Applicant Interviews

Ward 3 Alderman Applicants to Fill Mayor Corbitt's Seat

On Thursday night a special Board of Mayor and Alderman meeting was held at city hall. The purpose for this meeting was to interview applicants for the position of Alderman representing ward 3. Out of the ten applicants, six were in attendance. The residents that applied for the position were; Dale Willett, Gary Faust, Jerry Manlove, Kevin Stewart, Linda Silver, Melissa Thomas, Morgan Holloway, Stacie Henderson, Troup Kirkus, and William Lowe.

From left to right, Gary Faust, Stacie Henderson, William Lowe, Linda Silver, Kevin Stewart, and Melissa Thomas. For the rest of the article each applicant will be referred to by their last name.

Human resource director, Amanda Brewton, laid out the rules for the interviews. Each candidate will be asked a question and with each question, the person answering first will change. Two minute responses are all that will be allowed. There will be a 30 second warning before the candidate is asked to stop. At the end there will also be a two minute opportunity for any closing remarks along with questions from the board.

#1) I am going to read the definition of “immediate family” per the City of White House’s policy. “An immediate family member includes spouse, children, parents, parents-in-law, children-in-law, brothers, sisters, brother-in-law, and sisters-in-law. Do you have any immediate family members employed by the city of White House? Faust was the first to answer this question. His response, and all other responses, was no.

#2) What do you think are the roles and responsibilities of an alderman in our community?

Henderson- An alderman is to be a steward of the community. Their role is to make good decisions for the community. They should listen to the people and do what’s best for those they serve. An alderman should aid in what needs to be done for the city and serve the community.

Lowe- An alderman is to be a conduit to the people of the ward. One should be a good steward of trust. An alderman should be fair, listen to the people, be strong, and stand up for what is right. A good alderman needs to be a facilitator to solve problems. This position is a liaison between the government and the citizens. You are part of team and should know your role on that team. An alderman should both offer and take ideas, ultimately to make the city better.

Silver- Aldermen serve two roles. The first is to be a geographic liaison to the city for the citizens of the ward. That alderman will listen to the residents and resolve issues. The second role is to be a symbol of the city, an example. You are part of a governing body and need to work as a team. It’s the job of the alderman to help provide value for the taxation that is implemented.

Stewart- The previous candidates have all described what an alderman’s responsibilities are. I agree that the role is good custodianship. That applies not just to our district, but the entire city depends on the board to be good stewards. An alderman should also be fiscally responsible. When growth occurs, it needs to be in a sustainable manner.

Thomas- Most importantly an alderman needs to be a good listener and solicit feedback. You need to be in service to the community and your neighbors. An alderman needs to look at what the city wants or needs and bring ideas to the board. The position collaborates with the board and the community. Being good stewards of tax dollars should be one of the guiding principles.

Faust-First and foremost an alderman needs to be the voice of the community. I hear parents complaining about traffic and an alderman needs to listen and be impartial. The job is to make level and clear decisions and to help the mayor govern the city.

#3) What preparations have you made or background do you have that make you the best person to represent the 15k citizens of the City of White House?

Lowe- I am not originally from White House. I am from Bowling Green KY. In 1989 I came here with the National Guard. I thought it was a neat place. I served my country, and that was the best preparation for this position. I have always been a public servant, first in the military and now teaching school. I am a special education major and have taught for years. I have taught US government and have always wanted to participate. I am very prepared an equipped for this job. I am asking for this job.

Silver- I have been involved in customer service for years, starting in Illinois. I worked for a company that was part of the NAFTA readjustment. I have been a real estate agent and a tax assessor. Those two positions prepared me for understanding both commercial and residential develpments. Currently, I assist in software implementation as a CPA. Aside from my CPA, I also have a masters degree in library sciences. I served on the library board for 8 years which is the length of the terms you can serve before needing to take a few years off. I have been in charge of other peoples’ money for years. I am diplomatic and have an open mind which could benefit the city of White House.

Stewart- My first board that I served on was at 17 years old as a cadet. I have been involved in search and rescue, and am currently a liaison to the health department in my industry. I work with the government to implement regulations in my industry. I am also currently part of the HOA board for the Summerlin subdivsion.

Thomas-I have had a life long passion for public service. My passion came from a history teacher of mine. I have a masters degree in public administration, and a law degree. I have loved all things legal and government. I am not currently practicing law, I work in human resources. I bring relationship building experience to the table.

