Engaged, Common Sense Citizen Running for Gallatin City Council, District 4
Help us campaign today for a better tomorrow!
Welcome to VoteRuthFennell.com!
Welcome
Thank you for stopping by my campaign website! You'll find eclectic posts but most will be focused on issues important to the citizens of Gallatin and Sumner County, plus some nationally focused items...
and some just posted to generate thinking, discussion and conversation! :-)
The Platform
Serving The Community
My Priorities:
- 1. Bring better transparency to citizens on decisions being made.
- 2. Address growth that is impacting our infrastructure, roads, schools, and budgets.
- 3. Plan accordingly for future financial obligations to better prepare for when the growth stops!
- 4. Retain “the Nicest Place in America” designation while also being open to new ideas and concepts.
- 5. Make voting decisions based on Policies and Principles – WHAT we know, not WHO we know!
A Little Bit About Me
My husband, Tim and I have lived in Gallatin for almost 20 years. We have no children but we do have a spoiled “pound puppy.” We moved here to be closer to family who had come to Gallatin in 1990.
I have lived in a VARIETY of states: Illinois, Tennessee (Memphis, Jackson, and Gallatin), Wisconsin, Arkansas, California (as has a large percentage of Gallatin newcomers these days…) and Florida.
I have worked in a VARIETY of industries and capacities: local government as a Police/Fire Dispatcher; Insurance Adjuster; Insurance Arbitration Training Manager; Organizational and Management Leadership Consultant; Financial Training Manager; Real Estate Agent, Broker, Trainer; Fire/Water Damage Restoration Trainer; Manufacturing Consultant/Trainer; and Warehouse Distribution Training Manager.
I believe that my background of living in different sections of the country has given me a unique frame of reference for what other areas are doing. And, my background of working in multiple industries has given me an ability to bring an organizational perspective to city government that will look for efficiencies in processes, the ability to manage growth and plan effectively for the future.
What are Ruth's Postions?
Better Transparency & Communication
INFORMING CITIZENS: As your representative, I will attend public meetings, review council agendas, and engage with citizens directly. Informed civic participation strengthens local governance and ensures decisions reflect community values.
Handling Growth
ADDRESSING GROWTH: According to the Gallatin Economic Development Agency, Gallatin has grown by over 50% in the last TEN YEARS. We have over 10,000 new residences already fully approved – about ½ are homes & ½ are apartments/townhomes. Out of that, we can reasonably expect approximately 20,000 more citizens & 15,000 more cars on our roads. We need to address better planning for these residences, how close they are to other homes, & the effect of that growth on infrastructure & schools!
Preparing for the Future
PREPARING FOR FINANCIAL : The Council oversees municipal budgets and spending priorities. By making fiscally responsible choices—like prioritizing cost-effective projects and seeking grant opportunities - Council members can fund essential services while working to keep tax burdens manageable for our citizens.
Retaining our Small Town Charm
BALANCING OLD AND NEW: Gallatin has been acknowledged as the "Nicest Place" in America, it is a small town near a big city. Many citizens are concerned that we are losing the qualities that have made Gallatin so special. Now is the time to focus on new ideas that will let us balance the best of both worlds as we look to the keeping our local charm while benefitting from new concepts.
Hearing Your Voices
VOTING ON PRINCIPLES, NOT PERSONALITIES: There needs to be more discussion when votes are taken to change something, whether it is rezoning, building criteria, traffic and infrastructure revisions, etc. Currently, it seems like an agenda item is read, the vote is taken, and the Council moves on. There is minimal discussion so citizens don't know the backgrounds on all the considerations and why the votes were decided. That has to change. Below in the Photo Gallery is a screenshot of some of the factors that I will consider when casting votes on YOUR behalf!
Ultimately, the choice is yours...
STREAMLINING EFFORTS: Citizens hear that once something has been decided that it can’t be changed. That MAY or MAY NOT be true… if it was totally true, we would still be having to make space for horses to park on the Downtown Square. I want to take a good hard look at what “we’ve always done” to see if it needs to be amended and revised. I have already started meeting with Gallatin’s Department Heads to learn from them. I will work with all of the department heads and other elected officials to remove obstacles to improvements and work to be creative in solving our challenges! I don't pretend to have all the answers, but i AM solutions oriented! This is a special community and our citizens deserve to be placed FIRST in the decision making process! You have my commitment to do just that! With your support, we CAN keep the Charm of Gallatin while adapting and handling to the current demands of what we have!
I am asking for your support to make that happen! Thank you!
Photo Gallery
