town view: Mayor Ralph McGill
Farragut is unique in many ways, but one of the most exceptional aspects of our community is that volunteers play an active and daily role in the service we provide. Our elected leaders have never been paid, so we are volunteers ourselves. We also rely heavily on an army of citizen volunteers.
The Town currently has 12 standing committees, councils, boards and commissions. Our Parks and Athletics Council makes recommendations regarding park facilities and athletic field allocations. Our Visual Resources Review Board reviews sign applications and landscaping plans for new businesses. Our Board of Plumbing and Gas/Mechanical Examiners approves applications for licensure to work in Farragut. Our Beautification Committee selects Beautification Award recipients and makes Town Hall look festive for the winter holidays. And these describe just a fraction of the work done by our citizen volunteers.
Farragut was founded with the desire to create a beautiful, welcoming community with high development standards. Having private citizens participate in the Town’s day-to-day work and decision-making helps us stay true to that goal. It also ensures that elected officials and staff stay in touch with the desires of the community.
We need a variety of voices on our committees, so please consider sharing your time and talents with the Town, even if you’ve never served before.
The Board of Mayor and Aldermen will appoint members to the following committees in June: Arts Council, Beautification Committee, Board of Plumbing and Gas/Mechanical Examiners, Board of Zoning Appeals, Museum Committee, Knox County Schools Education Relations Committee, Parks and Athletics Council, Personnel Committee, Stormwater Advisory Committee and the Visual Resources Review Board.
Some of these have certification and/or residency requirements, but the most important qualification is a love for Farragut and a desire to see it prosper. More information and applications are available at townoffarragut.org/committees or at Town Hall. The deadline is 5 p.m. Friday, May 25.
There are other valuable ways to serve the Town. Monday through Friday, the Farragut Museum is staffed by loyal volunteers who serve as docents and run the gift shop. Others lend a hand at community events.
All of these volunteers are enrolled in our FUN (Farragut’s Unsung Navy) program. FUN volunteers accumulate hours toward a “rank” and are recognized at a holiday breakfast and a banquet in the spring. For more information, contact the Parks and Leisure Services Department at 218-3375.
Albert Einstein said, “Only a life lived for others is worth living.” Won’t you consider serving as a Town of Farragut volunteer?