Faust- A number of years ago I remember seeing a particular house in White House, and thinking I’d like to live there. I now live on Meadows drive across from that house that I loved. I was a combat medic in Afghanistan with the army. I then came back to White House and have set myself up to help the community.

Henderson- I am a native of White House. I have lived here since I was one. I’ve moved away a couple of times, but always come back. I am a people person and have worked in customer service for many years. Currently, I am a school bus driver for Sumner County and a substitute teacher. These positions have helped me connect with the community. That is an important attribute for an alderman, being in relationship with people in your community.

#4) What does a typical day look like for you?

Silver- Currently works for Caterpillar, started in 2020 when they sent everyone home. She has been working from home since then. She spends most of her day at her desk managing the financial accounting for six different accounts. These accounts are spread across the world.

Stewart- He takes his dog out and prepares his kids for school. He is a single father. He works hours that enable him to be home with his children after school for homework and dinner.

Thomas- She is both a mom and a wife. She takes her kids to school and works from home. She spends most of her day in meetings. She is involved as a girl scout troop leader and one of her children just started basketball.

Faust- He leaves the house for Nashville at 6 am where he works as an automotive repairman. He tries to be the best dad he can and attends his children’s events and sports.

Henderson- She is also a single mom, so she is up preparing her kids for school and driving her bus route. When she isn’t subbing, she works for a food service company. After her afternoon route, she rushes home to help her kids and aid with scouts. She is a den leader and was a jr. pro cheerleading coach in the fall.

Lowe- Both of his kids have graduated high school and college. Both graduated from White House schools. He lives with his 81 year old father. He is a teacher by profession, so is at school by the first bell every day. Teaching involves so much more that it tends to tax your mind. He does it as a mission, not for the money. After school he tutors and has a side business where he buys and sells precious metals.

#5) What civic organizations, boards, or commissions have you been a member of either in the City of White House or elsewhere?

Stewart- Civil Air Patrol board as a teen, and currently on the Summerlin HOA

Thomas- This will be the first. She has only served in the Girl Scouts

Faust- He was a leader in the military, but has not served on a civic board. He has served toys for tots starting in 2006.

Henderson- Has not served on a board, but has been a den leader and a cheer coach.

Lowe- He has military service as a combat medic. He is used to taking charge and making decisions. The volunteer work in his background is with jr. pro football and a men’s club in White House. He has coached middle school football and served on numerous committees as teacher.

Silver- She was on the library board for 2 terms and was treasurer for the church she attended in Illinois. As her grandsons grow, she has become involved with their sports.

#6) What are you most passionate about right now?

Thomas- Girl Scouts. She volunteered when no one else would step up and it has turned into one of the biggest blessings. Though this venture she has been able to plan and organize and help mold future leaders. She is really enjoying it and it forced her out of her comfort zone. The troop has adopted veterans and is giving back to the community.

Faust- His family is what he is most passionate about. Truly blessed is how he describes his life with his great wife, family, and community. He wants his daughter to choose to live in White House and he is doing what is best for his family.

Henderson- Her family, children, and community are what she is most passionate about. She wants to see a future in White House for the children she serves. A sense of community and a great education are very important things to her. Both her life and her children are her passions right now. Serving her community would be a dream come true, something she could put a lot into.

Lowe- Over the fall, Mr. Lowe had double pneumonia and the flu. He spent 9 weeks away from school and had to be hospitalized. Being alive is his passion. Spending his days doing good things and making the most out of his days made the list. He is trying to do as many things as he can so he can look himself in the mirror. His father always told him “Do good things and make yourself proud.”

Silver- A few years ago, Silver was “bitten by the political bug.” She has involved herself with various online groups of people who are struggling with the same issues that White House is struggling with. She has found herself on a crusade to keep White House the White House we love. She has spoken with current and past board members and made presentations to the boards. Silver says she has done her fair share of criticizing the government and it might be her turn to take some of the criticism. She also loves to travel.

Stewart- As a victim of bad government in Gallatin and Hendersonville, he also became passionate about politics. He has been toe to toe with the Sumner County commission and the school board. He now wants to ba a part of the decision making process. What impressed him most was Mayor Corbitt’s stance on the renewal of the city administrator's contract at the November meeting. Corbitt wanted the vote to wait for the new board. Stewart likes the leadership that Corbitt possesses and makes him passionate about wanting to be a part of it.

#7) The Board of Mayor and Aldermen meet in regular session on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm. Each board member also serves on a minimum of one other board or commission in the City of White House. This would require attendance at evening meetings. Would your schedule allow for you to serve on one of these boards or commissions?

