, others, such as SGA president Adria Green, believe that he has what it takes to do the job.

"I think it's inspirational to see a student that has high hopes for running for such a position," Green said. "It's a very trying position and I believe that he is a good man for the job."

Marcum, 32, has looked for ways to improve the community since he began attending A&M-Commerce, working alongside various faculty members and organizations.

"When I came to Texas A&M University-Commerce, I saw opportunities to make changes that would help students," Marcum said. "I worked toward this goal with the school administration who shared my desire to see progress on campus. As projects were approved and implemented, I saw these projects making the lives of students better. This helped me to see that I had the ability to help people through public service.

Marcum hopes to continue to make things better for students and members of the Commerce community from the city office, but understands that there are others whom he must work with to bring change about.

"The Mayor is simply a member of a large team that includes our City Council, the City Manager, the Commerce Economic Development Corporation, our Fire and Police departments, and many other individuals who serve the community," Marcum said. "When we make changes in Commerce, we are doing it as a team in consultation with one another in an effort to do what is best for our fellow citizens. My goals are to improve our roads and to build stronger ties between Texas A&M University-Commerce and the local community. I would also like to have new businesses in town and am excited to see places like the Campus Corner Cafe and Eagle Miniature Golf creating new social outlets for our citizens."

If Marcum is elected mayor, then he will still be able to hold his position as senator with SGA. The student-based organization is currently working on building a better relationship with the city community, and President Green believes that this may be beneficial for both the university and the community.

"SGA is seeking to bridge the gap between the community and the university," Green said. "Having someone in that position can help us out and help make the transition easier. That can help in getting things done faster, more adequately, and more efficiently should he win."