Who's Running in Fairview's Nov. 3 Election, and What They Think
Seven candidates are on Fairview's Nov. 3 ballot for mayor and the Board of Commissioners. The Fairviewian sent each the same eight questions. Their answers are published exactly as submitted.
Fairview voters go to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to choose a mayor and two members of the Board of Commissioners. Early voting runs Oct. 14 to 29. Seven candidates are on the Williamson County Election Commission's list for the election, revised Sept. 30, 2026. No write-in candidates are listed.
The Fairviewian invited every candidate on Oct. 1 to answer the same eight questions, with the same 150-word limit. Candidates were asked to focus on their own positions and plans. Responses are published exactly as submitted, without edits for length, spelling, grammar or style. Answers over 150 words are cut at 150 and marked. The Fairviewian does not endorse candidates. Within each race, candidates appear in ballot order. Every candidate who had not yet answered was given the same extra time. Answers that arrive after publication are added when they come in and marked with the time they were received.
Mayor
Vote for one
Lisa AndersonMayor of Fairview, first elected in 2022Owner, Goin' Postal FairviewAnswered 8 of 8 questionsReceived after publication, Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m.
Chris McDonaldVice mayor of Fairviewfacebook.com/ChrisMcDonaldForMayorAnswered 8 of 8 questions
Rick Shepherdrickshepherdformayor.comAnswered 8 of 8 questions
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Why are you running for mayor, and what do you believe Fairview needs most from its next mayor?
Lisa Anderson
Received after publication, Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m.
As Mayor, I will continue to love this community and show up for every citizen as I have the past four years by always being available and helping tackle their individual issues one on one or the community as a whole with transparency and integrity.
Chris McDonald
I’m running because Fairview is home. My wife and I chose this community to raise our three children because it reminded me of the small town where I grew up. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to serve Fairview through the Fire Department, Planning Commission, Board of Commissioners, youth sports, church and other areas of our community.
Those experiences have also shown me where I believe we can do better.
Fairview’s next mayor needs to help establish a culture of cooperation, professionalism and long-term thinking at City Hall. We won’t always agree, and we shouldn’t expect to. But disagreement doesn’t have to become division.
I want residents to feel heard, employees to feel supported, and elected officials to respect their individual roles while working toward the same goal: making decisions that serve Fairview today while preparing responsibly for its future.
Rick Shepherd
I am running for mayor because I believe Fairview needs stronger financial discipline and steady leadership. I entered this race after seeing rising taxes, declining reserves and spending decisions that concerned me. My background includes more than 17 years of managing budgets, from hundreds of thousands to multimillion-dollar operations, while serving in the U.S. Army.
Fairview needs a mayor who will ask tough questions before money is spent, focus on essential services and make decisions based on long-term needs rather than short-term wants. I believe government should live within its means just as families and businesses must do. My goal is to restore confidence in the city’s finances while preparing responsibly for Fairview’s future.
Question 2 of 8Biggest challenges
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing Fairview over the next four years, and how would you address them?
Lisa Anderson
Received after publication, Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m.
Infrastructure, Economy, and Protecting Bowie Nature Park By continuing working closely with TDOT, Fairview Staff and seeking grants opportunities to support these projects.
Chris McDonald
Our biggest challenge is managing growth while strengthening the financial and physical infrastructure needed to support it.
We must continue rebuilding our financial position, budget from realistic revenues, maintain appropriate reserves and examine every department for opportunities to operate more efficiently. At the same time, simply cutting essential services isn’t a long-term financial strategy.
Infrastructure must also catch up. We need a Major Thoroughfare Plan that looks at our entire transportation network, continued partnerships with TDOT, and creative solutions with the Dickson Water Authority and developers for water and sewer needs.
Finally, we need a clearer long-term vision. Updating our 2040 Comprehensive Plan to work alongside our new zoning code will provide greater predictability for residents and potential investors.
These challenges are interconnected. Better planning today will put Fairview in a much stronger position tomorrow.
