Pelham seeks office of county executive

?My 25-year business experience is one of the qualities I will bring to the office of county executive,? Pelham said. ?This background will be a valuable asset in helping to change the economic direction of our county.?

Born in Warren County in 1959, he is the son of the late H.T. (Zeke) and Gwendolyn Jones Pelham. He was one of six children.

In 1980, he married Rhonda Jones, daughter of Billy L. and Gloria Faye Jones, who is a business information technology teacher at the high school in her 23rd year. They have two children, Zachary John, a senior at Austin Peay, and Whitney Shea Pelham, a freshman at Tennessee Tech. They are members of Charles Creek Baptist Church. John is a member of Noon Rotary and the Tennessee Auto Dealers Association.

A 1977 graduate of Warren County Senior High, he started and currently operates Volunteer Motors Inc., a wholesale and retail business selling locally and across the Southeast. He started his second business in 1983 operating U-Save Auto Rental, which was the first car rental in Warren County. The business grew from two cars to 35 cars in the fleet.

In the mid-?80s he started and still operates J&B Industries, which consists of commercial and residential rental properties and investments properties in Warren County and Middle and East Tennessee.

The businesses are now operated out of his 1201 South Chancery Street office along with partner Billy Jones.

Pelham believes he can use his business and professional background in leading the county.

?I believe we must have a long-term economic plan to make our county attractive to industry,? Pelham said. ?Part of my vision for economic growth in Warren County includes a program to help maintain existing industry while aggressively recruiting new businesses and industry. Effective communication and cooperation with the county commission, industrial development recruiter, IDB and city officials is key in moving our county ahead in economic development.?

Pelham said he will continue to support local education, its leaders and programs, as well as job training and higher education.

?The future of our county lies in the education of our children and workforce,? Pelham said.

Pelham added he plans to be available to the people of Warren County to listen to their questions and concerns.

?I will provide the leadership to coordinate our government officials and move forward with economic progress,? Pelham said. ?Gains are not the success of any one person, but the result of teamwork.?

Pelham said he wants to see the county prosper and for the children of Warren County to have the opportunity to stay here, work and raise their families in their hometown.

Pelham is a candidate in the May 2 Democratic Primary which will decide who will be elected county executive since all three candidates are running as Democrats.

?Vote for me and together we will work to change the course of Warren County,? Pelham said.
His Web site is www.votejohnpelham.com.