Seeking re-election for a second term as Lebanon’s Mayon Philip Craighead says he "loves this city" and appreciates the opportunity to serve the citizens of Lebanon for the past four years. "I learned the importance of serving others and working hard from my parents," he said. Philip moved to Lebanon in 1969 when his parents, Reverend Billy and Marie Craighead, relocated here from Pulaski, TN to serve at First United Methodist Church. He graduated from Lebanon High School, and earned a business degree at MTSU. While in school, he operated two family businesses, running the KOA Campground and Lebanon Skating Rink. Philip, and wife Darlene, later became successful business owners, owning a home building business and a highway construction company. "While operating our businesses, l learned the importance of cost control and keeping an eye on the budget," Craighead said. When budget cuts reduced the city’s charitable contributions, Craighead spearheaded the Whip Crackin' Rodeo, a popular community event that has raised over $115,000 for local charities in three years.

Robert "Bob" O’Brien and Pat, wife of 48 years, moved to Lebanon the first time in 1992, when Bob worked for Bridgestone/ Firestone Americas Inc.  After living in Lebanon for 10 years, the O’Briens relocated to Ohio due to a career move. Following retirement, Bob and Pat looked at many areas of the country to make their permanent home. "We moved back to Lebanon in 2005 because of our love for this community our church, and the wonderful friendships we have" he said. Now the O’Briens enjoy visits with their four grandchildren and two daughters.

Bob’s decision to run for Mayor of Lebanon began with concerns, he says, "many people share" about the disharmony between the current City Council and Mayor and the city’s budget problems.

 Mayor Hagerty and his wife, Katrina, were brought to Middle Tennessee with a job transfer "We looked around the area, and decided to make Mt. ]uliet our home in 1982," he said. "Katrina and I raised our three daughters here, and we worked hard growing our business," said Hagerty. The Hagerty's own Heritage Christian Academy a school for home school students. Mayor Hagerty works as Operations Manager for Dealers Warehouse, a construction products company. The Hagertys also have two grandchildren, and one on the way "We were living our lives, raising our kids, building our business, and I didn't know where City Hall was," Ed said. "Then in the 1990's, the city government started doing things that I and others questioned. We formed a community group of concerned citizens. It was that group that urged me to run for office," added Hagerty.

 Jim Bradshaw was born in Wilson County and says he is "proud to call Mt. ]uliet home." He is the senior member of the Mt. ]uliet City Commission, having served for the past 15 years. He has also served on the Wilson County Commission for two years. Jim worked for the State of Tennessee for 25 years; in mental health, corrections, education, and for the School for the Blind. Following retirement from the state, he began substitute teaching for the Wilson County Schools. Jim also actively supports many community organizations, especially the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.

“My daughter had cancer at age five, and overcame it," he said, "but it returned when she turned 24." His daughter passed away two years ago, and now he devotes a great deal of time helping the Relay for Life event.

 ]amie Luffman grew up in the Lakeview area of Mt Iuliet and has lived there his entire life. He and wife ]ill, and son Josh, reside in the Windtree subdivision. Since graduating from Mt. ]uliet High School, ]amie has made a career of saving people's lives. He has served the community as a firefighter and emergency medical tech [EMT] for 2 years, currently working for Wilson Emergency Management Agency and Summit Medical Center He previously worked for DuPont, developing their hazmat, fire protection, and rescue plans, and supervising a full service emergency service department. "Mt. ]uIiet has struggled with a lack of proper planning in the areas of fire protection and emergency services. For years, l have helped one person at a time, and as may l can help many more," Luffman stated. He noted his extensive training and experience in the emergency services field has prepared him to address Mt. ]uliet's most critical public safety issues. "I have the experience and a better understanding about how to effectively keep our citizens safe. Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our community" Luffman added.

 Mike ]ennings is truly an example of a hometown boy who "made good' A lifelong resident of Watertown, he has been married to wife Janice for 36 years, and they are the proud parents of three sons. After graduating from law school, he began his law practice in Lebanon. ]ennings was elected Mayor of Watertown at the age of 28, and has served for 29 years. He is also the Wilson County Attomey Now in his 11th term, his is running unopposed for re-election as Watertown’s Mayor:

"Tell us a liitle about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Lebanon City Council"

Running unopposed I am a graduate of Lebanon High School. I graduated from MTSU with a Bachelors of Business Administration with a major emphasis in Computer Information Systems. I have owned and operated Jewell Signs since 1989. I am a lifelong resident ofthe City of Lebanon - Born in Ward 1 - I live in Ward 1 — I work in Ward 1. Iwill always be here to help Ward 1.