Rick Shepherd
Fairview’s biggest challenges are financial stability, managing growth and maintaining the infrastructure and services our residents depend on.
My first priority would be getting our financial house in order. That means carefully reviewing spending, setting clear priorities and rebuilding our financial cushion without automatically looking to taxpayers for more revenue.
Growth must also pay its fair share and occur at a pace our roads, public safety and infrastructure can support. We should plan ahead instead of continually reacting after problems develop.
Question 3 of 8Growth and development
Fairview continues to grow. How do you believe the city should approach future residential and commercial development?
Lisa Anderson
Received after publication, Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m.
With thoughtful, intentional planning for Fairview's future and making sure we are seeking citizens input.
Chris McDonald
Growth is coming, but how we manage it is up to us. I support intentional growth that respects Fairview’s character, aligns with our long-term plans and can be supported by our infrastructure and city services.
Residential and commercial development must remain balanced. New housing brings families, customers and employees, but it also creates additional demands on roads, utilities and services. Commercial development is particularly important because strengthening our commercial tax base can generate revenue while reducing the pressure placed on homeowners.
Our 2040 Comprehensive Plan should be updated to work alongside our new zoning code, giving residents, businesses and developers a clearer understanding of Fairview’s long-term vision.
I’m not interested in growth simply for the sake of growth. Development should strengthen Fairview financially, improve opportunities for our residents and protect the quality of life that makes people want to live here.
Rick Shepherd
Growth is coming, so our responsibility is to manage it wisely.
New development should fit Fairview's long-term plans and should not place an unfair financial burden on existing residents. Before approving major residential developments, we should consider roads, traffic, schools, utilities, public safety and the cost of providing city services.
I also want to encourage responsible commercial development. A stronger commercial tax base can provide services and opportunities while helping reduce the burden placed on homeowners.
Growth should not simply be about adding rooftops. It should be about building a balanced community with jobs, businesses, services and infrastructure.
Question 4 of 8Roads, safety and services
What would be your priorities for roads, infrastructure, public safety and other city services as Fairview grows?
Lisa Anderson
Received after publication, Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m.
Infrastructure is a priority as we grow to make our communities commute easier to their destination. Keeping Fairview competitive to make sure we have the best services.
Chris McDonald
My priority is making sure our infrastructure and services grow responsibly with our community rather than constantly reacting after problems occur.
For transportation, I want Fairview to develop a Major Thoroughfare Plan. Improving one road can affect traffic throughout the community, and we need to understand those impacts before making decisions. We should also continue pursuing partnerships and outside funding, such as the Highway 100 sidewalk project being advanced through TDOT.
Water and sewer will require continued cooperation with the Dickson Water Authority and creative solutions involving new development.
Public safety must remain a priority. Police and fire need appropriate staffing, equipment and long-term replacement plans. The same applies to public works, parks and other services residents depend on.
Growth creates additional revenue, but also additional responsibilities. Our planning and budgeting need to account for both.
Rick Shepherd
My priorities would be public safety, roads and infrastructure, followed by maintaining dependable core city services.
As Fairview grows, we need to make sure police and fire services can keep pace with additional residents and development. We also need a clear, long-term plan for roads, traffic and infrastructure rather than waiting until congestion becomes a crisis.
I would prioritize projects based on need, safety and available funding. We cannot afford to chase every project at once.
The city should also coordinate closely with Williamson County, the state and developers to pursue outside funding and make sure new growth contributes appropriately toward infrastructure needs.
Question 5 of 8Bowie Nature Park
Bowie Nature Park has been protected by a conservation easement held by The Land Trust for Tennessee since 2008. What is your position on the easement, and what, if anything, would you change about how the city manages or funds the park?
Lisa Anderson
Received after publication, Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m.
I absolutely support the Land Trust because I helped write the Land Trust conservation easement for Bowie Nature Park.. I believe in protecting the park our community holds so dear. I will always protect this wonderful gift given by Ms. Evangeline Bowie to the Fairview community.
