Two incumbents and two newcomers are seeking three contested seats on the Surgoinsville Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
The following are excerpts from candidate responses to a Times-News questionnaire.
Incumbent Alderman Marc Borghetti did not respond to numerous telephone messages seeking his participation in the questionnaire.
Alex Dykes is a former manager at Dominos Pizza and Citi and is currently employed at the Surgoinsville Pizza Plus while he takes classes at Northeast State Community College.
“I had been thinking for sometime that I would like to participate one day in the city. This is a great chance to participate in the city and continue the good work that has been done by the current BMA over the last eight years or so. Going way back to the new police department to the new Creekside Park we have just built, the city has made a litany of improvements. Seeing the work being completed has been inspirational in my idea to try and join the team.”
“The sewer project is number one. We have been working on implementing this project for quite some time. Once this project is completed I feel like we can do more city building like the Creekside Park that was just recently completed. What if one day the city park had free access WiFi? What if the Riverside Park had a playground? Or if the city added a fenced-in basketball court with public access? This is just a small example of the ideas I have for the city. The budget may be small in this city, but I still feel like we can make it work while still staying within budget.”
“I am the best candidate for this office because of my previous leadership experience, the education I am currently receiving, and the work ethic I will provide. I am an ‘ideas guy’ always looking for solutions. With compromise and hard work we can keep moving forward.”
“I have always had a deep care for this great city. I have seen the improvements we have made so far. I want to be a part of the future of this city, and I want to be hands-on in every way that I can.”
Incumbent Alderman Joe McLain is also a member of the Hawkins County Commission, a Vietnam veteran, and retired as operations manager of John Sevier Fossil Plant after 32 years of service.
“I want to help make improvements in Surgoinsville. Surgoinsville is a lovely little town. We are in need of a few services, but we are working toward getting those. This is a good Board of Mayor and Aldermen who share the same vision for improvements. We have great employees who also share the vision of making improvements. Our police department is exemplary. Our fire department, which is all-volunteer, has made many improvements and continues to work to provide first-class coverage. The fire department maintains a good ISO rating, which helps citizens with lower homeowners insurance.”
“I would like to see the successful completion of the sanitary sewer system. I would like to improve the method of garbage pickup with a safer, more efficient system. I am interested in purchasing road repair equipment. Our roads need attention, and with the cost of asphalt we will have to do most repairs with our capable employees.”
“In every decision the board makes the taxpayer needs to be considered. Voters can be assured that I will spend taxpayer dollars wisely. My work and voting record for the past four years will give voters an idea of what to expect from me on the City Council.”
Landon Pruitt is employed with Greeneville Oil Co. He is a graduate of Volunteer High School and is currently attending classes to become a EMT.
“I chose to run for office because I am a lifelong citizen of the town, and I want to make a difference. I’ve always wanted to be in politics, and where else better to start than my hometown. Also, I would like to give back to the citizens of the town. This town needs a change, and I firmly believe that I can help do that.”
“As far as political experience goes, I am what you call the new guy. I don’t really have any, but what I do have is common sense and a willingness to make the town better. You have to start somewhere, and I believe I will be a good choice for the citizens.”
“I would like to build on what the current BMA has already started such as finishing the sewer project and then expanding it throughout the town, and continue to clean up the overgrown lots throughout the town.”
“I want to make sure we keep taxes as low as possible and the sewer rates as well. Also, I want to have something for the children of the town. Currently we have nothing, so maybe starting off with a playground or something. The other thing I will work on is trying to attract some new businesses. I realize all this isn’t something that can happen overnight. It takes the whole BMA to run this city, and we all have to work together to get the things this city needs done accomplished.”
“What I want to tell the citizens of Surgoinsville is that I am willing to work hard and do my very best for the town! I’m willing to listen to the citizens and work for them. It’s time this place sees something new, and I believe I am that person.”
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