Danny Avery

For Danny Avery, one of the primary goals for Hodges is seeing Rock Bridge Canyon Equestrian Park grow and flourish. That’s something in which he wants to be heavily involved if elected as mayor.

“I don’t want to see it die. It’s going to be good for Franklin County, and it’s going to be good for Hodges,” Avery said. “It’s growing … it’s new money coming into Franklin County. And we need it. We’ve got nothing. We’ve got two stores, and that’s it.”

As a member of the Back Country Horsemen and as someone who donated some land to the park, Avery is well acquainted with RBCEP and said, if elected, he wants to see the park director and staff given more autonomy.

“I want to see us have more freedom toward the horse program,” he said. “We have a director down there, but he can’t really do anything unless the council votes on every little thing.”

He began considering running for election in July, motivated by his love for the park.

“I’m for the Town of Hodges too. I want to see the town grow and survive,” Avery said. “I know Hodges. I was raised there. I know the people, and I know how to talk to them and get things done.” He said he will be open to community input and new ideas for the Town of Hodges.

Avery said he knows the park has required a large investment, but he sees it as the great asset in Hodges and something that deserves the council’s continued support.

A Hodges native, Avery is a Vina High School graduate. He worked at NTN in Hamilton for 24 years and then opened his own business, Rock Bridge Canyon Metals and Construction.

He is married to Deborah, and they have three daughters: Danielle Gouth, Amy Harper and Heidi Hargett. He has seven grandchildren. “That’s another reason I’m running for mayor. They like horses,” he said.