Chris McDonald
Bowie Nature Park is one of Fairview’s greatest assets, and I support protecting the conservation easement and the intent behind it. The easement was approved in 2008 specifically to provide long-term protection for the park, and I believe that commitment should be respected.
I don’t believe Bowie needs to become something different. Our responsibility is to be good stewards of what previous generations preserved for us.
From a management standpoint, I want us to maintain the park responsibly while continually looking for grants, partnerships and other appropriate funding opportunities that can supplement local tax dollars. Improvements should be consistent with the conservation easement and the character of the park.
Bowie is special because it provides something increasingly rare as communities grow: protected natural space. I want future generations of Fairview families to experience it much as we do today.
Rick Shepherd
I support protecting the conservation easement and preserving Bowie Nature Park for future generations.
Bowie is one of Fairview's greatest assets. Any improvements should respect the conservation agreement and the natural character of the park.
I would focus on opportunities that complement its purpose, walking and nature programs, environmental education, community activities and appropriate outdoor recreation.
Question 6 of 8Communication and transparency
How would you approach communication and transparency between city government and Fairview residents?
Lisa Anderson
Received after publication, Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m.
I implemented a Town Hall at the beginning of my term as Mayor so that we can have a laid back night several times a year of dialogue with citizens and the Board of Commissioners that can't happen during regular business meetings. Also making sure that all budgets, events, and city business in its entirety are posted on the Fairview City website.
Chris McDonald
Transparency begins with making information easy to find and communication easy to understand.
Residents shouldn’t have to attend every meeting or search through lengthy government documents to understand what their city is doing. We can do a better job using the City’s website, social media and other communication tools to explain upcoming decisions, projects and financial issues in plain language.
But communication also has to go both ways. I want residents to have meaningful opportunities to ask questions, raise concerns and offer ideas before major decisions are made.
Transparency doesn’t mean everyone will agree with every decision. It means people should understand what is being considered, why a decision was made and how their elected officials arrived there.
Trust in local government is built through consistent communication, accessibility and accountability. That should be the standard regardless of who occupies the mayor’s seat.
Rick Shepherd
Residents deserve straightforward information from their city government, especially when decisions involve taxes, spending, development or major projects.
I would encourage information to be presented in plain language so residents do not have to be accountants or government experts to understand what is happening.
Major expenditures should clearly identify the cost, funding source and long-term financial impact before a vote is taken.
Question 7 of 8End of your term
What would you like Fairview to look like at the end of your term if you are elected?
Lisa Anderson
Received after publication, Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m.
I would like to keep Fairview a place all citizens can be proud of by not loosing its small town charm and balancing that with well though out growth to sustain Fairview economically.
Chris McDonald
Four years from now, I want Fairview to be financially stronger, better planned and still unmistakably Fairview.
I want us to have healthier reserves, realistic budgeting and a stronger commercial tax base that helps reduce pressure on homeowners. I want a Major Thoroughfare Plan guiding transportation decisions and an updated comprehensive plan working alongside our zoning code to provide a clear vision for future growth.
I want continued investment in police, fire, parks, public works and the infrastructure necessary to support our residents.
But success isn’t only measured on a balance sheet or a map. I also want a healthier culture at City Hall and a community that feels more connected than divided.
Fairview will grow and visually change. Our challenge is ensuring that the small-town character, relationships and sense of community that make Fairview special remain.
Rick Shepherd
At the end of four years, I want Fairview to be financially stronger, better prepared for growth and a community residents are confident in.
I want our financial reserves moving in the right direction, spending under control and taxpayers confident that their money is being used responsibly.
I want growth that has been carefully planned, with commercial development helping strengthen our tax base and infrastructure keeping pace with new development.
I want strong police and fire services, improved roads and continued protection of Bowie Nature Park.
Most importantly, I want residents to feel that city government listens to them and is transparent about its decisions.
Question 8 of 8Anything else
Is there an issue or priority you believe is important to Fairview that we have not asked about?
Lisa Anderson
Received after publication, Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m.
In my next four year term, I will work to see that property taxes are not our main source of income. I would like to have a more diverse tax base to take the burden off our citizens by increasing our sales tax revenue with nice hotels and restaurants at our interstates to be more welcoming into our community.
