letters to the editor
Reader cites a ‘conflict of interest’ concerning Farragut election
Farragut citizens will elect a new Mayor of Farragut this year. Early voting is from July 13 until July 28, and Election Day is Aug. 2.
Two very different candidates are competing for the office: Aldermen Ron Williams and Bob Markli both seek your vote.
Alderman Markli is the president, owner and operator of a local construction company, Markli Home Builders. It is my opinion that as mayor, he would have a conflict of interest with his responsibilities and duties. According to the Markli Home Builders website, he has, “Since 1987… built nearly 200 homes and two Walmart shopping centers in East Tennessee.” Worthy credentials as a (licensed general contractor), not so much as our next Mayor of Farragut, making decisions on zoning and land development.
To that point, many of the duties and decisions of the office of mayor deal with issues regarding building and zoning questions, with appointments to the (Farragut) Municipal Planning Commission, with debates on use of land for new developments, and on whether the town or developers should bear the cost of roads; to name a few.
For example, as mayor, Markli would have the ability to appoint several new members to the nine member Municipal Planning Commission, virtually ensuring a majority. Will he replace regular residents on the Commission with builders and developers?
Will he roll back regulations on architectural design standards and allow developers to dominate development decisions?
In reading “Full Speed Ahead,” a short history of the Town of Farragut, I learned that one of the driving factors in the founding of Farragut in 1980 was poor development codes and standards in place at the time. Our town founders wanted citizens to have a direct say in the development of Farragut. Granted, developers should have a say in the future development of Farragut, and they do. Presently, we have an Alderman who is a (licensed general contractor) and also, we have a member of the Municipal Planning Commission who is a developer. But electing a mayor with a current full-time occupation as a (licensed general contractor) will definitely tip the scales out of balance.
Another important factor is the amount of time available to serve the many meetings, events and various obligations of the office of mayor. Over the last several months, I have been advocating the addition of sidewalks near Bob Leonard Park.
In supporting that cause, I have written to all the aldermen and attended many public meetings. All of the aldermen, except one, have responded to the request for these sidewalks by e-mails and by their attendance at several meetings. I would have to conclude that as a full-time businessman, Alderman Markli has been too busy to become involved.
Alderman Ron Williams, on the other hand, has no conflict of interest and, as a retired professional, has visibly demonstrated that he will dedicate as much time as necessary to serve the Town of Farragut. I have watched Alderman Williams over the past few months and he has demonstrated to me that he listens to the residents’ needs and concerns, and serves as a voice for their interests rather than for his own personal interests. My first-hand observations tell me that Ron Williams will best represent ALL our citizens as our next mayor.
Let’s not risk losing the quality of life and standards in government that Farragut now offers.
Jon Greene
Farragut
