Election Day 2026 is just a few weeks away and one of the candidates seeking another term on the Lebanon Town Council is Leonard Kegley.
A lifelong resident of Lebanon, he is the owner of Kegley Service Center in Lebanon. “Being a local business owner has given me the opportunity to work with people throughout our community and understand firsthand the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses,” he said.
“Lebanon is home to me. My family, my business, and my community are all here. Serving on the town council is a responsibility I take seriously because the decisions we make affect the place where I have spent my entire life,” Kegley said. “I believe in listening to our citizens, being accessible to the people we represent, and working together to make responsible decisions for Lebanon’s future.”
When asked about his accomplishments while on the Lebanon Town Council, Kegley said, “During my time on town council, I am proud of the progress we have made in several important areas that directly affect the quality of life for our citizens and the future of Lebanon.”
He said, “One area that stands out is the upgrades to our wastewater treatment plant and sewer lines in areas of town that have experienced problems. Maintaining and improving our infrastructure is essential to keeping Lebanon moving forward and ensuring we are prepared for future growth.”
Kegley went on to say, “I am also proud of the progress made in Parks and Recreation, including the construction of our pickleball courts. Providing recreational opportunities for our residents of all ages helps strengthen our community and gives families more reasons to enjoy what Lebanon has to offer.”
Kegley said economic development is another area that is important to him. “I am proud of the efforts to support our small businesses, encourage new investment, and help secure major employers in town,” he said. “As a small business owner myself, I understand how important these opportunities are to our local economy and the families who depend on it.”
He said he was also proud of the improvements made to Main Street. “Our downtown is an important part of Lebanon’s identity, and investing in it helps preserve the character of our community while creating opportunities for the future.”
He added, “Ultimately, what I am most proud of is being part of a council that is working to improve our town, address its needs, and create opportunities for future generations.”
If reelected in November, Kegley said one of his top priorities would be supporting local business and encouraging responsible economic development.
“I understand the importance of having a community where businesses can establish themselves, grow, and continue serving local residents,” he said. “I also understand the challenges that come with operating a business and the importance of having a town government that is approachable and willing to work with business owners.”
During the first year of his second term, Kegley said he would like to focus on finding practical ways to support existing businesses, while encouraging new investment and creating new opportunities to work and build their lives in the town.
“My goal would be to help create an environment where businesses can succeed, jobs can grow, and Lebanon can continue moving forward without losing the small-town character that makes it home,” Kegley said.
“We should continue working to make Lebanon a welcoming place for entrepreneurs and investors,” he went on to state. “That means maintaining open communication with business owners, helping them navigate the process of establishing or expanding a business, and working with our regional economic development partners to identify opportunities that benefit our community. We should also continue to search for and provide small business grants and loans when available. “
Kegley continued, “At the same time, we need to be thoughtful about the type and pace of growth we pursue. Economic development should strengthen our town without putting unnecessary pressure on our infrastructure, public services, or quality of life.”
He added, “Lebanon has a long history and a strong sense of community. I want to see us build on the opportunities available to us while preserving the hometown atmosphere that makes people proud to live here. To me, successful economic development means creating opportunities for future generations while continuing to support the people and businesses that have helped make Lebanon what it is today.
Kegley said, in his opinion, there are three important areas that deserve continued attention in the future.
“First, supporting local businesses and encouraging economic development,” he said. “We need to continue supporting our existing businesses, encouraging new investment, and working to bring quality employers and job opportunities to Lebanon. A strong local economy benefits our families, supports our town, and helps create opportunities.”
The second area is maintaining and improving infrastructure.
“We must continue investing in our wastewater treatment plant, sewer lines, streets, drainage, and other essential services,” he said. “The improvements already made to our wastewater plant and sewer lines demonstrate the importance of addressing problems and preparing for future needs. We need to continue planning responsibly, identifying areas that require attention, and making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely.”
The third area Kegley said needs continued attention is preserving Lebanon’s quality of life and small-town character.
“We need to make sure we continue investing in the things that make our community special,” he explained. “That includes our parks and recreation opportunities, improvements to Main Street, and maintaining the hometown atmosphere that has always been part of Lebanon. The construction of our pickleball courts and improvements to Main Street are examples of how we can invest in our community while preserving its identity. We need to continue to showcase all our town has to offer by providing community events, including Cedar Fest and shows at the Russell Theatre.”
Kegley concluded, “I want Lebanon to remain a place where people are proud to live, work, and raise their children. These priorities go hand in hand. We need a strong economy, dependable infrastructure, and a community that feels like home. If re-elected, I will continue working with my fellow Council members and listening to our citizens to make responsible decisions that move Lebanon forward.”
