Voter Guide

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Rutherford County Commission District 15 Choose 1

The board of commissioners leads the county government—passing legislation and administering services and programs. Commissioners approve budgets, hire staff, and set policy.

Voter Guide

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Shawn McGowan (R)

Biographical Information

Campaign Mailing Address 538 Dallas Ct
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Campaign Phone 615-809-1203
Campaign Website http://mcgowan15th.com
Campaign Facebook URL http://www.facebook.com/McGowan15th

What do you see as the main responsibilities of a county commissioner?

The county commission and the county mayor are responsible for the management of the entire county government. The main goal is to control spending and ensure that we are allocating our resources properly.

What are two goals you would like to accomplish during your term of office?

My main goal is to ensure that the Middle Point landfill does not expand and will hopefully close during my term. I would also want to bring financial accountability to the budgeting process.

How would you accomplish those goals?

With regards to the landfill, I will never vote to allow our old landfill to be sold to Republic or to anyone else. I also want to try and find solutions to increase our recycling efforts within the county to divert as much as possible out of landfills. With regards to the budget, I believe that my 35 years of financial experience, as well as being a CPA, will allow me to bring a new perspective to the commission.

Voter Guide

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Chay Woods (D)

Biographical Information

Campaign Website http://votechaywoods.com
Why am I running? I'm running because advocacy and service are who I am. Our community deserves leadership that listens, includes, and responds with integrity. At my core, I'm simply someone who believes that if you have the ability to serve, advocate, and make a difference, you should be willing to step forward and do just that.
About Me I'm Chay Woods, a community advocate, HR leader, and longtime Rutherford County resident with a heart for service. For more than 20 years, my career has centered on people, problem-solving, and bringing different perspectives together. Beyond my profession, I've dedicated my time to initiatives that strengthen our community and give others a voice. I've advocated for children and families and currently sit on the Rutherford County Juvenile Detention Board. I've served alongside local leaders and worked to help people feel seen and heard through my active board positions with several non-profit organizations. Rutherford County is the place I chose to call home, and I care deeply about the people who call it home with me.

What do you see as the main responsibilities of a county commissioner?

The main responsibility of a County Commissioner is to serve and represent the people who entrusted you with their vote. The position belongs to the people, and every decision should begin with listening, understanding their concerns, and considering how county actions affect their lives. Commissioners oversee taxpayer dollars and make decisions on growth, infrastructure, public safety, county services, and long-term planning. The role is more than casting votes; it's about asking thoughtful questions, reviewing the facts, working with others to find practical solutions, and earning public trust through transparent, accountable, and people-centered leadership.

What are two goals you would like to accomplish during your term of office?

These goals are not mine alone; they reflect the residents. Before shaping my campaign priorities, I asked the community to share their concerns through a survey, and I listened.

Our first goal, community voice, is to strengthen communication, civic engagement, and trust between residents and county government, ensuring community voices have a seat at the table. I want District 15 to feel informed, heard, and connected to the decisions that affect their lives.

Our second goal is to advance proactive planning for responsible growth that protects our quality of life. We must align development with infrastructure, public safety, schools, and county services while promoting fiscal responsibility and attainable housing opportunities.

How would you accomplish those goals?

I will strengthen community voices through quarterly town halls, social media updates, and an open-door policy so residents can share questions, concerns, and ideas. I will expand civic education, helping young people understand local government while ensuring seniors have accessible ways to stay informed and engaged.

For responsible growth, I will advocate for a clear, strategic plan that gives residents the big picture of our county's future. My 20+ years in Human Resources taught me the difference between simply budgeting money and aligning resources to outcomes. I understand the importance of defining a vision, setting measurable goals, and tracking results so residents know where we're headed and what we're working towards.