"Tell us a liitle about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Lebanon City Council"

I am a lifelong member of our Lebanon community I have been married to Randy Stafford for 35 years. I have three children, and eight wonderful grand—children. I have been a self—employed realtor for 25 years. I currently work with Cumberland Real Estate. l previously served on the Lebanon City Council. l have a great working relationship with the County and have served with the County Commission since 1998.

"Tell us a liitle about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Lebanon City Council

I graduated from Wilson County High School, Tyler Barber College, and TN State University with a BA degree, and served honorably in the U.S. Army. I am a staff announcer on WCOR/WANT radio. I serve on numerous community boards, including the Lebanon Airport Commission, the 911 Board of Wilson County and the Wilson County Civic League. During my previous service as a Lebanon City Councilman, we accomplished many things for our community and for Ward Two, and it was done without a tax increase.

 "Tell us a liitle about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Lebanon City Council"

I have two children and a grand-daughter I’ve had the privilege of working for the City of Lebanon as a Law Enforcement Officer for over 32 years. I had the opportunity to work for four Mayors, and with many council members and department heads. I understand the full scope of operations and the budgetary processes within the City I know my experience has - and will- serve the citizens of our city well, and I will do so in a professional and efficient manner. I believe my understanding of the city’s history as well as my dedication to the city throughout my career will make me an effective candidate for a member of the City Council.

"Tell us a liitle about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Lebanon City Council

I am a life-long resident of Lebanon and have lived in Ward 5 most of my life. I am a 1976 graduate of Lebanon High School and a 1978 graduate of Cumberland College. I furthered my education at Belmont College and MTSU. My most important qualification to serve on the city council is the fact I am not connected or affiliated with any current or former city council person. I have no axes to grind, no personal agendas and no pending or former lawsuits pitted against the City of Lebanon.

 "Tell us a liitle about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Lebanon City Council"

My wife ]ulie and I made Lebanon our home in the Fall of 1976. We raised two children here, Amanda and Matt, both of which graduated from LHS. I hold an MBA from MTSU. l'm the current Director of Human Resources at University Medical Center I have over 30 years of senior management experience; served two terms [1997 & 2001] as City Counselor for Ward 5; strong record of ac- complishment; member Board of Directors for Middle Tennessee Electric Membership Co-op; US Army for 3 years with one tour in Vietnam.

Tell us a little about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Mt. Juliet City Commission.

I am a Christian husband and father. I live in Mount Juliet with my beautiful wife of 19 years, Leigh.  We have two daughters who attend Mount Juliet High School.  I have not held an elected public office before though previously I have been on the Mount Juliet Beer Board, Chairman of the Traffic Committee, and currently serve on the Ethics Committee. I have a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  I feel my greatest qualification for serving as Commissioner in District 1 is that I do not approach the position with any baggage.  I feel as a business man, my goal and vision will be strictly for the sustainable growth benefit of Mount Juliet.   We need to plan accordingly for the future.  Having a 5, 10, and 20 year goal is crucial  along with current goals.  

Tell us a little about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Mt. Juliet City Commission.

I was elected in 2000 to the city commission during a time when liquor by the drink was brought to Mt. Juliet by referendum.  We were able to successfully administer this issue, allowing for the Providence Mall to be built, the Paddocks, and other restaurants.  I helped to create the sewer pocket plan in my District 1, gaining sewer access to areas that did not have it, and encouraging both residential and  business growth. I helped to design the first leg of what will soon be the eastern bypass running from Lebanon Road/Bender's Ferry Road to I 40 at the Beckwith Road Interchange. I have lived in Mt. Juliet/District 1 my entire life. I served on the Board of Directors for the Mt. Juliet Youth  Football and Cheerleading organization, and the Mt. Juliet Little League, and coached baseball for 25 years.

Tell us a little about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Mt.Juliet City Commission.

First, I am a Christian…a sinner saved by grace. Second, I am a blessed husband and father. My wife Kelly is a special education teacher at Wilson Central High School, and we have a six month old son named Levi. We attend Victory Baptist Church in Mt. Juliet. I am a graduate of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana with a degree in Management/Marketing.  I have served for almost two years as a member of the Parks and Greenways Board as well as three years on the Beer Permit Board, and am currently the Chairman.

Tell us a little about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Mt. Juliet City Commission.

