I’m a lifelong resident of Rutheford County and my family has roots in the Milton/Halls Hill area dating back to around the 1830’s.  I grew up in the Kittrell Community, graduated from Oakland High School In 2001, and joined the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office a month after graduating high school.  I spent 15 years serving in various roles including Corrections, Patrol, Field Training, and the School Resource Officer Division. I’ve worked in the private sector for the past decade, only recently moving back into public service at the state level.

       My time as a public servant taught me about empathy. I learned that basic needs like quality schools, prompt and professional first responders, affordable housing and infrastructure that adequately supports the massive growth we’ve seen in this county are issues that affect the people of community regardless of their background. I’ve helped during natural disasters, kept watch during high school football games, and everything in between. We are more alike than some would want us to believe, and I know we are capable of great things if we come together.

 Being a cop shaped my leadership style in many ways.  I’ve learned to communicate and compromise with people of various backgrounds in a variety of situations of varying intensity.  I will bring this ability to find common ground with nearly anyone into county government so that we can accomplish our goals efficiently.

         As a commissioner, I will push for the reallocation of existing reserve taxpayer funds into programs that benefit the taxpayers.  A county this size should have its own curbside recycling and trash pickup, parks, community centers, etc.  Healthy fiscal reserves and smart financial stewardship are important, but not at the expense of our residents.  The are untapped grant opportunities and ways to better allocate our funds to make these things a reality. What we need are leaders willing to step up and put in the work, not just take up a seat and boast about saving money. We don’t have to raise taxes; we just have to put them to work.

         Lastly, we don’t need theatrics and petty personal issues in our government. We deserve a government that keeps its head down and works for the people.  I think we achieve that by electing leaders that are accessible and willing to hear the concerns of their constituents. Leaders who base their decisions around those concerns and political gain. Let’s bring the government back to the people and get things done!  Vote Lehew!