Alderman W.T. Daniels Seeks Election As Mayor
BY JOHN M. JONES JR., EDITOR
Greeneville Alderman W.T. Daniels, of Brentwood Drive, is seeking election as mayor of Greeneville.
The election is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1, but early voting is currently under way and will continue through Thursday, May 27.
Elections for the Greeneville Board of Mayor and Aldermen are conducted on a non-partisan basis. Candidates run for office as individuals rather than as party representatives.
Daniels, 65, has been a 2nd Ward alderman of the town for 20 years.
He is married to Andrea Susong Daniels, and they have two daughters, Deanna and Angela Taylor, and four grandchildren.
He is a graduate of Greeneville High School and received advanced training from the Parks Belk Training Center.
Daniels states that he "proudly served as a sergeant in the United States Army and was honorably discharged."
His occupation is property management and real estate development.
In addition to his responsibilities as alderman, Daniels has served as chairman of the Greeneville Regional Planning Commission for 16 years and as chairman of the Greeneville Light & Power System Board for 12 years.
He is also a member of the Industrial Park Agency and is a former president of the former Greeneville-Greene County Area Chamber of Commerce, which became part of the Greene County Partnership in the early 1990s.
A member of Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he is a former Major Gifts chairman of the United Way of Greene County and has been co-chairman of the annual Takoma Golf Classic charity event for more than 25 years.
Daniels is also a member of the Moose Lodge.
He gave the following responses to questions asked of both candidates for mayor by The Greeneville Sun:
* Why are you a candidate for mayor?
Daniels: "We here in Greeneville are in tough times today, and our problems are many and significant. The present mayor's policies are not working; in fact, her policies have made things worse.
"I am in this race because I want to make a difference in Greeneville. That is why I am running."
* What do you believe is the most important quality that a mayor needs in order to handle this complicated, many-faceted job? What in your background and experience do you believe best prepares you for this office?
Daniels: "There are many qualities our mayor should have.
"All good leaders must have compassion for the citizens they serve and for the hard-working city employees that also work for the betterment of our beautiful Town of Greeneville.
"The mayor should be a team-builder. Not someone who tears people apart.
"Having a good business background is essential.
"It is important that our mayor have the ability to relate to the problems our town now faces and to relate to the problems the citizens of Greeneville are now facing.
"I know what it is to make a payroll and how to live and work on a very tight budget.
"Integrity and character are the most important factors for anyone running for mayor.
"I try to operate my life according to my personal Christian values. When elected, I will operate the Town of Greeneville using those values.
"Further, I am convinced beyond all doubt that the United States Constitution and its precepts should be the backbone of ALL government. The Constitution is the guide that should be used for all national, state, and local governments.
"That is my firm belief. That will not change when I am elected your mayor."
* Think 20 years into the future. How do you see Greeneville in 2030? Do you expect growth by "infilling" within the town limits? Do you anticipate a substantial amount of annexation around the current town limits?
Daniels: "I do not believe that anyone, no matter how educated or talented, can forecast the future based on today's data.
"As a business person, I know how hard it is to put in place a five-year or even a three-year business plan without making numerous adjustments along the way.
"However, I will tell you part of my dream for our Town of Greeneville 20 years down the road.
"I envision Greeneville will be a town that has preserved its historic sites and kept its many family and community traditions intact.
"I see a community where full employment is the norm and anyone seeking a good job will have job opportunities available. A town that offers a safe and secure place to work, play, and raise a family.
"Twenty years from now the plans we have in the works today will have been completed, and our downtown area will be a showplace for the nation.
"I see a town that has decided to put the emphasis on services to and for its citizens and taxpayers.
"The historic brick-and-mortar will have been preserved or restored. However the town will be best known for the people that live there. People like you and me that live, work, and prosper in a town in East Tennessee called Greeneville."
* In your opinion, should the person elected/re-elected mayor take any action concerning the controversial 2008 transfer of maintenance staff from the Dept. of Parks & Recreation to the Dept. of Public Works? If so, what action should be taken? Please explain the reasons for your reply.
Daniels: "I am among many Greenevillians who believe that this was handled poorly by the current administration under the leadership of Ms. King. Yes, certain corrections need to be made."
* Within the last 10 years, have you been a business partner, property co-owner, etc., with any other candidate for mayor or alderman? If so, give the basic details. Would you see it as a problem for current or recent business partners to serve together on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen? Why or why not?
Daniels: "Yes, Darrell Bryan and I have owned a building in downtown Greeneville for some 20-plus years.
"I believe that downtown Greeneville has a solid future. This is a long-term investment and shows my commitment to downtown Greeneville. I am glad to have Darrell as a partner.
"This is the way I support my family. My profession is managing real estate property for myself and others along with real estate development.
"This is what I do for a living. This is my job."
* Closing Highland School has been mentioned as a real possibility after the upcoming 2010-11 school year, to balance the school budget. What is your position on this question?
Daniels: "If there is a major problem at Highland School, I am not aware of it. I have talked to some of the parents of students that attend Highland School, and they did not convey any major problems to me about the school.
"However, all school issues should first go before the school board. This is the elected group of men and women who are in direct charge of our school system."
* What steps do you see as appropriate and needed in the Greeneville Historic District?
Daniels: "The Scott Niswonger plan and the Walters State Community College plan are miles ahead of what many other towns and cities are doing to preserve their heritage.
"I believe if something is not broken, don't fix it! I congratulate Scott and Walters State for taking the bull by the horns and putting a great plan into place."
* Are you comfortable with Greeneville's current level of long-term debt? Why or why not?
Daniels: "No! I am very uncomfortable with the company chosen to manage the vast majority of Greeneville's long-term debt.
"When Ms. King and City Recorder Jim Warner decided that they wanted to use Morgan Keegan again, they were or should have been aware of the numerous national and state articles of alleged Morgan Keegan problems.
"When their pick of Morgan Keegan came up for a vote in the town council meeting, I voted no.
"The Attorney General of Tennessee has launched a huge investigation of the company. Many of the states surrounding Tennessee have done the same, and some states have filed lawsuits against Morgan Keegan.
"Now the United States government has launched a full-fledged investigation into the company as well. The long-term debt situation of Greeneville can end up being a serious problem for all of us today and in the future."
* Unemployment has been very high during the past year, and, while somewhat better now, is still around 15 percent. What, if anything, can the Greeneville Mayor (or Board of Mayor and Aldermen) do to help employers keep jobs here, and help in attracting new jobs and employers?
Daniels: "Any person who needs a good job should have the opportunity to find one. If unemployment is 15 percent or 1 percent and you do not have a good job, then unemployment is too high.
"We here in Greeneville have put in place many tools to bring in new good jobs and to maintain the good jobs we have. The problem is, many of these tools are not working.
"My plan is simple and will work. Let's first fix the existing tools we already have in place for creating and maintaining jobs."
* If you wish to comment on something not covered in a question, please feel free to do so.
Daniels: "For the last couple of years there seems to be an elitist view coming from the mayor's office. The present administration seems to pattern its self along the lines of the present federal government in Washington, D.C.
"The attitude that 'the government' knows what is best for you and me and our desires do not matter is dead-wrong. It is wrong for Washington, D.C., and it is very wrong for the Town of Greeneville.
"This attitude will change if you allow me to serve you as mayor."