Zechman emphasizes education: Says children are our greatest natural resource
Saying children are Warren County’s most valuable resource, incumbent 1st District County Commissioner Bill Zechman says he wants to continue working to improve the education system.
“Our children are our greatest natural resource and if we do not invest in education, then we are depriving not only our children, but society in general,” Zechman said. “By not investing in education, we are creating a hopeless situation for our future.”
Zechman, who has a track record of voting for initiatives to improve education, said an educated and well-trained workforce ensured by a top-notch educational system, would benefit everyone by helping to attract industry and business to Warren County.
An educated work force and good educational facilities, combined with aggressive industrial recruiting initiatives, Zechman said, could be key in overcoming Tennessee’s “low and declining position” in the area of new commerce.
“I do believe we can offer incentives and tax structures which will help recruit new industries and help expand our existing industries,” Zechman said.
Zechman, a life-long Democrat and a former member of the local Democratic executive committee, has served on numerous committees during his terms on the County Commission. He has also sponsored several initiatives during his tenure, including his repeated attempts to reduce the size of the commission in half to make it a smoother body.
“I’ve supported a reduction in the size of the commission from 24 to 12 for years and, if re-elected, I will try it again,” Zechman said.
Zechman also said he has supported building a new jail, complete with a justice center. He said he feels time will prove that building a justice center would have been the right move.
Zechman has served as an agent with State Farm for 20 years and is a member of Central Church of Christ. He holds degrees in philosophy and chemistry from the University of Tennessee. He is a charter member of McMinnville Noon Exchange and is a volunteer producer with public radio WCPI. He hosts a classical music show from noon until 3 p.m. He has worked in radio off and on since age 14.
Zechman is married to Patricia Zechman and the couple has three daughters, Christy, Leslie and Lauren.