Connie Sharp candidate for Commission seat

I am Connie Sharp and I would like to take this opportunity to announce my candidacy for Commissioner for the 4th District of Lewis County.

I did serve as Commissioner in the 8th District for 10 years and left that seat due to the sale of my house. (My husband had a fractured back a few years ago and it was hard for him to climb stairs so we bought a one level home.)

I have over 20 years experience working with federal, state and local governments. I tried diligently to use that experience as a former Commissioner.

While serving previously as Commissioner, I served on the Budget Committee, Solid Waste Committee and was the Chairperson of the Safety Committee. Additionally, I have served on several local boards through the years including the Museum, Kiwanis, Chamber of Commerce, Buffalo River Services, Health Council, Zoning Board of Appeals, Hohenwald Planning Commission and the Tennessee Local Workforce Development Board.

As a County we face several challenges dealing with education, healthcare, economic development and the "war on drugs". And, as a Commissioner we face challenges that require us to make tough decisions that often are due to mandate regulations sent to the county from the state and the federal government. Many times those mandates do not provide the resources needed to pay for them.

I work at Land of the South Realty as a real estate broker agent. My husband, Bobby Joe Sharp, and I have both been local business owners through the years. We know the value and challenges of operating on a budget. And, as a Commissioner, I played a very responsible role when dealing with the needs of the county. I fully understand how hard it is for families to survive in these economic times.

At the end of the day, any decision or vote that I make will be made after every effort has been made to acquire as much information as I can obtain. And that vote will be what I think is in the best interest of this county for not only for today but also for the future of the county.

I believe Lewis County is the best place in the United States to live! We have to work together in unity as a community to accomplish things that we all need and desire. I pray the Lord's blessings on this county and each citizen. I want to thank my family for their past support and all those who voted for me previously as Commissioner. Again, I am a candidate for Commissioner for the 4th District and I would appreciate your vote in the August election.