Faust- Yes. He has great support at home.

Henderson- Yes. Even though she is a single mom, she has extended family to help.

Lowe- Yes. He is single and both of his children are grown.

Silver- Yes

Stewart- Yes

Thomas- Yes. She is all in to serve her community.

#8) There is unprecedented demand for residential housing in Middle Tennessee. How do you feel about growth in our city? Has White House grown too fast, just right, or too slow? What would you do differently?

Henderson- White House has grown too fast, at an alarming rate actually. As a bus driver she deals with the traffic every day. There is too much growth. If you want to build houses, half acre lots are one thing that would help. Slowing growth is not easy, but maybe we need to look at not allowing so many apartments.

Lowe- Each candidate has their vision of White House. That vision depends on how long they’ve lived here and where they are from. There is growth and progress. If one outpaces the other there is trouble. Everything needs to be done concurrently. White House is going to change. We need to embrace the change. We can’t just stop the growth, we need to open the doors and share this community. We need to be willing to accept the growth.

Silver- The growth in White House has been horrible. She moved from a town of 1500 people, and White House had a comparable feel. Now there are national developers here and corporations that want to turn areas into rentals. She is totally opposed to that. People want a home that is safe, and protected. Growth is not mandatory. The new board has new ideas that she respects and wants to be a part of. We are not Nashville and we can be different from the surrounding communities. We need to keep the special essence of White House.

Stewart- Everyone is concerned about the growing pains. We need to protect our heritage and grow sustainably. Other cities have grown uncontrollably. In 2018 his children were rezoned and were going to have to attend five different schools. The county, the city, and the schools did not work together. Infrastructure needs to be addressed. We can’t stop progress, and we can’t have our current residents out priced in the area. The growth needs to be controlled.

Thomas- Twelve years ago, she moved to this “perfect little town.” Now she is watching the growth from Nashville. Sumner County grew 22% from 2010-2020. Projections show that the growth over the next 20 years will be 32%. The growth is coming and it’s not bad. The issue is it went from steady to exponential. We need to get control of how we grow. White House needs not to be reactive like Hendersonville has been.

Faust- Growth is not good or bad. It needs to be throttled and contained. Growth needs to be sustainable. He has been here 4 years, so is part of the growth. As long as we can control it, and add jobs, it will bring people here to live and work.

#9) What is something you want to learn or wish you could do better?

Lowe- I have always been a patient person. I’m good at that. I would like to learn more about how things work and how things are. (he then paused with his eyes closed for 30 seconds) I have just learned how to be more reflective.

Silver- I would like to be a better dancer. I love those little Tik Tok videos where they dance so well. I would like to learn more about space travel. Elon Musk enthralls me. I’d like to learn to live like him.

Stewart- I am currently taking a class in pre hospital trauma life support. I love learning new schools. Ultimately, I’d like to finish my pilot’s license training.

Thomas- I would like to be a better leader, mom, and Christian. In 2020 I tried new hobbies. In 2021 I took up sewing. I am learning new skills in sewing by making children’s clothes.

Faust- My daughter and I got a drum set. I played some when I was younger and forgot it all. I am learning with my daughter how to play drums. I never stop learning. When I was in the military I had a brain injury and had to learn to walk again. I am interested in learning about local government.

Henderson- I want to learn how local government works. I’d like to learn Italian. I’ve taken jobs to get more experience in new things and am always learning from my kids.

#10) On a scale from 1-10 how would you rate the quality of life in White House? What recommendation(s) do you have to make it better?

Silver- It’s a ten. This is a great community with great schools, boards, and residents. The only change she would make is with zoning. Rezoning needs to stop. It would slow the growth. There are already many developments in the pipeline. We need to slow the rezoning from R-20 to SRPUD. The city center is still coming too. Slow it down to keep it a 10.

Stewart- It’s a 9 because nothing is perfect. He moved here to get away from the problems in the Gallatin Hendersonville area. The people here are kind and the community is charming. There is a danger in growing too quickly. We can control the growth by demonstrating good custodianship. As the city moves forward, it should attract new businesses. Mostly, we cannot close of to new citizens.

Thomas- Definitely a 10 for quality of life. She can walk to the soccer fields and be at a restaurant in 2 minutes. Our local restaurants give back to the community. We need to sustain what we have by implementing thoughtful growth.

Faust- He would give it an 8. The growth needs to be looked at, but it still has a small town feel. We have a Kroger and are getting a Publix. This is really the pinnacle of a small town.

