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meetthecandidates
Haynes lays plans for fourth term
Leslie Tucker - Thu, Feb, 3, 2005
Alderman Mike Haynes, Farragut’s vice mayor since 1999, has begun his campaign for another four years of service on the Farragut Board of Mayor and Aldermen.
Haynes’ public service career in Farragut began as a volunteer. He chaired the committee for the bicentennial celebration for the U.S. Constitution in 1987 and the Town Hall dedication in 1991.
He was Farragut’s representative on the 1990-91 Knoxville/Knox County Metro Task Force and chaired Farragut’s first strategic plan — “Farragut 2000 Study.” He served on the Farragut Board of Zoning Appeals before being elected alderman, Ward I, in 1993.
When the Haynes’ relocated to a home in Ward II, he resigned. He was elected back to the Board in 1997 as a Ward II Alderman and re-elected in 2001.
A trial attorney for 31 years, Haynes is currently a partner practicing general law at Hodges, Doughty & Carson.
In an interview with farragutpress, Haynes recalled how his father, James, a former judge in Knox County, used to talk politics with Bob Leonard, Farragut’s first mayor, also an attorney. Haynes said when he moved his family to Farragut in 1985, Leonard was one of the first to urge him to become involved in the town’s leadership.
Haynes had some experience working in government as an assistant law director for Knox County and then as an assistant U.S. attorney.
“I believe that the town of Farragut’s future is very bright and I hope to contribute to that process,” Haynes said of one reason he is running again.
He lists some of the town’s accomplishments during his last term as:
• Being presented an “Excellence in Planning” award by the Tennessee Municipal League.
The award recognized Farragut for involving citizens in the development review process and implementing planning ordinances and regulations.
• Payment of final long-term debt in 2001 and remaining debt free, working on a cash basis since. “If you don’t have long term debt and have to service that debt that frees you up to do more things in your community,” he said. “Without a property tax, you have to work to maximize and leverage all the resources that you have.”
• Working with subdivisions to implement a traffic calming program and to accept private streets into the town.
“We are first and foremost a residential community,” Haynes said. He is pleased there is a process for homeowners to address their needs with the town.
• The completion of McFee Road (Phase 1) and Old Stage Road (Phase 1) as well as the beginning of construction on the Campbell Station Road extension.
Haynes’ list of challenges for the town includes:
• A “full plate” of road projects including the completion of Campbell Road Extension by fall 2006 and the completion of McFee Road (Phase 2) by spring 2007. Once McFee Road improvements are underway, construction on McFee Road Park can begin, Haynes said.
He also hopes to work with Knox County and the federal government for funds to improve the remainder of Concord Road (to Northshore). Then Haynes envisions widening Campbell Station Road “for direct access to the interstate.”
• Expansion of recreation and cultural opportunities, including the possible development of a community center and the need to continue to develop future town leaders.
“A lot of decisions are made at the committee level … by volunteers,” he said. “It’s our own sort of ‘in place’ way to develop new leadership … to learn about values and shared vision that we’ve had.”
• Develop a legal and fair process to implement impact fees.
“I think it’s important to do it within the framework of a tough but fair set of land zoning ordinances and good planning … to look at the concept of impact fees or some sort of cost sharing for the impact of future development on the infrastructure.”
Haynes’ wife, Myra, is a curriculum and instructional facilitator for Knox County Schools. Their son, Jason, recently graduated from UT Law School and is a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy JAG Corps. Christopher is also studying at UT, pursuing a degree in landscape architecture.
Haynes’ additional community activities include serving as a Boy Scouts of America leader, as a charter member of the Farragut High School Education Foundation and as past president of Knoxville Ronald McDonald House and the Knoxville Bar Association.
Haynes said he looks forward to the campaign. “I feel some obligation to run.” Haynes added he lives in a great community because of the founders of Farragut. “I owe it to them.”
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