Five people compete for two seats on the Townsend Board of Commissioners this year, with key issues mentioned in an July 11 candidate forum covering business development, housing opportunities and population numbers. Dave Hoque, Houston Oldham and Pat Jenkins are challenging returning Commissioners Becky Headrick and Ted Godfrey.
The Daily Times attempted to contact all qualified candidates to answer a common set of questions. The responses received are printed below, with some trimming when candidates exceeded length limits. Candidates are arranged alphabetically by first name.
Dave Hoque
Age: 62
Political affiliation: Non-party affiliated election
Occupation: Retired Workforce/Business Development Rep
Office sought: City Commissioner
Brief biographical info: Moved to Mountain Ave in Townsend from CA in 1992. Married into the Lawson Family with a long-standing area history. Sue and I raised our son, Patrick, in Townsend and have been married for 35 years. Currently doing all I can to support our local charities and assist this great community.
Why are you running for this position? I felt a need to give back to the town that has given me so much. This area has improved the quality of life for myself and my family. I want to work to keep it that way and I feel holding a City Commissioner position is the way to do that.
If elected, what would your top two priorities be? 1. Advance our ordinances and 2. Advance our codes to reflect the Townsend we want to preserve and protect. Nothing like keeping the “peaceful side” peaceful!
What relevant experience do you have? I have been representing working folks almost my whole life. My last position of almost 20 years gained me skills of making sure all have a voice, and all are represented. It put me at the table with several large companies and helped me understand what should be in our backyard and what should not.
Why should voters elect you? Great question, because I am ready to step up and ready to serve! Since my retirement 2 years ago, I have attended almost every Planning and Commission meeting. I am currently the Chairman of the Community Plan Advisory Committee and a recent member of the Board of Zoning Appeals. I organize an Annual Classic Truck show that raises money for area charities and I will bring a fresh look to the City Commission.
Houston Oldham
Age: 33
Political affiliation: Non-party affiliated election
Occupation: VP of Operations, Oldham Hospitality
Office sought: Commission Seat, City of Townsend
Why are you running for this position? I’m running for a commission seat because we are at a crucial junction point for Townsend. We must put the hard work in to review our rules and update our ordinances to ensure that outside forces don’t push this town to a place it doesn’t want to be. We want a quiet, family-oriented community!
If elected, what would your top two priorities be? Protecting the quiet nature of Townsend. That’s our competitive advantage out here! Engage with and listen to the residents of the Tuckaleechee Cove/Townsend, and build a vision for the future of Townsend.
What relevant experience do you have? Vice Chair of Community Planning Advisory Committee, VP of Operations for Oldham Hospitality… In this role I manage a large team and set the vision for the business. City Planning Committee in my previous home, Richmond, VA.
Why should voters elect you? If you vote for me, you’ll be choosing a candidate who prioritizes conversation and compromise above ideology and ego. Townsend needs to come together to work towards a shared future.
What makes you different from the other candidates for office? My whole life is here in Townsend. I live here, work here, and play here. I’m the only candidate with a young family who wants this town to be family-oriented for residents and visitors. It’s time for new leadership in Townsend.
Pat Jenkins
Age: 72
Political affiliation: Non-party affiliated election
Occupation: Project Engineering Manager
Office sought: Running for the office of Townsend City Commissioner
Brief biological info: I am a Retired Automotive Engineer, a Townsend property owner for over 30 years, a full-time Townsend citizen for over 20 years, and Townsend Mayor for 4 years.
Why are you running for this position? I am running for the position of Townsend City Commissioner in order to provide the Townsend citizens with an additional strong voice on the Townsend City Commission. A voice that will resist business development that is not compatible with Townsend’s unique character and personality.
If elected, what would your top two priorities be? When elected, I will work to preserve our shared Heritage. A Heritage that uniquely defines Townsend as the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies”. I plan to push relentlessly to update the City’s ordinances to enhance preservation, protect green space, oppose unnecessary and unwanted business development, and to enhance the feeling of community for our citizens, now and in the future.
What makes you different from the other candidates for office? I have served two terms as Townsend Mayor, served on the Townsend Planning Commission, served as chairman of Townsend Board of Zoning Appeals, and led the development of the original Townsend Community Plan in 2010.
Why should voters elect you? Citizens should vote for me because I will actually listen to Townsend’s citizens and work for them.
What makes you different from the other candidates for office? I am different from the other candidates...I have no business affiliation, no festival affiliation, I have extensive experience in the City of Townsend’s administration, I attend nearly all city meetings and workshops, and most of all, I have a burning desire to preserve the “Peaceful Side of the Smokies” for the citizens.
Ted Godfrey
Age: 71
Political affiliation: Non-party affiliated election
Occupation: Retired
Office sought: City commissioner. City of Townsend
Brief biological info: Born and raised in Townsend. Retired after 38 years as environmental and safety Manager in Texas.
Why are you running for this position? To play a role in keeping Townsend on the Peaceful Side. And overseeing the growth of the city.
If elected, what would your top two priorities be? Review and update city ordinances Oversee growth in the city using common sense to establish oversight of new and proposed businesses.
What makes you different from the other candidates for office? City native and currently a commissioner
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