Duncan Cave Seeks 2nd Ward Alderman Post

BY TOM YANCEY, STAFF WRITER

Duncan Cates Cave is a candidate for alderman in Greeneville's 2nd Ward in the June 1 city election.

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.

Cave, 32, of 106 Parkwood Circle, is an attorney. He is married to Dr. Lyndsey Hazen-Cave, and is the son of Elaine Cave and Robert Payne Cave, Sr..

Cave received his B.S. degree Cum Laude from Vanderbilt University and his law degree from Cumberland School of Law.

He has never before sought public office.

Cave served two years in the U.S. Naval Reserve, and is a member of the Exchange Club of Greeneville.

He is a graduate of the National Criminal Defense College, and twice earned Academic All-Southeastern Conference honors while playing varsity football at Vanderbilt.

He gave the following responses to questions asked of all five candidates for 2nd Ward alderman:

* Why are you a candidate for alderman?

Cave: "As an alderman I can serve my community in another capacity as well as a practicing attorney."

* What do you believe is the most important quality that an alderman 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?

Cave: For the first question, Cave wrote: "Intelligence and a desire to do what is in the best interests of all of the people of Greeneville." For the second question, he wrote, "I was born and raised in Greeneville and I became a licensed attorney."

* 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?

Cave: "Part 1 -- A more prosperous and vibrant community."

"Part 2 -- At this time there are many undeveloped and unused areas within the town limits, and when the economy improves, I expect businesses and industry to occupy these areas."

"Part 3 -- Not at this time, but perhaps when the recession has ended."

* In your opinion, should the Board of Mayor and Aldermen take any action concerning the controversial 2008 transfer of maintenance staff trom 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?

Cave: "The transfer of these employees is a fait accompli. The controversy has been whether the transfer has been accomplished with proper authority. The lines of authority should be clarified to avoid any future misunderstanding."

* 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?

Cave: "Part 1 -- No."

"Part 2 -- No, I expect everyone to be fair and honest in their dealings with the town's finances."

* 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?

Cave: "If Highland School represents a duplication of educational services -- therefore non-essential -- then it would be acceptable to close the school."

* What steps do you see as appropriate and needed in the Greeneville Historic District?

Cave: "Every effort should be made to attract the resources available for the development of downtown Greeneville."

* Are you comfortable with Greeneville's current level of long-term debt? Why or why not?

Cave: "No. We must learn to live within our means. When an opportunity arises that will definitely improve our town, then we must have the resources available to take advantage of that opportunity."

* 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 Board of Mayor and Aldermen do to help employers keep jobs here, and help in attracting new jobs and employers?

Cave: "The town government must place the smallest tax burden on employers as possible and provide adequate governmental services such as law enforcement and infrastructure. The results will be low unemployment and a healthy market for goods and services created by those employed."

* If you wish to comment on something not covered in a question, please feel free to do so.

Cave did not provide an additional comment.