Meet the candidates running for Ashland City mayor, council in December – Tennessean

Ashland City residents will head to the polls in December to vote for the next mayor and council members.

Who’s running, and important dates: Ashland City will vote for a new mayor, council members. Who’s running?

The Ashland City Times sent out questionnaires to candidates in contested races. Here’s who responded:

Editor’s note: Some responses have been edited for length or clarity

Mayoral candidates

Incumbent Steve Allen

Age: 65

Previous political experience:

I was elected to my first term as a councilman in 1982. I’ve served as a councilman ever since, except for a short time when we weren’t inside the city limits. I served as vice-mayor under two mayors until filling out the term of Mayor Rick Johnson as Mayor of Ashland City.

Why do you think you’ll make a good candidate for Ashland City mayor?

As mayor, my priority is to make sure that our residents have the best services available to them, this means our Police Dept, Fire Dept. and Public Works Dept, which includes water treatment, sewer treatment and streets.

What are the most important issues you think Ashland City faces?

The town is now looking ahead into three major projects, those are a new Sewer Treatment Facility, which is badly needed, a new Fire Station and a new City Hall. The Fire Station and City Hall come from the County expanding their operations of offices, and a new jail will be taking up the space where the City Hall and Fire departments are now. 

Which issue are you most passionate about addressing and why?

Ashland City is growing, and I have always been a part of that growth since being on the Council. I want to continue in that capacity as mayor. We can’t stop progress, but I will strive to keep Ashland City the town we all love to be a part of.

Janet Knight

Age:  54

Education: McGavock and Los Alamitos High Schools, and Jon Nave University of Cosmetology

Employment History: My career path began as a beautician and hair stylist in 1985. I moved on to managing a major salon chain before opening my own salon, which I ran until 2014 (when) my husband and I decided to move our family and our business to Ashland City.

My husband and I own United Mechanical Systems, Inc. I am also the owner of Hwy 12 Rentals, and the Hwy 12 Lodge, which is an Airbnb and Events Venue, as well as 8 residential properties.

Previous Political Experience: In 2018, I ran for District 1 County Commission.

Volunteer Work/Awards: I have volunteered with several local organizations, including youth baseball and flag football leagues in Ashland City; and have had booths supporting Ashland City’s Music on Main event for the last four years. I’ve also served on the board of the Kiwanis Club and the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, and I am currently involved in the first Farm to Table event to be held (later this month) on the Cheatham County courthouse lawn in Ashland City. All proceeds from the event will be distributed 70% to the Meals on Wheels Program and 30% toward the development of a community center for our local youth.

Why do you think you’ll make a good candidate for Ashland City Mayor? 

I have a strong background in business management; a reputation of honesty and integrity; and the willingness and ability to listen, articulate and work together with citizens, local businesses and organizations as well as leaders at all levels of local government. In addition, I possess the courage and desire to step up as a citizen, neighbor and stakeholder in our community, to offer my service to lead and be a voice for the people.

What are the most important issues you think Ashland City faces? 

Our community is growing. Infrastructure needs must be addressed and met in order to sustain the inevitable growth. I believe top priority must be given to the preservation and protection of our resources such as land, drinking water, parks and environment, as well as the preservation of our city’s rich history.

Which issue are you most passionate about addressing and why?

I am passionate about the need for Ashland City to work with other towns, communities, schools and organizations within the entirety of Cheatham County to focus on providing adequate services and support for the elderly, veterans, children and families; while continuing to strive toward keeping our community safe; while being sure to give priority to addressing the needs of our town first, and above the “wants.”

Proposed future capital projects in this fiscal year’s budget included building a sewer treatment plant, purchasing land to construct a new City Hall, and building a new fire station. Which leadership qualities do you find most important in planning for future needs?

The above mentioned capital projects were very necessary, and in my opinion, long overdue. The leadership qualities that are most important to me in planning for future needs are the ability to work with other leaders and officials as a team, to be capable of maintaining composure, and to be honest, fair and consistent. An effective leader must have the strength to lead, the ability to accept constructive criticism and the willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints.

