As I shared with you last week, per Elizabethton Star Policy this is my last Mayor’s Desk Article until after the August 2018 Election. As promised this article contains my Plans and Vision for Carter County for the next five years through 2022.

This has been a tremendous year of progress for Carter County with my new Office of Economic and Community Development. We have won four grants with the announcement of two more expected by the end of the month. We also have several more in the pipeline totaling approximately $1,000,000. The grant applications are competitive and there is no guarantee we will be awarded them but we are doing everything possible to help Carter County, its citizens, families and businesses in any way we can. You deserve nothing less.

In September 2017, after much serious thought I decided to step down as Chairman of the Carter County Commission. This action was absolutely necessary for me to be able to focus all my energies on helping you the Citizens of Carter County. I am still an ex-officio member of the Commission by statute, however in my opinion, the role of a County Mayor should be more of a Champion of the People and a Spokesperson that is focused on Economic and Community Development, our citizens, and our businesses. Many other County Mayors across the State serve in the same manner.

This new direction has resulted in me establishing important working relationships with key stakeholders which will ultimately help us succeed at the local, regional, state and federal levels. It has allowed for a new mind set and positioned us in such a way that we will be able to market Carter County like it has never been marketed before.

I shared with you last week that the State is committed to improving the economies of all Tier 4 counties by 2025. In order to help the State help us, we must become better stewards of our revenues, expenditures and investments. It is the County Government’s fiduciary duty to be as fiscally responsible as possible and to ensure that our citizens’ hard-earned tax dollars are used wisely. To truly be successful in our efforts to advance the County, moving it from a Tier 4 to a Tier 3 or higher, Carter County must invest in its future and the futures of our children.

Over the next five years (now through the end of 2022), my Vision for Carter County is:

• Minimum of 250 New Jobs (all industry sectors)

• New Industrial Park developed here in Carter County

• 750 New Homes and Families calling Carter County Home

• Significant Improvements to Outdated School Buildings

• High-Speed Internet to all Schools, Businesses and Homes in Carter County

• All Citizens having access to a Healthier Lifestyle

• Upgrades/Improvements to our County’s infrastructure and service offerings

• 1000% Increase in Tourists Visiting Carter County

• At least 2 New Hotels with Conference Centers

• New Sports Park, Recreational Facilities and Activities

• Securing every Grant Opportunity Available (private, non-profit, local, state and federal)

• Establishment of a Business League of Professional Business Leaders in Carter County to assist with the development and implementation of a Growth Plan for Carter County (2018-2045).

I am firmly committed, will work diligently and do everything within the scope of this office to ensure my vision “Carter 2022” becomes a reality.

As I previously informed you, I will be coming to each of the County’s Legislative Districts to share with you our new Corporate Attraction Video. All of the Commissioners have been invited to join me, if their schedules allow.

Below are the dates and locations for the various meetings.

(All meetings are scheduled to start at 6 p.m.)

District 1 – Tuesday 11/7 – Unaka High School

District 2 – Thursday 11/9 – Roan Mountain Cloudland High School

District 3 – Tuesday 11/21 – Watauga Town Hall

District 4 – Tuesday 11/28 – Carter County Courthouse

District 5 – Thursday 11/30 – Milligan College

District 6 – Tuesday 12/5 – Little Milligan Elementary School

District 6 – Tuesday 12/12 – Hampton High School

District 7 – Thursday 12/7 – Happy Valley High School

District 8 – Thursday 12/14 – Elizabethton High School

For the latest updates and breaking news announcements from my office, please see the County Home Page Latest News section on the Internet at www.cartercountytn.gov . Great things are happening in Carter County.

Please feel free to contact me at mayor@cartercountytn.gov or by phone at 423-542-1801 if you have any questions or if I can be of assistance to you. My office is located at 801 East Elk Avenue, Suite 201 located in the County Courthouse in Elizabethton. I have an open-door policy and everyone is always welcome.