Cassetty Named Commission Chair

Commissioner Chris Cassetty elected to serve as Putnam County Commission Chair Monday night.

Cassetty unanimously elected following selection by the Nominating Committee. Cassetty replaces Ben Rodgers, who will serve as Chair Pro-Tem.

“It’s interesting, I’m excited,” Cassetty said. “I’m very appreciative. I feel like I have a lot to offer, but I’ve been blessed to follow behind Ben Rogers, follow behind people like Mike Atwood. One of the two of them have been chairman the entire time I’ve been on the commission. So big shoes to fill, but I’m excited we’ve got a good commission.”

Cassetty said he believes the key to working with commissioners is keeping an open dialogue and staying focused on the goals at hand.

“My role is traffic cop just to make sure things flow smoothly, to make sure we dot the I’s and cross the T’s, and to make sure we stay on topic,” Cassetty said. “Sometimes if something comes up that maybe we might tend to get off topic, keep us going down the right direction.”

Rodgers steps down from the chair role saying earlier this year he needed to spend more time traveling the state in his new role as Executive Director of the Tennessee County Officials Association.

“I really appreciate your support,” Rodgers said. “You have done so much for me and helped me. Thank you.”

Kathy Dunn elected as chair of the Fiscal Review Committee. Cathy Reel will serve as vice-chair. Terry Randolph elected chair of Planning Committee with Darren Wilson serving as vice-chair. Commissioner Danny Holmes will serve as chair of Nominating Committee.

The first grade class of Highland Rim Academy opened Monday’s meeting of the Putnam County Commissioners. The first graders presented the pledge and delivered a special invocation Monday night.