Personal Background:
I have lived in Manchester for 46 years. My children were born and raised in Manchester. My wife and I attend Summitville United Methodist church. I served on the Manchester City School Board for 10 years, and as your Alderman for the last 4 years.
I have an Associate’s of Science Degree from Cleveland State as well as a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia.
My 1st wife passed away in 1987 leaving me with 3 small children. I remarried in May 1988, to Teresa Bellamy. We have been happily married for 32 years and have 5 children and 14 grandchildren. Teresa is a teacher for Westwood Elementary.
Give work background:
I was employed with the City of Manchester Police Department for 40 years (39 years, 9 months, and 10 days). I started my career as a patrolman and ended my 40-year career as the Assistant Police Chief. I taught D.A.R.E for 10 years. I also had several part-time jobs with Pizza Hut, Pilot Oil, and Wal-Mart. I am currently employed by Coffee County as a Judicial Commissioner.
Why did you decide to run?
I love this city and it has been good to me, it’s paid my bills for 40 years. It’s time for me to give back. It’s time we move forward and make Manchester a better place to live. I want to help keep taxes as low as possible, control spending, and leave Manchester a better, safer place for our citizens and guest. We, as a Board of Mayor and Alderman, must work together. No one alderman can do anything by themselves. It takes teamwork. I will work hard for Manchester, putting our citizens first. Let us stand up to fix the problems in Manchester and not pass them along to our children and grandchildren.
What are the positives about being Mayor or Alderman?
As an Alderman, I have the opportunity to listen and help solve problems for the citizens of Manchester.
Negatives about the job:
What frustrates me the most is seeing things that need to be done, but not having the money to take care of it. It is difficult to make hard decisions on which items get fixed, due to money.
Any changes you would like to make?
I want to help Manchester grow. We have a new Economic Development Board and I would like to see this board hire an Economic Development person to recruit new business and help the business’ already in place grow.
Tell people why they should vote for you.
I use common sense and I have served as an Alderman for the last 4 years. During my term as Alderman, I worked on the College Street Elementary School expansion, sidewalks on Hills Chapel Road, maintained the 6-million-dollar fund balance, and no new taxes. I also helped guide the City of Manchester through this Covid 19 crisis. We have maintained full employment throughout the city, with no layoffs. I worked to hold down the Conference Center deficit to half of what is was 4 years ago. I want to continue to help our citizens and our city. I can work with a team, but I am not afraid to stand alone for what is right. If you have any comments, questions, or concerns, please call me at (931-247-5132). As long as the Covid 19 restrictions are in place, I will not be going door to door. However, if you would like a face to face conversation, call or text me and I will be happy to meet you.
