VM Pinchok eyes Ward 2 re-election

Though picking up a petition with Knox County Election Commission listing him as a possible Town of Farragut mayoral candidate, Vice Mayor Ron Pinchok announced late last week he will run for re-election as an alderman in Ward 2 [South].

Pinchok released a statement to farragutpress Friday, Feb. 23, as follows:

“I am announcing my decision to run for re-election as Alderman in Ward 2 of Farragut. I have been a resident of Farragut for over 30 years and involved in Town business as a volunteer since I retired eight years ago.

“I’ve really enjoyed serving the Farragut community the past three-and-a-half years as an alderman, and more recently the past one-and-a-half years as vice mayor.

“As a member of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, I have attended several regional and state conferences held by the Tennessee Municipal League and also national conferences held by the National League of Cities over the last three years.

“The presentations and workshops at these conferences have been very educational and have given me the opportunity to meet and share ideas with other elected officials around the country.

“As a member of BOMA I have learned to embrace this very important position and have since formed a vision in which I want to see the Town of Farragut continue to grow in a progressive and proactive way.

“I was also a member of the Economic Development Advisory Committee before I was elected alderman and have sat on the committee the past two years as a liaison between BOMA and the EDAC.

“This, along with being a resident for over 30 years, has given me valuable experience, which I plan to apply to the work ahead.

“We currently have several projects under way and I am looking forward to working toward moving these to completion.

“I will highlight just a few: we have two roads, which are in the early stages of improvement: Union Road and Virtue Road. These will take four to five years to complete, but are very important to the surrounding subdivisions and our Town.

“We have hired a Tourism coordinator, and hope to soon have a hotel/motel tax approved by our state legislature. With this new position and revenue source, we hope to drive more sales to our local commercial businesses and strengthen their positions in the marketplace.

“We are also working to expand our parks and amenities and also our greenways. These will add to a healthier lifestyle for our residents and bring more entertainment activities to all of us, as well as increase our property values.

“I am also excited over the plans to create a Town Center. This is a long-term project, but the process is moving forward.

“I have had a very good working relationship with the other members of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the Town’s staff, and look forward to continuing these relationships.

“These are very exciting times for our Town. I want to continue as an alderman for Ward 2 and to help accomplish these goals, and many more, and make a positive difference in our Town.”