Ward 4 Alderman
Applicant interviews for the open ward 4 position
The open position for ward 4 in the City of White House had eight applicants. Seven of those applicants came to City Hall at 6pm on Thursday June 8th to be interviewed by the board. The eighth applicant, Johhny Gunter, withdrew his application. Each applicant was asked ten questions and had two minutes to answer each. The candidates were interviewed in alphabetical order. There are two questions that every applicant answered the same way. Those two questions will be posted first.
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 member employed by the City of White House? Every applicant answered no.
6. 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? Every applicant answered yes.
Jessica Bowman
2. What do you think are the roles and responsibilities of an alderman in our community? Bowman stated that she is not certain how the city works. She knows that the alderman is to be a representative for the community and for the ward. She views the position as a place to listen to what the public wants and bring that information back to the city.
3. What preparations have you made or background do you have that make you the best person to represent the 15,000 citizens of the City of White House? She started out by stating that she has lived here since 2017. Bowman has been able to get involved more since starting her own business. The process of opening a business has opened her eyes to city activities. She discovered that you don’t need a political background to be involved with the city. She describes herself as having an outgoing personality and regularly interacts with the public. She can give insight into what can be done better in the city. She would add a different mix to the board and brings years of customer service. She would like to represent White House. It’s still a small town and is all about families. Bowman would like to keep the small town feel, but continue to grow.
4. When it comes to the city budget would you take a conservative approach to financing or do you lean towards progressive views in taking care of citizens’ needs? That old saying you need to spend money to make money applies here in a similar way. We need to spend money to make improvements. She would make sure that the bids coming in offered quality and saved the city money.
5. What civic organizations, boards, or commissions have you been a member of either in the City of White House or elsewhere? Bowman has not served on any boards in the city. She assumed you needed a background in politics to do so. She served on the Nature Center board in Louisville KY, and is active in her church in Hendersonville teaching Sunday school and assisting with VBS. She has also been a team mom with her children’s sports and loves to volunteer.
7. 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 slowly? What would you do differently? White House has grown “just right” according to Bowman. She drove an Uber during Covid and met so many people moving here. We need housing for the people that want to move her. It’s a good place to live. She is sad to see the fields go, but it’s necessary. She would like to know more about the growth.
8. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the quality of life in White House? What recommendations(s) do you have to make it better? She rates this city a ten. Her husband grew up here and she loves it here. There are improvements to be made, but there are so many positives. She loves the Farmer’s Market and the splash pad (even though it is down for maintenance). The city is family oriented and the schools are great.
9. 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 interstate I-65, or widening Sage Road from the medical center to US31W, which one would you choose? Bowman stated that she would like to know more about the options. Maybe the fire station would be the first choice. That seems important is what she stated. Bowman did not realize Sage Road was an issue, but she added that the soccer complex seems fine. Her final statement was that the fire station should be first.
10. Would you like to provide a closing statement? Bowman started with the fact that growing up in the city seems to mean a lot to people. However, it is good to bring in new people as well. She doesn’t want to feel like an outsider in the city, she wants to feel like a resident. Bowman stated that she is a good candidate and will be a good asset to the city.
John “Mark” Carroll
2. What do you think are the roles and responsibilities of an alderman in our community? People. Our city is made up of people and an alderman is a go between for the city government and the people. The alderman’s job is to build relationship in the ward. He continued with the fact that most people think government is so big you can’t get involved. Our city has done a great job getting to the people. The number one responsibility of an alderman is to stay accessible.
3. What preparations have you made or background do you have that make you the best person to represent the 15,000 citizens of the City of White House? Carroll stated that he is a people person. He just enjoys people. He has spent years learning people and how to communicate with them. He was a full time pastor and is now a part time pastor. Knowing people is a valuable tool.
4. When it comes to the city budget would you take a conservative approach to financing or do you lean towards progressive views in taking care of citizens’ needs? Carroll said that he would fall somewhere in the middle on this question. He works for Sunbelt full time and also understands the idea of spending money to make money. However, there needs to be a balance. People expect nice things, but you also have to be conservative with the amount of money you have coming in.