Henderson- She would also give White House a 10. She has grown up here, and now is the time to start being a good steward of the city. We need to be careful on how we move forward. We need to make sure WH stays safe and affordable. Feeling safe in the community is her number one priority. Her family often says, “We live in perfectly safe White House.” We need to stay on the track of staying safe and affordable.

Lowe- Many parts are a 10 and many are a 5. That puts his answer somewhere between 8-9. As far as safety goes, White House is a 10. It's safe and has always been that way. He and his family have called White House Mayberry. There was only one stoplight and one high school. There was an ugly split in the city when the high schools separated. That created lots of division. We need to continue to unite the city, and we could use something like a YMCA.

#11) If you had to choose between funding building a 500 vehicle parking area at the soccer complex, purchasing property and building a third fire station on the west side of I-65, or widening Sage Road from the medical center to US31W, which one would you choose?

Stewart- That decision could not be made without more information.

Thomas- It is hard to answer that question without all of the information. Her personal preference would be Sage road, but only because she drives that regularly.

Faust- He too could not answer that question. Without being an alderman and having all of the important information, he could not answer.

Henderson- Build a fire house. That’s important. Public safety is what the city is in charge of. Sage Road is important, but if she had to choose one, the fire house.

Lowe- He would need to ask questions first. What is the time line? What would be the quickest and most economical? Which helps the most people the fastest? He is only one person, what matters is what his ward wants.

Silver- Build the fire station. That is a service the city needs to provide.

Closing Statements

Thomas- She thanked the board and recognized what a privilege it has been to sit with these other candidates. She is not a life long resident but has been honored to call White House home for the last 12 years. She never imagined being political herself, but was compelled to become more involved. Behind the scenes, she has been involved in leadership Sumner, and now as a girl scout leader. She has advocated for HOA changes and been involved with state government for ten years. She has seen positive growth in WH, but the last few years have been concerning. Her open mindedness and experience in state government make her the best candidate for the entire community.

Faust- Once again thanked everyone for their time. He loves to serve and is looking for the opportunity to serve his community. He is the guy that shows up to all of the ball practices and festivals. He would like to be the impartial voice for the community.

Henderson- She began with the fact that all candidates have similar thoughts. She admitted how nervous she was. She has never been to a meeting, but feels that community input is important. It’s time for new blood and she wants to encourage her generation and more people to become involved. She loves to talk to people even though it might not have been obvious by her performance. She has no problem talking to people and vows to be at more meetings even if not selected.

Lowe- Also thanked the board and commented on how it gives him hope to see parents and former students in the audience. Growth is a bone of contention right now, but we need to be willing to welcome others. The world is changing. We have great kids in the city and they will be up here in a few years. We want those kids to come back and when they come back to be proud. The best days are ahead.

Silver- All of the candidates have been brave and bold to be here. Everyone has given their vision. We need to start governing at the local level and serve our neighbors. She stated she is the best choice for the job, not bragging, she just really wants it. She will listen, learn, and help. She has no trouble voicing her concerns and sharing her neighbors concerns with the board. She has worked in real estate, and now as a CPA. She has been making financial decisions and been responsible for spending other people’s money for years.

Stewart- This process is really not a competition. The board did not have to interview everyone and it speaks volumes about the board for conducting these interviews. That is a board he looks forward to being a part of.

*End of interview questions*

Herman, city administrator, reminded the board of the sunshine laws. The board cannot discuss candidates or this interview with each other outside of a city meeting. The board may talk to any of the candidates. Out of the 10 applicants two withdrew, and two were not able to attend. The alderman will be chosen at the February meeting and will be required to attend the budget retreat in March before they are sworn in.

Mayor Corbitt thanked everyone for participating and acknowledged that it is not easy. No one is coming into this for the money, and all applicants did an outstanding job.

Hutson agreed that everyone did an awesome job.

Spicer was excited to see so many applicants and reminded them that she had been in their position last year. She was not picked, but reminded them they can still run for office in the next election.

Matthews thanked them all and the meeting was adjourned.

The meeting was over an hour long. In this article I have done my best to convey the answers each applicant gave. Often the wording was added or modified in order to convey their statements in print. The ideas were kept true. I take notes by hand and am not always able to get everything exactly as presented. Thank you for your time in reading this. My opinion piece will follow.

Venmo @Nicole-Taylor-262 if you find my writing worth while and want to send me some coffee (or more pens)