Williams: ‘roads updated’ a priority as new alderman
Running unopposed in last week’s town of Farragut election, Ron Williams has listed priorities for his first term as alderman representing the South Ward [Alderman II seat] on Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
“I would like to see the roads updated,” Williams said. “Basically, we have nine areas that need help. The need is based on property owners’ desire to develop.”
While some property owners now want to develop roads such as Everett and Union, property owners of other roads, such as Evans Road, are not ready to develop, he said.
Williams said he would look at the Town’s budget, Five-Year Plan and the Town’s goals set forth in that plan.
Other priorities include development of the Mixed Use Town Center; Campbell Station Inn, also known as Russell House; developing tourism with the Town’s parks and Farragut Folklife Museum; helping small businesses move into Farragut and filling empty commercial buildings.
A Sugarwood subdivision resident, Williams said he looks forward to working with the Board.
“I’m very supportive of this group we have now. They do a great job,” he said.
Williams received 711 votes on Election Day, Thursday, Aug. 4.
This was Williams’ second time running for Board of Mayor and Aldermen. He sought another South Ward seat in April 2014 against Ron Pinchok, but was unsuccessful.
“I was beat by 97 votes,” he said. “I couldn’t really campaign then because I got busy on projects at work,” he added. “I decided to run again because I thought once I retired, I would have the time.”
Dot LaMarche, who decided to retire this year, held the seat Williams will be filling. LaMarche has served on the Board since 2003. She was re-elected in 2007 and 2011.
Williams said he has been interested in politics since college and became involved in local politics when he lived in California.
When he moved to Farragut, Williams said he became involved with Sugarwood Home-owners Association, for which he now is president. He also serves on Farragut Board of Zoning Appeals.
“My goal [with the HOA] was to have a better neighborhood,” he said.
While on the HOA board, the community built a pool, tennis courts, a pavilion and a basketball court. He said the neighborhood’s recreation area was updated last year.