Chris McDonald
One issue that connects nearly everything discussed above is the culture of our city government.
Fairview operates under a city-manager form of government. The mayor is an important voice and representative for the community, but is still one member of a five-member Board of Commissioners. I believe respecting those roles matters.
The Board should establish policy, set priorities, approve budgets and hold the city manager accountable. The city manager should be empowered to manage staff and day-to-day operations without elected officials attempting to individually run departments.
I believe Fairview will accomplish more when elected officials can disagree respectfully, employees understand the chain of command, and decisions are focused on issues rather than personalities.
Different perspectives are inevitable in a growing community. Our ability to work through those differences constructively will have a tremendous impact on Fairview’s future.
Rick Shepherd
One issue that connects nearly every question is accountability.
Every major decision the city makes, whether it involves land purchases, development, staffing, infrastructure or new projects will eventually affects taxpayers.
Before committing public money, I believe elected officials should ask: Is this necessary? Can we afford it? Is there a better option? What will it cost taxpayers five or ten years from now?
Commission
Vote for two
David BynumArchitect, AIA EmeritusBynumforFairview.comAnswered 8 of 8 questions
Karen CobbVoteKarenCobb.comAnswered 8 of 8 questions
WH
Wayne HallIncumbent commissionerAnswered 0 of 8 questions
Scott LucasFormer commissioner, 2016 to 2022facebook.com/scottlucasforfairviewAnswered 8 of 8 questions
Question 1 of 8Why you're running
Why are you running for the Board of Commissioners, and what do you believe Fairview needs most from its commissioners?
David Bynum
My wife and I moved to a small farm in Fairview because of our love of rural America. I became involved in Fairview politics because an unscrupulous developer proposed a rural retreat with a racetrack for exotic cars on the 577 acres around us. We led the charge to defeat the development in front of the BOZA committee in 2024.
I believe in responsible growth but, the speed at which the Board of Commissioners is approving subdivisions is not responsible. The Fairview 2040 Plan determined that residents wanted to maintain the rural character of Fairview. It also recommended securing businesses, restaurants and light industrial before housing developments. The current administration did not do that. I intend to recruit businesses who will pay sales taxes in and effort, to bring property taxes down.
Karen Cobb
This is my home and I care about the direction Fairvew is going.
Fairview needs commissioners who are strong enough to make decisions quickly with their yes’s and no’s to be clear and not waivering.
Commissioners work for the people and need to listen and make decisions with the greatest interest of all the citizens. They are not perfect people but are held to a standard to represent our city.
We need commissioners with integrity willing to server others with respect for the community.
WH
Wayne Hall
The Fairviewian invited Wayne Hall to participate on Oct. 1 and did not receive a response by publication time.
Scott Lucas
Experience matters. And when it comes to serving our community, Fairview experience matters.
I had the privilege of serving as a Fairview Commissioner from 2016 to 2022. I’ve sat in that seat. I understand the responsibility that comes with one vote on a five-member Board, the importance of asking hard questions, and the reality that good ideas only become results when commissioners can work together.
I also bring years of professional leadership experience managing people, budgets, operations and complex challenges.
Question 2 of 8Biggest challenges
What do you believe are the biggest challenges facing Fairview over the next four years, and how would you address them?
David Bynum
Traffic and economic development are two of the biggest problems that we face. It has been said many times that the State (TDOT) holds the key to the improvement of traffic on HWY 100. I would continue my relationship with State leaders to attempt to speed up proposed improvements. Second, new housing developments are being approved along our rural roads without any improvement to our roads. While individually they may not have an impact but, collectively they do. Fairview has not performed a comprehensive traffic study in 44 years.
Fairview needs economic development. Property taxes are assessed at a rate of 40% for commercial property and 25% for residential property. By securing additional retail, restaurants and offices, we can increase our collection of property taxes and sales taxes. Fairview residents can shop and eat at home rather than spending their tax dollars in Belview, Franklin and Cool Springs.
