Hey neighbors, here’s a quick look at what I’ve been doing this month as I run for Cumberland County Commissioner in District 3.

April 1 – Trip to the State Capitol

Leadership Cumberland traveled to Nashville for a Capitol tour and meetings with state officials. We had a full day with meetings with

• Secretary of State Tre Hargett
• state historian, Dr. Carroll Van West
• lobbyists and legislative assistants
• and spoke with our representative, Speaker Cameron Sexton. He highlighted several bills, including his efforts to build a new lodge at Cumberland Mountain State Park as a public-private partnership and news that the transfer fee proposal to assist in funding road projects and maintenance was unlikely to pass in the current session.

I’ve visited the Capitol and had meetings with legislators many times. Every trip teaches me something new. District 3 needs a commissioner who already knows the legislators, the process, and how to best advocate for our county along with the county mayor.

April 8 – Health and Safety Standards Board

I was elected as chairman for this role, as District 2 Commissioner Nancy Hyder passed away this month. I have enjoyed serving as vice chair on the HSSB and worked closely with her for the past six years. She will be missed by so many.

This was our first meeting since September 2025 and the first under the new complaint process. We reviewed two code violation cases and approved notices to the owners. Next meeting: May 20.

April 9 – Emergency Services Committee

Only three commissioners showed up, so there was no quorum to conduct business. The chairman is Tom Isham – district 2.  Others in attendance included Wiley Potter – district 1 and Jerry Cooper – district 7.  Committee members who were absent included Darrell Threet – district 3, Charles Sieber – district 4, Terry Lowe – district 5, Wendell Wilson – district 6, Greg Maxwell – district 8 and John Patterson – district 9. The valuable updates from the following were very informative for those in attendance:

• Coroner Ben Gibson noted drug-related deaths are driving up autopsy costs (6–8 per month at $3,500 each), especially tied to homelessness and substance issues.
• Sheriff Casey Cox said burglaries are down because drug arrests are up. There is a direct correlation between those two activities. Internet/sex crimes and Bitcoin scams targeting seniors are rising. He’s acquired new drones and furnished special detox holding rooms in the jail. The holding rooms allow for addicts to ‘come down’ from their status without harming themselves or others.
• Fire Chief, EMS, and Emergency Management leaders updated us on staffing, training, new equipment, and recent drills.

Public safety is a big priority for me and as the county budget process advances, I will be attentive to the needs to provide adequate funding.

April 20 – CPWA (Water Authority) Meeting

In the monthly meeting, CPWA discussed

• the ongoing search for a CFO and may consider contracting the service
• The TN Dept. of Homeland Security requested a mountaintop water tower spot for a state emergency radio antenna
• discussions about standardizing water policies and launching a new regional water study
• update regarding the City of Crossville potential consolidation and referendum – possibly as soon as August

Public Engagement and Candidate Forums

I’ve enjoyed presenting myself as the District 3 County Commission candidate in a variety of forums. I enjoy meeting with people and taking note of any concerns expressed as I look forward to serving the county in a new role.

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Strong and informed leadership matters. I’ve attended many of these meetings for almost a decade as an engaged citizen. I now attend with an eye toward being prepared for the commission responsibilities

If you have questions, concerns, or ideas, reach out—I’d love to hear from you!

Thanks for your support, Craig