I came to Mt. Juliet 35 years ago and immediately fell in love with the city and built a home.  I worked for 24 years for Third National Bank, and was a county officer in the Wilson County Clerk & Masters office.  I also owned a mortgage brokerage business.  I feel well qualified to serve on the city commission, having dealt with budgets and finance. Now I am retired, and I spend my time doing what I love most, volunteering in the community and helping people in need. My heart is for the children, and for the last 23 years, I have coached and supported basketball with West Wilson Basketball Association. I am a past president of Mt. Juliet Senior Citizens Center.  What I enjoy most is providing food for families in need, by serving on the board of directors for the Mt. Juliet Help Center.  Six days a week, I go to area grocery stores and pick up food for distribution to needy families, and I also work closely with the Wilson County Schools to provide food for their backpack program for children.  I love working with people and believe in treating everyone the same, regardless of status.

Tell us a little about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Mt. Juliet City Commission.

I have been married to Jill Giles for 28 years who is the Principle at W A Wright Elementary, we have two sons Blake and Josh; Mt. Juliet has been our home since 1989. I received a Business Management degree from Belmont University, have worked in store management, corporate investigations and presently own a business in Mt Juliet. I have served on the Regional Planning Commission for the past 8 years and City Commissioner District 3 for the past 16 months. My fellow commissioners elected me to fill the vacated District 3 seat.

 Tell us a liitle about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Wilson County Commission"

I have lived in Wilson County for fourteen years. I am a devoted husband and father oftwo teenagers. I received my Bachelor's Degree in History from David Lipscomb University and currently work as a Network Engineer I have been an active volunteer for multiple sports teams for my children, and actively help the Mid-Cumberland Young Marines outfit here in Mount ]uliet, and I serve ofthe Executive Board ofthe Nashville Swim League. I feel that my experience as a network engineering consultant has allowed me to learn to work with the general public, and utilize my problem solving skills to determine the best answer to any issue. I believe that I can use my common sense conservative values to continue to bring positive change to the entire county.

"Tell us a liitle about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Wilson County Commission"

I represented District 2 in 2008, and I am running for office again because I am concerned that members of the county commission want to use new taxes to fund county government instead of operating it more efficiently. I have been a resident of Wilson County since 1979. I am currently a Chief Probation Officer with the Wilson County Probation Office. I previously worked for the Sheriff's Department, and was the owner of an investigative office for 16 years. I am also a musician, and have played at the Grand Ole Opry since 1977.

 "Tell us a little about yourself and your qualifications to serve on the Watertown City CounciI...

 James (Tom) Nix, Candidate

I was born in Watertown (August 17, 1941]; educated in the Watertown School System. I am married and have an 11 year old daughter. I serve as treasurer for the Jones Hill Cemetery and have been on the Watertown City Council for 8 years. In my opinion, the most glaring problem we in Watertown face is coping with the antiquated water system. We have constant leaks and at some point this issue will become paramount to the city. The only courses of action are to continue mending the leaks or to replace the pipes. At present, budget restraints dictate that we fix the leak.

Contact Tom Nix: email -  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , call [615) 237-3488 residence, (615) 969-8948

Brandy Holcomb, Candidate

I am 31 years old, married, and a new mother of 4 month old Jackson Bryce Holcomb. I have been teaching and coaching in the Watertown school system for 8 years. It is a primary goal for me to keep liquor and the liquor by the drink out of the city of Watertown. I feel that the dangers heavily outweigh the advantages. I  would like to use any power and vote I may have with the city council to ensure the best possible privileges and opportunities for the students ofthe city of Watertown.

Contact Brandy Holcomb: email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Tony Lea - Candidate

I have lived in or around Watertown for the last 38 years. I have been active in the Volunteer Fire Department for most of those years. I have volunteeredfor many other projects in the community. When I moved back into the city in 2003, I began attending the council meetings and missed only a few. Three years ago I was appointed by the city council to fill a vacant position on the council.


Contact Tony Lea: Email wtlea@charte1:net

Jim Amero, Candidate

I am an active coordinator for the Watertown Mile Long Yard Sale and a merchant here in Watertown. When I learned that Robin Vance was giving up her seat, I decided to run again. I served on the City Council for four years, a few years back I felt  that Watertown needs a merchant to represent the others here in town. Although I haven't been on the council for a few years, people have continued to come to me with concems and questions. I ask for your vote on experience and my presence here in town on a daily basis, and a willingness to listen.

Contact Jim Amero: Call 237-1777