Karen Cobb
Everyone is using our tax status as a springboard for candidacy. We can’t just be elected and vote for lower taxes. I have plans to assist in this area. I’ve already started implementing some of them with the mayor, city manager and private citizens.
One area of my plan includes generating more income by increasing revenue through current and new citywide events.
We do this by expanding our marketing with current and future events. Just to give one example is I plan to roll out a new citywide event called “Jingo Day.” Jingo was our prior city name.
By growing our events through strategic marketing we can increase sales throughout the city which adds to overall revenue thus increasing revenue assists the entire city by helping lower taxes.
Building growth and infrastructure are also equally important. Please visit my website to read my plans for all these areas.
WH
Wayne Hall
The Fairviewian invited Wayne Hall to participate on Oct. 1 and did not receive a response by publication time.
Question 3 of 8Growth and development
Fairview continues to grow. How do you believe the city should approach future residential and commercial development?
David Bynum
There are 3,225 homes in the construction pipeline. However, the State says that Fairview’s absorption rate is approximately 1,100 homes. If the City absorbed all 3,225 Homes, at a rate of 2.6 persons per house, the city would nearly double in population. This would add 12,000 car trips per day to our congested roads.
The planning commission, including the mayor and vice mayor, allowed developers to increase housing density above their original zoning. They have not required turn lanes at these developments causing traffic headaches. An assessment of our entire infrastructure must be performed.
As an architect, I have attended and spoken at conventions and trade shows. I will work with our director of economic development to recruit new businesses and restaurants. These new businesses should locate near the city center to achieve a tight knit business district.
Karen Cobb
Firstly we need an updated census to see what the growth is. Then the board needs to determine and implement policies to assist with this growth. Things such as lot sizes, cleared trees in newer subdivision and firm responsibilities, if they use HOA, so subdivisions are maintained. These could be different for residential versus rural. I think we need better guidelines in these two areas.
These aren’t hard rules but through discussion could have a better impact for everyone.
The board can’t stop growth.
If people own the property and want to build the city can’t legally deny them. But with that said we need to make sure all the proper guidelines have been fulfilled in order for them to build or before bonds are returned.
Everything starts with community discussions about these things and then make decisions.
WH
Wayne Hall
The Fairviewian invited Wayne Hall to participate on Oct. 1 and did not receive a response by publication time.
Question 4 of 8Roads, safety and services
What would be your priorities for roads, infrastructure, public safety and other city services as Fairview grows?
David Bynum
Just like master planning of a hospital, every department of the city government needs to be evaluated. Questions need to be asked: Is the department properly sized now and what size does it need if we add 5,000 residents? A review of the police and fire departments indicates that we do not have a staffing deficit.
The city has not updated the Major Thoroughfare Plan in 44 years. The Williamson County Highway Department has no responsibility for collector roads such as Chester Road and Northwest Highway a new study must be completed. Then we must determine a funding process to improve our roads that are being impacted.
We cannot continue to install these STEP sewage treatment systems all over the city. They have a high failure rate and can create environmental hazards. We must insist that Dickson County (WADC) expand the water and sewer supply to accommodate our needs.
Karen Cobb
With infrastructure we need to start preparing our roads to be widened. I’m not sure we can do anything inside the city roads but now is the time to focus on the roads going in and out of Fairview.
We need to, if possible, see if construction could be completed during the evening trying to minimize traffic as much as we can in areas that we know would be congested.
This needs to be in our short, mid and long term business plan for the city and we should continually be working towards this goal.
Regarding public safety we need to start an action plan program. Its focus would be to continually monitor our equipment, response times, training and any other areas including managing funds to pay for these areas. It can be monitored quarterly so there’s no surprises.
WH
Wayne Hall
The Fairviewian invited Wayne Hall to participate on Oct. 1 and did not receive a response by publication time.
Question 5 of 8Bowie Nature Park
Bowie Nature Park has been protected by a conservation easement held by The Land Trust for Tennessee since 2008. What is your position on the easement, and what, if anything, would you change about how the city manages or funds the park?
