HERE'S WHERE I STAND

Every citizen of Marion County should have a voice in what's happening in this county. Starting with the Commission meetings -- make agendas available in advance, publish the minutes within 2 business days, report on actions and results and, above all, be respectful.  

I come to you with certain beliefs already but I want to know what you think. Whether we agree to disagree or come to a compromise, your voice matters to me.  Here are my thoughts on some current issues:

Education – I have a real soft spot for educators -- they are the unsung heroes in our county. And I'm committed to setting up a student chapter of the Technical Association of Pulp & Paper Industries (TAPPI) at Chattanooga State Kimball Campus, which will prepare young people for a great career in the trades.  Not every student is college-bound.  I want to work with our Board of Education to determine the needs -- from the elementary level to college.  The better prepared our students are, the more successful our county will be.

We also have an abundance of knowledge in Marion County and our youth should be the beneficiaries of that knowledge.  Mentor programs, pairing businesspeople with students, have dual value.  Students gain insight, confidence, new skills (leadership, communications, life skills) and meet true role models.  The community benefits as inter-generational bonds are formed, work-ready students create a stronger economy, and mentored youth often become mentors themselves, creating a positive cycle. Mentorship is a solid investment.

Economic Development – Marion County has a lot to offer, and it can offer so much more.  With easy access to I-24 and to the Tennessee River, we can and should be an attractive location for those who want to open a business or expand. We’re more than fast-food restaurants.  We can be a transportation and trade hub while also developing tourism, manufacturing, and ag-based businesses.  Think healthcare, distribution centers, eco-tourism and adventure businesses as well as light manufacturing. Let’s give people a reason to stop in Marion County – not just drive through.  I'll work with the County to create more tax benefits to launching a business and focus on reinvigorating our town squares.

Budget – The budget and audit process can be improved.  There is a lot of new money coming in to our county.  We need level heads and wise decisions when considering how that money should be invested in Marion County. Where possible, we really need to insist on multiple bids and resist the urge to give contracts to businesses "because that's the way we've always done it."  Transparency is paramount. Our motto should always be "Open and Honest."