Cookeville City Council Candidates Weigh In On Community Issues

Growth, growing pains, diversity, police and fire coverage, the future of Cookeville Regional, and the need to elect the mayor individually…some of the issues discussed by the 11 candidates for Cookeville City Council Tuesday night.

The 11 candidates participated in a 90-minute forum where residents had the chance to ask questions of concern.

Candidate Dee Prince said that when it comes to addressing those struggling with mental health issues outside the court system, leaning on law enforcement and mental health facilities could help.

“Expediting the process of getting them in and getting them help, getting through the program,” Prince said. “And then quite possibly turning them to faith-based organizations or organizations such as our substance abuse program over at the UCHRA.”

On the topic of Cookeville’s Fire Department, Candidate Lynda Marie Loftis-Webb said she finds it ironic that firefighters don’t have things like waterproof walkie-talkies and other equipment to best do their jobs.

“They don’t have necessarily the safety equipment that is top-notch for the job that they need to do to save our lives,” Loftis-Webb said. “They answer every single call they get with passion and motivation to make Cookeville safer.”

Candidate Jeremy Bowman said one way to address the gaps in employment is to find a way to keep Tennessee Tech grads in the community, which has been a struggle.

“Because most of them come here, and then they’re like ‘Okay I’ve gotten a better offer somewhere else and I’m not going to stay here,’” Bowman said. “You know it really comes down to, we have plenty of jobs to keep people here, we just have to show them that this is where they need to stay.”

Candidate Ali Bagci said he is looking for higher-paying jobs that would benefit the entire community.

“I think a way that we could narrow that gap is simply by attracting industry in here that is going to reinvest in its human resource with higher wages,” Bagci said.

When it comes to raising taxes, Candidate Jordan Iwanysyzn said the priority is to find efficiencies.

“And we also need to look at creative ways for funding,” Iwanysyzn said. “Reach out to the business community and sponsorships, reach out to individuals.”

Incumbent Laurin Wheaton said with building the Heart of the City Playground, the expansion of Cane Creek Park, and renovations to West End Park, expanding green space is at the forefront of the councils’ minds.

“We realize that green space is something that’s going to attract people that’s going to improve the quality of life so it’s something that we’re always trying to do,” Wheaton said. “But I think that Cookeville already has some great areas so improving them, expanding them is something that I’m proud that we’ve done and will continue to do on City Council.”

Incumbent Mark Miller said the most important matter Cookeville faces is avoiding future traffic issues.

“Currently, we have some development going on south of the interstate, and one thing that I think that we are already behind the game on is creating a South Interstate Drive,” Miller said. “We need to go over Pilots Knob with a road that can connect behind Sam’s Club and over near Green Gate Lane.”

Candidate Chad Gilbert said a key for him is a deliberate pattern for how Cookeville will grow.

“That 2030 plan needs to be updated to a 2040 plan,” Gilbert said. “That’s exciting to think that’s where we can engage the public and get a consensus from them or at least some major opinions as to how they want to see things going. Then as a council, we can take that and go execute.”

Candidate Luke Eldridge was asked about Cookeville’s hometown feel and how a growing community impacts that.

“I don’t think we will lose that small town feel, because I think it is in everybody’s heart to keep it that way,” Eldridge said. “We want to keep it that way. We want to keep Cookeville, Cookeville. We do not want to be Murfreesboro. We do not want to be those areas.”

Candidate Ali Bagci said he is looking for higher-paying jobs that would benefit the entire community.

“I think a way that we could narrow that gap is simply by attracting industry in here that is going to reinvest in its human resource with higher wages,” Bagci said.

Incumbent Eric Walker said a lack of affordable housing is a key issue city council members should address.

“One of our biggest problems is housing,” Walker said. “We’re seeing new houses being built, but they’re being sold for well over 300, 350, or $400,000. Somebody working an average job in Cookeville cannot simply afford that.”

Candidate Brian Jones said he wants to keep residential developments local.

“We have a great planning committee in the city of Cookeville,” Jones said. “We have a great structure set up. I think we just need to stay the course and just do everything that best suits Cookeville and I think we need to grow within Cookeville and stay within our leaders, our builders, contractors, and bankers.”

In addition to resident questions, six community leaders asked questions in specific areas where the council focuses time and resources. These included affordable housing, business interests, crime, diversity, helping those in need, and leadership.

Former Mayor Matt Swallows asked the candidates whether the city should consider selling Cookeville Regional. None of the three candidates who answered the question supported the move. Former Chamber President Wayne Cravens asked whether real estate or other taxes would need to be raised as needs grow.