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.

Why I am running for this position:

I’ve seen Townsend develop from the 1960s to the present and appreciate the thought and effort that’s gone into making Townsend into the Peaceful Side of Smokies and Gateway to Cades Cove. I’m proud of our unique cultural heritage, share enthusiasm for outdoor recreation, healthy lifestyles, and am grateful for everything that gives Townsend its special charm.

In recent years the pace of change has quickened, and I believe that Townsend is at a crucial moment in its history.  The decisions we will take in the coming years are likely to have a significant impact on the way in which Townsend and the surrounding area develop and whether we can maintain a balance that continues to ensure the high quality of life for those living, working, doing business, and visiting in Townsend.

I want to ensure we preserve the unique character of Townsend and the community values and spirit that make us who we are.

I will serve the citizens of Townsend and listen to your concerns and good ideas. As we move forward together, I’ll work to promote good communication and enhance community participation to ensure that all the perspectives of our community are heard and considered by the Board of Commissioners – citizens, local businesses, and our community organizations.

My relevant experience:

In addition to the experience of watching Townsend’s development over the last 50 years, I currently serve on the Townsend City Planning Commission. I’m working to help launch an update of our Community Plan that will set our vision for the coming years and help guide decisions made by the Planning Commission and Board of Commissioners.

I’ve spent most of my career, 22 years, in public service, ensuring the safety of food. I’ve had experience leading large and small initiatives where public involvement and outreach were critical components. I’ve developed and implemented significant budgets ensuring that resources were spent wisely and delivered results on time. In addition, I’ve taught courses in public policy and served on strategic planning committees.

I also have experience working together with other leaders and across different governmental agencies and partner organizations. As a member of the City Commission, this experience will be important when engaging with leaders at the local, county, and state levels and partners to work collaboratively while representing the interests of Townsend.

I am different from the other candidates because:

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 update our Community Plan and set 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 participating in City Commission and Planning Commission meetings since before I contemplated becoming a member of the Planning Commission or running for City Commission 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.