Letter to the editor
Dear Editor,
The upcoming election in Farragut stands as a real choice between the status quo candidates and those that want to bring the direction of the town back to what the founders intended.
There are two groups that benefit from the status quo: The first group includes developers who know that they have friends in the town leadership that will accommodate their projects i.e. the Biddle Farm Apartments. The second group includes the entrenched politicians who take advantage of the revolving door between the BOMA and the Planning Commission to stay in power while avoiding term limits.
When a government recycles the same people then the government loses any semblance of checks and balances, as the leadership is too cozy with one another and the staff. This has resulted in some of our neighbors being forced into lawsuits with the town when they do not agree with what the town wants to do to their property. This is how the home occupation ordinance moved through the system until public outcry resulted in it being declared unconstitutional. And this is how a staff develops an arrogance towards the citizens it is supposed to serve. (Has anyone noticed all of the locked doors at town hall?). So when the status quo proposes a convention center and bond acquisition for property purchases and the building of a downtown using your tax dollars believe them when they say this is what they will do.
There are three candidates that have been involved with the town's government for some time and are supported by other members of the current administration: Louise Povlin, Joe LaCroix, and Dian Hall.
Your other choices for mayor and alderman do not support the status quo. They have differing perspectives on leading the town but ultimately want to do what is best through fiscal responsibility, increased emphasis on safety, and most of all transparency in the way the administration works. These candidates are capable of leading, have a commitment to what the founders envisioned when the town was incorporated, and understand what makes a community strong.
As you listen to the “election talk” that inevitably comes right before voting, know what the status quo candidates represent and if you feel the town is better off continuing with their ideas. Otherwise consider the new leadership opportunity presented to you. Vote now for the future!
Greg Wiberley,
Candidate for
Alderman, Ward 2 - Town of Farragut