5. What civic organizations, boards, or commissions have you been a member of either in the City of White House or elsewhere?Carroll served on the White House Chamber of Commerce Board for three years. He states that it was an incredible experience. He has also been involved with recovery programs that serve the area and the city jail. He was active at his church and small civic organizations over the years.
7. 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 slowly? What would you do differently? The growth in White House has not been too fast according to Carroll. The growth started south of Nashville, and it had to go somewhere. He grew up going to Bethlehem Church on HWY 76. The community hasn’t changed, it has just grown. He remembered speaking to an elderly woman that lived her for years. The growth would excite her. Growth is good, he continued, but needs to be measured. He feels like the city has a plan even if it doesn’t always look like it. The growth here has been well planned and put together.
8. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the quality of life in White House? What recommendations(s) do you have to make it better? The city is a 10 which is why Carroll and his wife moved into the city limits six years ago. The quality of life is good. He believes we need to focus on schools, roads, and infrastructure.
9. 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 interstate I-65, or widening Sage Road from the medical center to US31W, which one would you choose? The fire station. Carroll’s background is in fire. Safety is his number one issue. Knowing that part of the city, he feels that the fire station is needed. All three of these items to happen. The delivery trucks have a hard time on Sage, but safety has to be top priority.
10. Would you like to provide a closing statement? Carroll stated that he knows most of the people on the board and sitting in the room. He’s not a politician, but he is a people person. He is a person of faith, and does not have a career in politics. This would be a way for him to be involved with the people of this community. He was heavily involved in the recovery program at his old church and is looking for a new opportunity to serve his community. This opportunity came up and he feels that he is a good fit and will make a good representative for the city.
Catherina Castiglione
2. What do you think are the roles and responsibilities of an alderman in our community? Castiglione stated that she spent some time thinking about this. It is not as easy as it appears. The job is to decide what is best for the city and the ward. An alderman is to bridge the gap between the government and the people. An alderman needs to voice the citizens’ opinions and make decisions that are best for the people versus what is best for the representative.
3. What preparations have you made or background do you have that make you the best person to represent the 15,000 citizens of the City of White House? Castiglione listed her qualifications that she submitted in her application. She has a BGS psychology, sociology, political science and a masters of science. She is a teacher at the Springfield High School in Robertson County. She has been there for two years. She has a law enforcement background and has been a dean at ITT Tech. She has also been involved in community outreach.
4. When it comes to the city budget would you take a conservative approach to financing or do you lean towards progressive views in taking care of citizens’ needs? Castiglione stated that she does not come down in the middle. She is completely data driven. She could go either way, but would need the data.
5. What civic organizations, boards, or commissions have you been a member of either in the City of White House or elsewhere?She has not been on a board in the City of White House, but has served as a regional VP for ASIS. She has been involved in multiple volunteer programs. She was part of the bear hug initiative that collects and hands out teddy bears to children that are victims of house fires or domestic violence. Castiglione has also participated in free tutoring programs and career guidance.
7. 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 slowly? What would you do differently? She started with admitting that this is a great question. It would be too harsh to say that the city has grown too fast. Growth shows progress. New development means more funds for the city. She has had a great experience moving here and it feels like home. Even with more growth, we need to make sure ti still feels like home. The growth is going to happen, but the only current complaint is the infrastructure.
8. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the quality of life in White House? What recommendations(s) do you have to make it better? The schools here are great. Her children go to Sumner County Schools, but she works for Robertson County Schools. She sees both ends of the education here in White House. The education is phenomenal. The schools are drawing families here and she thinks it’s fantastic.
9. 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 interstate I-65, or widening Sage Road from the medical center to US31W, which one would you choose? Castiglione reiterated that she was data driven and would go with the greatest need with this question. However, without any other information her choice would be a fire station.
