News
Candidates discuss schools, business, taxes
July 15, 2026 by Tammy Cheek
Four candidates seeking seats on the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen answered questions during a candidate forum hosted by Tennessee Strategies at the Farragut Community Center on Monday evening, July 13.
Among the questions was one asking mayoral candidate Louise Povlin about her background and why she is qualified to serve as mayor.
Povlin said she has lived in Farragut for 18 years, where she raised her children, volunteered in Knox County Schools and opened a small business in town in 2012.
An engineer, she said the late Mayor Ralph McGill asked her to serve on the Farragut Municipal Planning Commission. She later was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of
Mayor and Aldermen in 2015, elected to the seat in 2016 and re-elected in 2020 before reaching term limits in 2024.
"I can run for one term as mayor, and I'm absolutely fine with that," Povlin said. "If you want a mayor who is educated and knowledgeable and will stand with you in a neighborhood meeting and answer your questions, and if she doesn't have the answers, know who she needs to go to, that's who I am."
Asked whether the town should contribute more to public education, Povlin said Farragut already supports its schools.
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July 15, 2026 by Tammy Cheek
While four candidates seeking Farragut Board of Aldermen seats attended a candidate forum hosted by Tennessee Strategies at the Farragut Community Center on Monday evening, July 13, two candidates were absent.
Alex Cain, who is running for mayor, and Greg Wiberley, who is seeking the South Ward Seat 2 position, chose not to attend. On Tuesday morning, both shared their reasons.
"The way this event unfolded in planning, communication and execution has raised serious concerns about whether it was being transparent in its own motivations," Cain stated in an email.
"First, the forum promoted itself as open, fair and balanced. Yet all emails from the forum organizers failed to identify any individuals or planners."
On July 10, event organizer Mike Arms, Tennessee Strategies senior partner, left a voicemail for the farragutpress regarding the forum.
"My company is going to serve as the moderator and facilitator of the event," Arms said. "So I just wanted you to be aware of it. We have got questions coming in from the [Farragut Business Alliance/Shop Farragut], but we filled in some other questions and are going to try to make this a very civil event and impartial and focusing purely on the issues and eliminate any non-counter effective issues."
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July 15, 2026 by
As Farragut voters prepare for early voting, which starts Friday, July 17, the Town’s mayoral candidates supplied answers to questions from farragutpress. Former Vice Mayor Louise Povlin and current Alderman Alex Cain continue to address concerns about traffic, public safety and development. Voters will be able to cast their early votes in Farragut Community Center through Saturday, Aug. 1. The Election Day will be Thursday, Aug. 6.
1. Public safety is a top priority for many Farragut residents: With a new Knox County sheriff taking office and discussions about increasing patrols within the town, what role should the mayor play in working with the sheriff's office to enhance public safety and what additional measures, if any, would you support?
2. Managing Growth: Farragut continues to attract new residential and commercial development. How would you balance continued growth with preserving the town's character, and what specific changes, if any, would you support in the town's planning or zoning policies?
3. Public Trust: Some residents have expressed concerns about transparency and citizen engagement, particularly following changes to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen's public comment policy. As mayor, what steps would you take to improve public trust, encourage citizen participation and ensure residents feel their voices are heard?
4. Biggest concern for Farragut: Every community faces difficult decisions about its future. What do you see as the single biggest issue Farragut will face over the next four to eight years, and why?
5. Property Rights: Transportation and multimodal improvements are long-term priorities for the Town of Farragut, but some residents and property owners have expressed concerns about how these projects could affect their land —specifically Turkey Creek Road and Evans Road. What principles would guide your decisions when balancing community infrastructure needs with individual property rights?
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July 15, 2026 by
As Farragut voters prepare for early voting, which starts Friday, July 17, the Town’s mayoral candidates supplied answers to questions from farragutpress. Former Vice Mayor Louise Povlin and current Alderman Alex Cain continue to address concerns about traffic, public safety and development. Voters will be able to cast their early votes in Farragut Community Center through Saturday, Aug. 1. The Election Day will be Thursday, Aug. 6.
1. Public safety is a top priority for many Farragut residents: With a new Knox County sheriff taking office and discussions about increasing patrols within the town, what role should the mayor play in working with the sheriff's office to enhance public safety and what additional measures, if any, would you support?
2. Managing Growth: Farragut continues to attract new residential and commercial development. How would you balance continued growth with preserving the town's character, and what specific changes, if any, would you support in the town's planning or zoning policies?
3. Public Trust: Some residents have expressed concerns about transparency and citizen engagement, particularly following changes to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen's public comment policy. As mayor, what steps would you take to improve public trust, encourage citizen participation and ensure residents feel their voices are heard?
4. Biggest concern for Farragut: Every community faces difficult decisions about its future. What do you see as the single biggest issue Farragut will face over the next four to eight years, and why?
5. Property Rights: Transportation and multimodal improvements are long-term priorities for the Town of Farragut, but some residents and property owners have expressed concerns about how these projects could affect their land —specifically Turkey Creek Road and Evans Road. What principles would guide your decisions when balancing community infrastructure needs with individual property rights?
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July 15, 2026 by All profiles submitted by the candidates
Alex Cain is a proven leader and dedicated public servant who has called Farragut home since 1998. Currently serving as North Ward alderman after his election in 2024, he brings practical experience from the private sector and local government to his campaign for mayor.
