Community: Friends of Hixson with Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly, Hixson

Today I had the opportunity to attend the monthly meeting of the Friends of Hixson community association to hear Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly speak.

Mayor Kelly spoke about some of the issues he has faced since becoming mayor as well as some great successes. He talked about the RPA and their upcoming discussions about area plans as well as the potential 2 BILLION (yes, billion) dollars in economic development going in on South Broad Street.

He touched on his Change Philosophy which is to improve residents’ quality of life through economic development as there is simply more to go around. He also opined about his belief that the most important thing we can do for our community is to give it excellent schools. He’s Right as Rain on those 2 concepts.

Finally, he echoed the sentiments of two of my heroes in Former Governor Bill Haslam and Governor Bill Lee in reminding the assembled to be careful about letting the loudest person win the argument. Y’all know I mostly like politicians because of their staffs (Go Ellis Smith!) but Mayor Kelly is willing to confront the issues and as he said speaking about startups, “if you try it and it works, do more of it and if it doesn’t, try something else”.

Shout out to the best President Greg Taylor for letting me handle the Pledge of Allegiance and for running such a great meeting!

Y’all go be Tennesseans this week and help somebody!