10. Would you like to provide a closing statement? She thanked the board for their time. She stated that this was thrilling as both a teacher and a resident. She would like to get out in her community and made a difference.
Jennifer Collado
2. What do you think are the roles and responsibilities of an alderman in our community? Collado began this answer with listening to the citizens and paying attention to their questions. What position are you fulfilling for them at that time? As an alderman you need to be flexible to meet citizens’ needs.
3. What preparations have you made or background do you have that make you the best person to represent the 15,000 citizens of the City of White House? Collado has an AS from Vol State. Many of her papers written during her time there were on growth and infrastructure in the City of White House. She then went on to study community and environmental development. She is interested in how youth in areas are effected by growth and expansion. She is currently employed by Sumner County Schools.
4. When it comes to the city budget would you take a conservative approach to financing or do you lean towards progressive views in taking care of citizens’ needs? This question would need to be answered based on the issue at hand according to Collado. The issues would need discussion.
5. What civic organizations, boards, or commissions have you been a member of either in the City of White House or elsewhere? She has not served on any boards in White House, but Collado did help the planning commission in 2020. She has also volunteered with the city library in the youth services department.
7. 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 slowly? What would you do differently? She began this answer with the fact that she would have paired growth with the infrastructure. The city has created a type of “fishbowl” that could not accommodate evacuation in the face of a disaster. Natural run off is an issue in town that will only get worse with the addition of more concrete. Gridlock and traffic could have been reduced with alternate transportation options.
8. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the quality of life in White House? What recommendations(s) do you have to make it better? White House is a 9, only because of the traffic problems. The city needs to address the gridlock. It’s frustration for citizens that a five minute drive has been extended by 10-15 minutes.
9. 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 interstate I-65, or widening Sage Road from the medical center to US31W, which one would you choose? Collado believes that Sage Road widening needs to be the priority. This is a safety issue for EMS to be able to get through that road. Infrastructure is an issue in the city.
10. Would you like to provide a closing statement? Collado started with appreciation for the board’s time. She knows that there are ways to improve the city. She would like to see the city become less stressful by adding new stores and roads. She loves it here and moved here in 09. She lives here with her daughter and loves the city. She would like to see White House maintain its integrity.
John Currie
2. What do you think are the roles and responsibilities of an alderman in our community? The role of alderman is to represent the people of the ward and work with the mayor and other aldermen to set policy and make decisions for the city. That was Currie’s opening answer.
3. What preparations have you made or background do you have that make you the best person to represent the 15,000 citizens of the City of White House? Currie stated that he has been working retail and hospitality since he was 15, many positions included management. He is able to relate to people and build relationships in order to make decisions for the residents.
4. When it comes to the city budget would you take a conservative approach to financing or do you lean towards progressive views in taking care of citizens’ needs? Most of the time, Currie stated that he takes a conservative approach to finances. He would need all of the information in order to make decisions, but would be flexible and find middle ground.
5. What civic organizations, boards, or commissions have you been a member of either in the City of White House or elsewhere? Currie has not served on any boards in White House. He moved here from Myrtle Beach SC where he served on numerous boards including a legal and legislative committee and the area hospitality board. He served on these various boards from 2000-2008.
7. 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 slowly? What would you do differently? It seems that growth in White House has kept pace with everywhere else according to Currie. There needs to be balance with the growth, similar to spokes on a wheel. If several spokes are missing, your wheel is out of balance. The same can be said for growth in the city. All spokes need to be present to maintain balance.
8. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the quality of life in White House? What recommendations(s) do you have to make it better? Currie believes the city is a 9 because there is always room for improvement. The quality of life here is the best which is why he chose White House 5.5 years ago.
9. 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 interstate I-65, or widening Sage Road from the medical center to US31W, which one would you choose? Currie’s choice is the fire station. Any public safety concern needs to come first. The city needs to be proactive not reactive. Roads in the city can be an inconvenience, but are not necessarily a safety matter, a fire station addresses a safety issue.