As managing partner of Tristar Executive Solutions and Smoky Mountain Transportation, Alex operates a Tennessee-licensed executive services company specializing in security solutions and concierge transportation. His background includes serving as a school resource officer at Farragut and Bearden High Schools and teaching Criminal Justice and Forensic Science at Farragut and Gibbs High Schools. He remains actively involved in the community as a volunteer football coach and video coordinator for Farragut High School and as a member of First Baptist Concord Church since 2002.
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July 15, 2026 by All profiles submitted by the candidates
The future of Farragut belongs to the people who call it home. That's why Our Town, Our Future is more than a campaign slogan — it's a call to action for every resident.
The best decisions for Farragut come from listening to our community, engaging neighborhoods early and planning thoughtfully for the future. Together, we can preserve what makes Farragut special while preparing responsibly for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
That vision defines how I will serve as your alderman: Listen. Plan. Deliver. I will listen before decisions are made, plan with a long-term perspective and deliver practical solutions that reflect our community's values. Whether we're addressing traffic, infrastructure, parks or development, I believe local government works best when residents are informed, involved and heard.
Service has been the defining principle of my life. During my 27-year Air Force career, I learned that the best leaders listen before they lead, earn trust through their actions, and bring people together to solve problems and seize opportunities. When my family made Farragut our home 14 years ago, those same values became the foundation of my commitment to this community.
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July 15, 2026 by
I am running to be the next mayor of the Town of Farragut because I believe Farragut’s future should be shaped with the same care, common sense and community spirit that have made our town such a special place to live. We can welcome thoughtful progress while protecting our neighborhoods, strengthening infrastructure and ensuring residents are informed advocates for their concerns before important decisions are made.
Growth will continue in and around Farragut. Much of the remaining undeveloped land in our Town is already zoned for commercial, office or residential use; and we respect private property rights. I have a strong record of reaching out to residents directly impacted by new development to ensure their concerns are addressed. All future development should respect existing neighborhoods and protect our community character.
Traffic — both congestion and speeding — remains among Farragut’s most urgent quality-of-life issues. We need continued improvements to traffic signal timing, a thoughtful transportation plan for the Ford property, safer neighborhood streets through a consistent effort to curb speeding and appropriate investments beyond our borders.
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July 15, 2026 by
When my wife and I chose to make Farragut our home, it wasn't just because of the beautiful parks, excellent schools or convenient location. It was because Farragut is a community where people still know their neighbors, support local businesses and take pride in where they live. Those are the qualities worth protecting, and they're why I'm running for alderman.
I'm a lifelong conservative who believes in faith, family, freedom, and fiscal responsibility. I hold an MBA in financial planning and serve families and business owners as a financial coach and business growth strategist. I'm also a best-selling author and host of The Prosperity Lounge radio show and podcast, where we spotlight local leaders and encourage practical solutions that strengthen our community.
I'm proud to serve as vice chair of the Farragut Tourism Committee and as a board member of Shop Farragut. I'm a member of the Farragut Rotary Club and the Farragut West Knox Chamber, where I've served on the Gala Auction Committee for three years. I also serve as secretary of the West Knox Republican Club and chair of the Knox County GOP Welcoming Committee, focused on connecting newcomers to our community.
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July 15, 2026 by
My name is Greg Wiberley, and I am running for South Ward alderman in the Town of Farragut. I am seeking the seat formally held by the late David White.
My campaign is based on three general themes: Caring, Community, and Competence.
Caring: I have lived in Farragut since before it was even incorporated. My wife and I have raised five kids here, all going through the Farragut schools. I single-handedly built our one and only house here. I delivered our middle son in that house. We have great neighbors, some of whom have been with us for decades. Our roots are deep and strong and our love for Farragut is steadfast.
Community: The founders of our town envisioned our town to be a place where families could thrive and be a part of something special. I have been a volunteer in the Farragut schools. I have coached CBFO basketball, AYSO soccer, Farragut baseball, and FBC intramural basketball. My wife and I were youth directors at VCPC for many years, and I helped build two youth cabins at Camp Chilhowee.
So I think that I've lived the life in Farragut that defines what it means to be a part of and contribute to the community. Community is not a campaign slogan for me but it has been a way of life.
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Observations from a retiring communications manager
July 15, 2026 by Wendy Smith
By the time you read this, I’ll have retired from the Town of Farragut after 9.5 years of service as the communications manager/PR and marketing coordinator. When I was first hired, I was part of the
Parks & Recreation Department and primarily wrote media releases about events and programs. Oh, how times have changed!
Working for the Town of Farragut has been rewarding in many ways, but I most appreciate the opportunity to work with Town staff, who are devoted to making Farragut better every day. Here are some of the experiences I’ve enjoyed the most:
Working at Town events: I was hired by Parks & Rec director Sue Stuhl, and it was one of her policies that new staff work every event during their first year. That’s a lot of events. My favorites are Freaky Friday Fright Nite (candy and costumes are always fun) and the Shamrock Ball. When you make kids happy, it’s contagious.
Opening new Town amenities: Ribbon cuttings are fantastic because they’re the public announcement of the end of a project — usually a very long project. The most memorable grand opening was that of the Farragut Community Center on Jan. 16, 2020, the 40th anniversary of the incorporation of Farragut. The Town’s
partnership with Knox County to purchase the former Faith Lutheran Church has provided a space for thousands of events and classes since then, both at the community center and the West Knox County Senior Center. This amazing local government partnership was recognized last year by the Tennessee Municipal League.
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