Wilson County is losing farmland to unchecked development, and once it’s gone, it’s gone for good. My plan protects farmers without raising taxes by keeping property taxes based on how land is actually used, not its value to developers, through stronger use of the Greenbelt program. I will work with landowners, land trusts, and existing state and federal programs to voluntarily protect farmland while keeping it privately owned and in production without the county buying land or creating new spending. I support smart growth that directs development to areas that already have roads and utilities, while preserving rural zoning and large farm parcels. Finally, I’ll back local farmers by supporting farmers markets, agritourism, and cutting unnecessary red tape so farming stays profitable. This approach has been proven to work across Tennessee, protects property rights, saves taxpayer money, and ensures Wilson County can grow without losing its farming heritage.

Wilson County can have affordable housing without sacrificing farmland. My plan focuses on building homes where infrastructure already exists, like vacant lots and underused spaces in our towns, so we can keep costs low without developing farmland. I support starter homes, townhomes, and housing for young families, seniors, and workers, while protecting rural and agricultural land through smart zoning and conservation programs. By building responsibly and keeping farming viable, we can ensure families can afford to live here, our farms stay productive, and Wilson County grows in a way that benefits everyone.

Our teachers deserve competitive pay for the important work they do educating Wilson County’s children. I support a 5% pay increase for teachers to help retain and attract quality educators. Based on the county’s budget, this increase can be implemented without immediately raising property taxes by prioritizing funds, controlling administrative costs, and using available state and federal education programs. This approach rewards our teachers, strengthens our schools, and protects taxpayers, ensuring Wilson County continues to provide excellent education for all students.

Protecting Wilson County’s environment is essential for our community’s health and quality of life. I support policies that preserve open spaces, protect our waterways, and encourage development that is planned responsibly. This includes supporting conservation programs, maintaining local parks and greenways, and ensuring that new projects minimize environmental impact. By taking these steps, we can protect our natural resources, maintain Wilson County’s rural character, and leave a cleaner, healthier environment for future generations.