What else should voters know about you and/or your values?

My husband, Kacy, and I have been married for 18 years, and we have 3 children. When we aren’t working, we enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities. I love being involved in our community, and supporting local charities. I am overwhelmed with and humbled by all the support and encouragement I have received from citizens across Ashland City since announcing my candidacy for mayor.

Michael W. Smith

Age: 56

Education: I attended Father Ryan High School in Nashville, Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee State University. I have a Bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance.

Employment history: 

• City of Nashville Parks Department: Revenue facility supervisor.
• City of Nashville Finance Department: Accounting division
• Davidson County District Attorney’s Office: Finance Assistant
• Prudential Securities: Stock Broker
• First American National Bank: Stock Broker/Trust Officer
• Arthur Anderson Accounting: Securities Compliance Examiner
• State of Tennessee, Dept. of Correction: (ASA 3) Asset Management
• Self: Private accounting
• Phillips Distributing: Financial office

Previous political experience: I have never ran for or held a publicly elected office. My grandfather was a councilman in Nashville, and he got me interested in politics. I have worked on dozens of campaigns, starting when I was in high school. I have worked on several mayoral campaigns in Nashville, one presidential, four governors and two U.S. Senate campaigns.

Volunteer work/Awards:  In the past, I have built houses for Habitat for Humanity, worked with Special Olympics and volunteered at the Nashville Rescue Mission and the Room in the Inn. I also served on the board of a private charitable foundation for the benefit of people suffering from cancer.

Why do you think you’ll make a good candidate for Ashland City mayor?

I would make a good mayor because, first and foremost, I love the town of Ashland City. I have years of experience working for government agencies. While working for the City of Nashville finance department, I worked with many departments including the Mayor’s Office. I believe strongly that the mayor is the voice of the people, and if elected, I will guide the city in the direction that is beneficial to those who call Ashland City home.

What are the most important issues you think Ashland City faces?

GROWTH. Ashland City is already experiencing growth as a result of its neighboring cities’ rapid expansion. We will need to evaluate the current condition of our infrastructure items to ensure they meet the demand of the current residents as well as future development. We need to provide adequate police and fire protection, and we need to develop a plan to attract more businesses to our city.  

Which issue are you most passionate about addressing and why?

Growth is the issue I am very enthusiastic about. Growth will drive so many decisions over the next few years that it cannot be ignored or minimized. Growth is one key to bringing in additional revenue which can be used to provide the people of Ashland City with a better quality of life. New residential and commercial development as well as small business creation are the three growth areas we need to foster. Also, we need to work toward building a recreational facility that encompasses programs for children, adults and our senior population.

Proposed future capital projects in this fiscal year’s budget included building a sewer treatment plant, purchasing land to construct a new City Hall, and building a new fire station. Which leadership qualities do you find most important in planning for future needs?

Expenditures for large capital projects are always challenging but necessary for the overall operation of a city. Planning and preparation are crucial. If elected mayor, my priorities would be first constructing a new environmentally friendly water treatment plant, then a fire station followed by a new city hall. My knowledge and experience of city government and operations along with my extensive background in accounting and finance make me the perfect person to achieve these three objectives. I have the ability to analyze a proposal and make tough decisions for current and future projects based on facts, figures and the overall need of the community

What else should voters know about you and/or your values?

I believe in strong Christian values, God and love this great country. I believe in putting others first, and if I am fortunate enough to be elected mayor by the voters of Ashland City, I will do my best to be the voice of the people.

Council candidates

Lisa Walker, Ward 1

Age: 58

Education: Cheatham County Central High School Class of 1979; B.S. Middle Tennessee State University

Employment history: 34 years State of TN – Information Technology/Retired

Previous political experience: Elected to Ashland City Council 2011 and 2015. Serve

on Planning Commission, Beer Board, Events Committee and Budget Committee.

