My name is Jason Bailey and it is my honor to serve as your Union County Mayor. My wife April and I have been married for sixteen years and have one son, Jaxon. April and I were both born and raised in Union County and couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. Before becoming mayor, I was employed as a teacher and principal for the Union County School System. I believe the accomplishments made during my first term in office speaks volumes. Our great county is growing and improving every day. I humbly ask the citizens of Union County to allow my administration the opportunity to continue this amazing progress.
Q1: What do you consider the top two major issues facing Sharps Chapel and Union County? How do you plan to address these issues?
1.) In my opinion, workforce development and access to reliable, high-speed internet are two of the most important issues. When the county has a trained local workforce, I believe more industry and jobs will follow. I want to see our citizens earn decent wages right here at home. The addition of two college campuses (TCAT and WSCC) here in Union County will definitely improve our local workforce. In today’s world, broadband internet is as important as any basic utility. Union County is fortunate to have two utilities (KUB & PVE) bringing broadband to all their customers. Only two small areas of the county are not covered by these utilities. Grants are being submitted to cover these areas. This will ensure all UC residents will have access to broadband internet.
Q2: In Tennessee’s 2022 county profiles, Union County’s overall rank is 89 out of 95 counties (www.gov/tcc/data-and-research/county-profiles.html). What policies and programs do you support to improve the county’s situation?
2.) Union County has not experienced any major growth or development in many years. I believe the accomplishments during my first term in office will help to improve our standing. We will now have two colleges, a sports complex, broadband internet, and more tourism opportunities (to increase local revenue). These accomplishments, along with interventions in the school system and our local health department, will only help our county improve in terms of health, education, and overall, wellbeing.
Q3: What is your position on bringing some sort of planned development to Union County to ensure economic development is balanced with the environmental impact it may cause?
3.) Our county is known for the large amount of untouched farmland and natural beauty. At this point, I feel the county has a great balance when it comes to development vs. environmental impact. As the county grows, local government should constantly monitor this type of impact and the effects on local communities. If concerns arise, several measures could be considered to maintain the county’s desired balance.
Q4: How would you solicit input from the community you serve? And, likewise, keep the community informed on a timely basis?
4.) I always welcome input from the community. Citizens may contact me by calling my office, scheduling a meeting, email, UC Mayor Facebook page, or the UC Website. Information is shared to the citizens using social media, local newspapers, and by live streaming monthly public meetings, especially county commission meetings. Citizens are also able to voice concerns to the commission during the public comments section of the meetings.
Q5: Explain why you are the best candidate for this position.
5.) Four years ago, I was honored and humbled to be elected as your Union County Mayor. I have made it my mission to improve our great county in terms of workforce development, community development, and tourism. This simply means to educate a workforce in our own county, give our citizens the same opportunities as surrounding counties (recreation and local services) and to attract tourists to our county to spend money. With the help of many, many individuals, and over 20 MILLION dollars of grant funding, I feel my administration has achieved this mission. However, we have lots more to do! I humbly ask for your vote and support so my administration can continue the amazing progress our county is experiencing. I truly care for this county and absolutely love being a part of all the great opportunities coming for our citizens.