VOTE411 Voter Guide

The main responsibility of a Commissioner is to wisely consider how to utilize the taxpayer's contribution to the tax roll. I have an obligation to consider the common good, welfare and dignity of the individual, i.e. the citizens, taxpayers and Employees of Rutherford County. I am committed to a balanced budget. A balanced budget, incorporating employee pay and benefits being as high as possible, while maintaining a healthy fund balance to be used for non-recurring expenses. A nonrecurring expense such as consultation fees for an updated Rutherford County Long Range Traffic Study. Furthermore, a healthy fund balance allows us to have a AAA bond rating, which saves millions of dollars in debt service payments.

During my participation in the creation of PlanRutherford, I attended a town hall meeting held at MTSU. On display were the top 5 results of a survey asking participants, “what are your biggest concerns?” [paraphrased]. Solid waste and traffic were the top two responses. That inspired me. Two goals, among many for me continue to be 1) comprehensive solid waste solutions 2) implementation of a comprehensive traffic plan.

I will support the Transfer Station as the first step in a comprehensive solid waste plan. I will continue to investigate alternatives to the current dump & bury solution. I will continue to lead and participate in advocating for solid waste solutions that are proven, successful and affordable. Regarding traffic, I will continue to support my initiative of quarterly meetings of countywide Planning and Engineering Depts. Participants compare notes of local activity. I will support the Capital Improvement Plan that I initiated. This plan forecasts priorities and costs of new buildings, maintenance of existing buildings and costs of new traffic improvements. I will facilitate an update to Rutherford County’s Long Range Traffic Plan.

County Commissioners are assigned to two or more committees, but they are responsible for knowing what happens in all of them. All of the preparatory work is done in committee and then brought to the monthly meeting for approval. The Steering Committee decides what issues the commission will take up. Budget, Finance and Investment handles the budgets of the county, school board, and sheriff's department. Health & Education handles the School Board, Library and Health Department. Public Safety handles Sheriff, Jail, PAWS, and EMS. Public Works handles the landfill, planning for growth, and highways.

Our school teachers, sheriff's deputies, firefighters and EMS are paid less than neighboring counties, causing us to lose trained candidates. I want to ensure they receive competitive pay.

Housing costs are rising faster than wages. Many will never be able to own a home, something that my generation took for granted. I want to encourage building more affordable housing and bringing in higher paying jobs in our county.

Our county has more money in reserves than required by state law. We can use some of those reserves to increase pay for the county employees. The time between pay steps can be lessened to increase pay faster as well.

Builders and land developers could be given tax incentives to build less expensive homes. Public/Private partnerships could utilize county owned property for builders who agree to build affordable housing. Working with the Chamber of Commerce, we need to encourage more companies with better paying jobs to move to Rutherford County.