About Don

Occupation: Veterinarian, food safety

Biographical info:

I grew up nearby in Concord, spending summers with my aunt and uncle in Townsend, where I developed a lifelong passion for hiking and fishing in the Great Smoky Mountains. I graduated from Farragut High School in 1981 and majored in Biology at the University of Tennessee. I finished my undergrad at Virginia Commonwealth and went on to veterinary school at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg earning my doctorate of veterinary medicine. After veterinary school, I began a career in public health, working in food safety.

My wife Julie and I live on Old Tuckaleechee Road, where I spent summers growing up. We have three children, including one who recently graduated from Heritage High School and is now going to UTK. We attend Tuckaleechee United Methodist Church and enjoy the Little River Railroad and Lumber Company Museum and the Great Smoky Mountains Heritage Center among the many great places in Townsend. I belong to the Heritage Tractor and Engine Club and, on occasion, have shown my 1962 International Harvester B414 tractor at the Visitor’s Center.

What relevant experience do I have?

For the past four years I have served as Townsend’s Mayor (and Commissioner of Police) also sitting on the Planning Commission and serving on the Community Plan Advisory Cmte. 

During this time I’ve worked to deliver an updated Community Plan and Parks and Recreation Master Plan making us eligible for grants that were previously unavailable, passed new regulations to manage short term rentals, received a significant donation from the Maryville-Alcoa Civitans of the Special People’s Park and adopted a 3% lodging tax that will help address restoration and enhancements to this well-loved venue along with maintenance of our bike trail and green space. 

I’ve worked to add a new zoning district to control highway intensive uses, fostered the creation of a new regulation for special events and signed an MOU with Blount Partnership to ensure harmony with the Events Center.  I’ve also worked with Blount County to develop a sustainable solution for restoration and future maintenance of the Townsend-Dark Island Historic Swinging Bridge.

I’m especially proud of our newly launched phone app “City of Townsend TN” which will provide good communication between our residents, businesses and community and City Hall.  With the ability to opt-in to push notfications citizens can be updated on City meetings and events, emerging weather conditions, and access services from the palm of their hand. The ability to upload tips to police and fire departments and report potholes/burned out street lights/down trees (with photos) to City maintenance will definitely enhance community participation.

Why am I running for this position?

While these are all accomplishments I’m proud of there’s still work to be done.  Over the last four years we’ve laid important foundations for Protecting the Peaceful Side, Enhancing Our Quality of Life, Promoting Public Safety, and Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility.  With your support, I’ll work with our City Commissioners and wonderful City Staff to further implement and build on these foundations for the benefit of our citizens.

In full transparency, I’ll share that over the last four years there have also been challenging times.  As Mayor, it’s been my responsibility to tough tackle issues: ensuring we have updated personnel practices and accounting procedures to prevent fraud and abuse, to stand up for the integrity of our City borders against de-annexation, to work with utility providers to establish resilent sources of clean water and power, to protect the Little River and our green space, and stand up to bullies who want to flout our ordinances and values. 

Why should you elect me?

I’ll stand up for the Peaceful Side of Smokies.  As part of the extensive effort to define our character and values, I support the Vision developed by residents of the City and our Tuckaleechee Cove neighbors contained in our Community Plan.

I’ll provide solid leadership and sound judgment.  The challenges and opportunites over the past four years have steeled my leadership skills and made me acutely aware of the gravity of the decisions needed to secure the Peaceful Side.  The potential to get wrapped around the axle, failure to see the big picture, or encounter paralyzed inaction is real.  I’ll stay focused on solving the most important problems.

I’ll continue to priortize transparency (noting we have made excellent progress posting agendas, then providing audio and video of City meetings, and now full meeting materials published on-line).  I’ll work to go even further to encourage community participation.  And I’ll deepen our relationships with County, State and other municipalities and organizations that help us in so many ways.

Importantly, I’ll listen to residents and our community’s concerns and dreams for the future.  Above all, with your support – I’ll continue to serve the residents of the City of Townsend.

How am I different from the other candidates?

First, let me say, I have sincere respect and admiration for the other candidates for this position. It takes no small amount of courage to offer yourself for public service.

Among the things that make me different from some of the other candidates is the level of experience I will bring to this position. Experience will be important as we advance our vision for the future of the Peaceful Side of the Smokies.

I also believe that our city government should be lean, effective, and responsive. Carefully managing our resources, providing the right services, supporting good decision-making, and being transparent to our citizens will all be important.

My demonstrated record of leading our City Council, guiding the Planning Commission, and addressing numerous challenges and opportunities over the last four years is evidence of my commitment. I’m dedicated to working together to ensure Townsend remains a nice place to live, work, do business, and visit.

Commitment to listening, many years of proven leadership, common sense, and a strong desire to serve our community are qualities that I will bring to this position.