David Bynum
Dr. Bowie willed 722 acres as a “wild life preserve / and or park”. The 597 acre Natural Area will remain undisturbed. I suggest engaging the University of Tennessee and MTSU forestry programs to survey our plants, trees and wildlife to insure there is nothing threatening the health of the park.
Dr. Bowie also willed a “park” to Fairview. The 55acre recreational activity area shall be permitted to construct improvements such as “roadways, parking areas, nature center buildings, picnic shelters and pavilions, horse riding areas, trails, fishing areas on Lake Van, and playgrounds” for the enjoyment of Fairview residents and visitors.
The Land Trust reviews the park annually to ensure that we are in compliance with our contract. Let’s follow the park master plan and enjoy the “wild life preserve / and or park” that Dr. Bowie willed us.
Karen Cobb
I respect the easement. I think it has more flexibility than we realize.
Firstly I think it’s important to protect the park from damage due to construction run off.
I think it’s a wonderful place for us as a city to show off. With our park events we need to focus more on how we market and expand the use of the park events.
By doing this it will create more revenue and assist with funding the park but also help with lowering our city taxes as we create more revenue throughout the city.
This is definitely an area where we need to be more aggressive with our marketing and show off our beautiful park!
I think we also need to add a plaque to our new city signs adding “Home of Bowie Nature Park.”
WH
Wayne Hall
The Fairviewian invited Wayne Hall to participate on Oct. 1 and did not receive a response by publication time.
Question 6 of 8Communication and transparency
How would you approach communication and transparency between city government and Fairview residents?
David Bynum
I want to provide the citizens of Fairview a non-threating atmosphere in which to express their thoughts, ideas and feelings. I have been told that people feel threatened by the current mayor if they speak their minds. The BOC should have the ability to discuss issues that will come before to commissioners. If this requires a planning session in front of the public, I will happily participate in those open meetings.
I have a web page, BynumforFairview.com, where I will post information and thoughts about upcoming issues. People can also communicate with me through email at Bynumforfairview@gmail.com.
Karen Cobb
We need clear communication and openness. This can be achieved with more community involvement, such as with events. The community could have voting seats for residents and businesses having an input in the community.
The board of commissioners need to communicate better and more with each other within the guidelines of transparency.
We are not a dictatorship and need to respect the city workforce. If we need to speak with departments we should make appointments and not interfere with daily business.
All duties including notes from our lawyers, text and email should be available to the public for clear transparency. If any legal issues arise commissioners could seek independent counsel if they prefer it not on the record.
All commissioners should assist in being the face of Fairview within our community and neighboring cities attending meetings inside and outside the city every month.
WH
Wayne Hall
The Fairviewian invited Wayne Hall to participate on Oct. 1 and did not receive a response by publication time.
Question 7 of 8End of your term
What would you like Fairview to look like at the end of your term if you are elected?
David Bynum
I wish Fairview could look like Martin, Tennessee where I spent my summers at my grandparent’s farm. Fairview has that in our summer baseball games, homecoming football game, and Christmas parade. As we move forward, I hope that we can create a tighter center city that has more restaurants and personal service businesses. Hopefully some of the commercial buildings will have businesses on the first floor and apartments or condominiums on the upper floors. This would create a walkable community. The outer areas of Fairview should remain rural, as stated in the Fairview 2040 Plan.
Karen Cobb
This is something I’ve been asking myself so I’m glad you asked. I’d like people who live in Fairview to have more hope when I leave. We’re a smalll part of government who are responsible for a small town. It’s been said that the small town government is more important overall for a city than as you peck your way up the government food chain. I’m not using this position as a stepping stone for a political career. I’m running for this position because after attending some meetings I saw a clear need for people who desire a better place to live to step up and be more involved in the decisions made for the people of Fairview. We need to blend the old and the new and find balance.
We need to have hope in where we are going. My goal would be to give the people hope!
WH
Wayne Hall
The Fairviewian invited Wayne Hall to participate on Oct. 1 and did not receive a response by publication time.