Volunteer work/Awards: 1996 Information Systems Management Statewide

Directors’s Award; Appointed Cheatham County Historian by Cheatham County Commission in 2005; 2006 Graduate of Tennessee Government Management Institute; Member of the Cheatham County Historical & Genealogical Association since 2000; Member of the Discover Cheatham – Tourism Committee; Ex Officio Member of the Cheatham County Public Records Commission; Ashland City Events Committee Co-Chair; Member of the Downtown Steering Committee

Why do you think you’ll make a good candidate to serve your ward?

I have served Ashland City for the past 8 years on the Ashland City Council. I am deeply committed to our community and think the next four years are a crucial time for Ashland City. I have listened and responded to the people who have approached me with issues, such as preserving the Braxton Lee Homestead. I have relevant experience and qualifications and the willingness to devote a lot of time to the position. I attend at least 5

city meetings monthly. I am an effective council member because I respect the role and function of the public, city staff and the mayor and know my ethical boundaries.

What are the most important issues you think your ward individually and Ashland City as a whole faces?

One of the most important issues is infrastructure growth. In the near future, Ashland City will see the building of a berm along the TN Waltz Parkway, a man-made recreational lake near the river, a new city hall, a new fire department and a new sewer plant. The county’s construction of a new jail will affect us in our downtown main street area. The membership at the Senior Center continues to increase weekly. We need a new building for our Senior Center, which could also be used by other community groups. We will also be impacted by the widening of Highway 49 in the future. We have other serious issues to address such as replacing outdated water and sewer lines and building more sidewalks.

Which issue are you most passionate about addressing and why?

I am most passionate about promoting the social, cultural and economic well-being of our City. In 2014, I proposed to Mayor Rick Johnson the idea of a group to help out with city initiated events for the public. This lead to the creation of the Ashland City Events Committee. During the same year, to further help with communication with the public, we established the city’s Face Book page. Since 2014, we have initiated events such as River & Roots, The Eclipse Viewing, Movie in the Park, Christmas at the Courthouse, and this is the 5th year of Music on Main.

What role, if any, do you feel the council has in working with other city departments as well as county officials?

Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to attend the Elected Officials Academy provided by the UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service. At this training, I had the opportunity to talk with other elected officials from cities across the state. It was helpful to share information. All elected officials have an obligation to work with other officials at the state, county and federal level for the betterment of their constituents.

What else should voters know about you and/or your values?

I believe that the role of council member is to do more than legislate. A member of the Ashland City Council should be involved in the community in multiple ways. I have a history of community service over the years – not just in election years.

Gerald Greer, Ward 2

Age: 55

Education: Graduate of the University of North Carolina School of the Arts (Artist Diploma in Violin Performance)

Employment history: 29 Years as Violinist with Nashville Symphony Orchestra

Previous political experience: I have been a registered voter for 38 years, participating in the political process by being an active voter all those years.

Volunteer work/Awards: 

• Serve on the Board of Directors of the Nashville Symphony Association, Braxton Lee Homestead Foundation, and the American Bullmastiff Association.
• Past Chairman of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra Committee
• Member of the Cheatham County Kiwanis Club
• Member of the Art League of Cheatham County

Why do you think you’ll make a good candidate to serve your ward?

Ward 2 has the largest population of Ashland City’s three wards. I pledge to bring to the table an open mind and a constituent-based platform that will serve not only those who live in Ward 2, but all who call Ashland City home.

What are the most important issues you think your ward individually and Ashland City as a whole faces?

Quality, smart growth and development is the number one concern. There is a realistic apprehension about rapid, poorly planned development. I pledge to put growth at the top of my impact agenda.

What role, if any, do you feel the council has in working with other city departments as well as county officials?

The Council works in conjunction with buildings and codes, fire and life safety, Municipal Court, parks and recreation, police, public works, Senior Center, and water and wastewater treatment. Making sure all these Departments have the resources necessary to serve our City at the highest level is a top priority.

What else should voters know about you and/or your values?

In addition to growth management, it is important to keep property taxes low, maintain clean streets and waterways, support our senior population and expand parks and trails. I also support promoting a Community Center and the Arts.

Kelly Fisher can be reached at KPFisher@gannett.com, 615-801-3866 or on Twitter at @KellyPFisher.

Published 6:00 AM EDT Oct 10, 2019