10. Would you like to provide a closing statement? Currie moved here from Myrtle Beach five and a half years ago. His sister has lived here for 30 years. His parents liked visiting so much they moved here 25 years ago. When he was priced out of Myrtle Beach and needed to move, he chose White House because he too loved to visit here. All communities in this area are going through the same problems right now and he would like to be a part of the board since he lived in a community that has already dealt with similar issues.
Robert Urfer
(Honestly I had a really hard time keeping up with the pace of Mr. Urfer’s speech. This will represent the best of my ability to keep up)
2. What do you think are the roles and responsibilities of an alderman in our community? Urfer believes that an alderman is a civil servant that represents the community. Their job is to balance the needs of the community with the growth.
3. What preparations have you made or background do you have that make you the best person to represent the 15,000 citizens of the City of White House? Urfer has a background in business. He manages 200 people globally. He is consensus driven and believes that we are to help one another.
4. When it comes to the city budget would you take a conservative approach to financing or do you lean towards progressive views in taking care of citizens’ needs? He would take a balanced approach to the city’s finances. He would need to look at revenue coming in and what types of capital investments are needed. You need to be able to deal with the city’s needs and what funds are available.
5. What civic organizations, boards, or commissions have you been a member of either in the City of White House or elsewhere? Urfer has been a volunteer and a mentor at work. He has served the White House band, and White House Soccer. He has also volunteered a the schools where his children attend.
7. 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 slowly? What would you do differently? This has been a wild ride, according to Urfer. The city has grown immensely. Looking forward, the growth needs to be balanced.
8. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the quality of life in White House? What recommendations(s) do you have to make it better? Urfer is extremely happy with White House. His ideas to make it better include walking areas and street lights. He thinks we should create a community where people can engage with one another. That would include green spaces and walkways.
9. 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 interstate I-65, or widening Sage Road from the medical center to US31W, which one would you choose? Community and safety need to come first states Urfer. The fire stations is the first priority with traffic coming second given the number of homes that are being built.
10. Would you like to provide a closing statement? Urfer thanked the board and state that he would like to represent his community. He has nothing to gain from this position and no way to profit from it. He simply wants to serve his community.
Mike Wall
2. What do you think are the roles and responsibilities of an alderman in our community? The role of an alderman is to be a representative of the city and its people. The purpose is to take care of the needs of the city by listening to the needs of the people.
3. What preparations have you made or background do you have that make you the best person to represent the 15,000 citizens of the City of White House? Wall currently serves on three boards in the city. He is on the Board of Zoning Appeals, Industrial Development Board, and the Board of Construction Appeals. He has been working with the people in the city over the last nine years.
4. When it comes to the city budget would you take a conservative approach to financing or do you lean towards progressive views in taking care of citizens’ needs? Wall takes a conservative approach to finances. He wants to make sure we have what we need and that the funds are there for that purpose.
5. What civic organizations, boards, or commissions have you been a member of either in the City of White House or elsewhere? The Rotary, the Chamber of Commerce, and WH Football are all places Wall has served, along with the three boards he currently sits on.
7. 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 slowly? What would you do differently? The city has grown too fast according to Wall. We have issues with the interstate, and the big picture really hasn’t been looked at historically here in town. Wall feels that he can do a better job with that.
8. On a scale of 1-10 how would you rate the quality of life in White House? What recommendations(s) do you have to make it better? The city is a 9, because there is always room for improvements. He is not sure what those are as of yet but is willing to listen to the citizens to help meet the improvements.
9. 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 interstate I-65, or widening Sage Road from the medical center to US31W, which one would you choose? Public safety needs to come first, stated Wall. The folks need to be taken care of before we build anything new.
10. Would you like to provide a closing statement? Wall has lived here for 27 years and ran for alderman several years ago. He only lost by 73 votes in that election. He attends city meetings and is prepared for this role and is willing to work. Wall is retired and has the time for this job.
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