Scott Lucas
Four years from now, I want Fairview to still feel like Fairview.
I want to see meaningful progress on roads and infrastructure, strong police and fire services, responsible residential growth, a stronger commercial base, protected parks and a city operating from a sound financial position.
Question 8 of 8Anything else
Is there an issue or priority you believe is important to Fairview that we have not asked about?
David Bynum
Fairview residents should be very concerned about the Dickson water authority (WADC). Fairview sold its water and sewer system to Dickson in 2006. Dickson has received a 30 million dollar bond to improve the water and sewer system. There is no indication that any of the improvements funded by this bond issue will be on the Fairview side of the county line. Many of our new subdivisions are having to create their own mini treatment plant called a STEP system. The small treatment plants have a high rate of failure. Raw sewage will spill onto the ground creating and environmental hazard.
Fairview does not have a seat on the WADC board. It is time to renegotiate the 20 year old contract with Dickson and demand a seat on the water board.
Karen Cobb
Yes. Some of what I just mentioned is how we as a board of commissioners we would plan to assist the citizens who have lived in Fairview for many years and generations and the new people who have lived here for considerably less time?
I personally feel we need to help with blending these two demographics with love, grace and respect.
WH
Wayne Hall
The Fairviewian invited Wayne Hall to participate on Oct. 1 and did not receive a response by publication time.
Scott Lucas
Long-term financial planning deserves more attention.
A city budget is more than numbers on a spreadsheet. Every financial decision eventually affects a resident, employee, service or future Board.
We should maintain responsible reserves, understand long-term obligations, prioritize spending and evaluate the future costs created by decisions we make today. Most importantly, taxpayers should not be expected to continually absorb the consequences of spending beyond our means.
How to vote
Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3. Early voting: Oct. 14 to 29.
Williamson County Election Commission: 615-790-5711.
Finally, we must protect essential services. Police, fire, roads and basic city operations should come before projects that can wait. Fairview can continue growing and improving, but we need disciplined planning so today's decisions do not become tomorrow's financial problems.
Fairview can grow without losing the qualities that make people want to live here, but that requires careful planning and the willingness to say no when a proposal is not right for our community.
Residents should be able to see where their tax dollars are going and understand why one project is being prioritized over another.
Financially, I believe the city should look for grants, partnerships, sponsorships and other outside funding whenever possible rather than placing the entire cost on Fairview taxpayers.
My goal would not be to commercialize Bowie. It would be to protect it, maintain it responsibly and make sure residents can continue enjoying this special place for generations to come.
I also believe elected officials should be accessible. As mayor, I would listen to residents even when we disagree and explain the reasoning behind my decisions.
Transparency builds trust. People may not agree with every vote, but they should never feel that important decisions were made without adequate information or without giving the public an opportunity to understand what was being considered.
Success to me would be leaving Fairview in a stronger financial and operational position than when I took office.
My military career taught me that resources are never unlimited. You establish priorities, accomplish the mission and remain accountable for the resources entrusted to you.
That is the approach I would bring to the mayor's office.
Fairview has tremendous potential. With disciplined financial management, responsible growth and open government, I believe we can protect what residents love about Fairview while preparing responsibly for what comes next.
Fairview is entering an important chapter. Growth, infrastructure, finances and preserving the character of our community will require commissioners who can listen, study the facts, make difficult decisions and plan beyond the next meeting or budget year.
I’m running because I love this community, I know Fairview, and I believe my experience can help us navigate what comes next.
Scott Lucas
Growth, infrastructure and financial sustainability are interconnected, and I believe they will be among Fairview’s biggest challenges.
Growth affects our roads, traffic, police, fire, public works, parks and ultimately the cost of providing city services. We cannot simply ask whether a development works today. We must consider what it means for Fairview five, ten and twenty years from now.
Fiscal responsibility has to be part of that conversation. Property tax increases should be a last resort, and taxpayers should not be asked to make up for overspending. We need to prioritize spending, maintain responsible reserves, pursue outside funding and make sure growth contributes appropriately toward the demands it creates.
