Board appoints LaCroix to South Ward seat
Mayor Ron Williams, Vice Mayor Scott Meyer and Alderman Drew Burnette voted for LaCroix. Alderman Alex Cain, who nominated Brian Walker, cast the lone “no” vote.
“I’m extremely humbled by the amount of support that came out,” LaCroix said after the meeting. “I am inspired by the people who gave me words of encouragement and wisdom as well.
“I’m nervous,” he added. “I want to do my best. I want to make sure the town is represented properly, especially the South Ward.”
The applicants were Reed Honken, LaCroix, Sean Murphy, Kimberlie Parks, Walker and Greg Wiberley.
Burnette, who represents the South Ward, reminded those present “why we are here tonight. We lost a very, very long-time resident of our Town (the late Alderman David White). It was a loss to the Board and a loss to the community, so it’s very unfortunate that we’re here tonight.”
Cain also acknowledged White, noting the late alderman’s wife was at the meeting.
“We do miss him,” Cain added.
During deliberations, Burnette said, “I enjoyed my time getting to meet all the candidates. I got to know sides of them, some I’ve never seen, that were really encouraging and made some great connections, so I’m grateful for that process.
“This is a very tough one because we have very, very good people,” the alderman said. “I share the sentiment that I was really hoping there wasn’t just going to be one or two people, that there was a good mix of people, and we got that, so I appreciate that.
“I’ll finish my time (speaking) by nominating Joe La-Croix,” he said.
Cain explained he had taken a different approach by hosting a public forum Sept. 23 to speak with candidates. He nominated Walker for the seat.
Meyer also supported La-Croix. “Each candidate was impressive in bringing a unique skill set,” he said. “But the distinguishing factor was the outpouring of support Joe LaCroix received from South Ward residents and Town committee members. The open alderman seat represents them, not me, and their voices must be heard.”
Williams agreed, noting LaCroix had served six years on the Town staff in the IT department and understood its operations. He also encouraged Honken and Walker to remain involved through committees.
Each of the candidates brought something to the table for the alderman seat.
Honken, a U.S. Army veteran, is a supply chain analyst and production scheduler who serves on the Town’s Tourism/Visitor Advisory Committee, Farragut Marketing Subcommittee and is an Introduction to Farragut 2025 Class graduate.
Murphy is a South Ward resident who has been active in politics since 2007.
Parks, a U.S. Navy veteran, is a real estate investor and founder of Sojourney Vacation Property Management.
Walker, who serves on the Town’s Arts and Beautification Committee, vice chair of the Parks and Athletics Council and served on the Home Occupation Committee for eight months, is semi-retired from a small business in Farragut. He also is president-elect of Rotary Club of Farragut.
Wiberley, a resident since 1986, brings his more than 50 years of experience in construction and engineering, as well as coaching youth sports.
LaCroix brings his 35 years of information technology experience, of which 17 were spent in municipal, state and federal government positions and is an Intro to Farragut 2021 Class graduate who also serves on the Town’s Parks and Athletics Council and Visual Resources Review Board.
“What I’ll be doing as alderman, first, is learning the process, learning what’s facing the town today,” LaCroix said.
He listed priorities such as preparing for development of the Ford property, upcoming commercial projects, road improvements, supporting the new park at McFee Road, and adapting to staff changes.
