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Priorities
Working with existing industry to keep them here
I’m committed to helping support the companies that have chosen to locate in Putnam County, because they are continuing to bring jobs, infrastructure and prestige to our community. They also participate in and support local education, nonprofits and other organizations, and they are a magnet for attracting more businesses to our region. That’s why it’s very important that we not take our existing industry for granted. Working with them on issues such as workforce training and transportation services is among my top priorities.
Recruitment of 21st-century jobs to the region
Enormous advances in technology and worldwide commerce mean that more and more of our nation’s jobs will be found in highly technical industries. And if we want to keep the Upper Cumberland economically vital, then we have to attract those types of 21st-century industries and jobs to the region. One way we can do this is by continuing to market our area worldwide, showing industry leaders how they can benefit by moving or expanding their operations here, and a vital part of this is making sure we have a workforce that is trained and ready to thrive in a high-tech environment. I look forward to doing all I can to make this happen for Cookeville and Putnam County.
Helping further cultivate culture (music & arts)
While business and industry is our backbone, the Upper Cumberland really shines when it comes to culture. That’s why I’m dedicated to doing all that I can to support the music and arts that give our town and our region their distinctive identity. Where else outside of a big city can you see a symphony perform, check out the work of world-renowned craft artists and take in plays at a 456-seat performing arts center? I’m thrilled that because of these attributes, our area is starting to attract the attention it deserves, and I’m excited about doing what I can to help our region’s culture flourish.
I would like to share with you my thoughts on an issue that I have recently been asked about . . . and, would like to hear your take on it as well. It’s in regard to an important and all-encompassing priority of mine – quality of life.
I believe quality of life consists of having quality, affordable health care, access to great education, and safety on our streets and in the community. These are probably the cornerstones of what most people believe leads to great quality of life, and fortunately for Cookeville, I believe the first two I mentioned — health care and education — are the strongest two attributes our community has to offer.
As a city councilman, I will do whatever I can to support not just the hospital but all of our medical facilities and employees to help Cookeville become even more of a medical hub for the Upper Cumberland. As far as education is concerned, I think we need to work hard to continue to support and promote Tennessee Tech and their new nursing school and STEM research center, which in turn will continue to help our medical community, as well.
Personally, I would like to see the wealth of theater and art talent we have here locally promoted more and enjoyed by more people. With the new CPAC (Cookeville Performing Arts Center) opening last summer, I see no reason why we couldn't be just as busy with shows as the Cumberland County Playhouse. I was fortunate last year to be involved with the "Music Man" production at CPAC, only because my wife Kelly had the lead female role in the play. I came away from that experience with a whole new outlook and understanding of what we have here in Cookeville with CPAC and the Backdoor Playhouse. I believe that if we want to attract more retirees and people just generally looking to relocate to a more "cosmopolitan" community, then we need to actively do what we can to promote all of these Cookeville assets.
On a different note, there is another thing I would like to see accomplished in the next few years, and that is curbside recycling. Now, I know right now that this would be a big expense for the city, but I believe there has to be a way to get this done as soon as we can determine a way to pay for it without having to raise taxes or charge the citizens.
I am curious as to what your thoughts are. What does "quality of life" mean to you? This is another reason I am running, because I want to know other people's opinions and points of view. Please share when you get some time. Thank you.
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