Having served on the Board before, I know there are rarely easy answers. My approach is to study the facts, ask hard questions, listen to residents and staff, and make decisions based on Fairview’s long-term interests.
Scott Lucas
I am not anti-growth. I am pro-responsible growth.
Every development should be considered on its own merits. We should ask more than, “Can we build it?” We should also ask, “Should we build it here, at this density, at this time, and can our infrastructure support it?”
During my previous service, I supported pausing certain rezoning and PUD activity because I believed Fairview needed time to evaluate where we were headed. Sometimes responsible leadership means slowing down long enough to make the right decision.
I support quality commercial development, including Fairview Town Center. A stronger commercial base gives residents more opportunities to shop, eat and gather locally while strengthening the city’s tax base.
Residential growth should complement that strategy, not overwhelm it. Growth is coming. Our responsibility is to manage it thoughtfully while protecting the character that makes people want to call Fairview home.
Scott Lucas
Infrastructure cannot be an afterthought to development.
Road capacity, intersections, drainage, sidewalks, utilities and emergency services should be considered as part of growth decisions from the beginning. Some of our biggest transportation challenges involve state highways, requiring a strong working relationship with TDOT and our state representatives, along with persistent advocacy for Fairview.
Public safety is a fundamental responsibility of city government. Police and fire personnel need appropriate staffing, equipment and training as our population grows.
But every need cannot automatically become another tax increase. Commissioners have a responsibility to prioritize, plan ahead, pursue grants and partnerships, and make sure taxpayers are receiving the greatest possible value from existing resources.
My focus would be straightforward: plan infrastructure alongside growth, support our first responders, strengthen partnerships with the state, and address problems before they become emergencies.
Scott Lucas
Bowie Nature Park is one of Fairview’s greatest treasures, and my position is simple: *protect it.*
I support the conservation easement with The Land Trust for Tennessee and the protections it provides. Bowie is a nature park, and I believe it should remain a nature park.
Scott Lucas
Residents should not have to work hard to understand what their city government is doing.
During my previous service, transparency was important to me. I authored the resolution that helped bring Facebook Live streaming of Board meetings to Fairview because I believed residents deserved greater access to their government.
Today, technology gives us even more opportunities to communicate. Agendas, supporting documents, budgets and major proposals should be easy to find and understand before decisions are made whenever possible.
But transparency is more than posting information online. Commissioners should be accessible, willing to explain their decisions and, most importantly, willing to listen.
That does not mean everyone will agree with every decision. They won’t. But residents deserve to know what is happening and why.
My standard is simple: conduct the public’s business in public, communicate clearly, listen respectfully and never forget who city government exists to serve.
I want us planning ahead instead of constantly reacting.
I also want residents to see a Board capable of disagreeing without becoming dysfunctional. Five people will never agree on everything, nor should they. Each commissioner has one vote. Progress requires people who can debate an issue, make a decision and then work together to move Fairview forward.
Fairview will change. Growth guarantees that. Our responsibility is to manage that change thoughtfully.
If residents can look back and say Fairview grew responsibly, strengthened its infrastructure, protected its character and became financially stronger, that would be meaningful progress.
This is where my professional experience complements my Fairview experience. My career involves operations, budgets, logistics and long-range planning. I’ve learned that organizations get into trouble when they wait until a problem becomes a crisis before addressing it.
That same principle applies to city government.
We should ask two questions when making major financial decisions: “Can we afford this today?” and “What will this decision mean for Fairview five or ten years from now?”
Experience matters. Fairview experience matters, too; I have both.
Lisa AndersonMayor of Fairview, first elected in 2022Owner, Goin' Postal FairviewAnswered 8 of 8 questionsReceived after publication, Oct. 12, 7:01 p.m.
Chris McDonaldVice mayor of Fairviewfacebook.com/ChrisMcDonaldForMayorAnswered 8 of 8 questions
Rick Shepherdrickshepherdformayor.comAnswered 8 of 8 questions
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