Name: Craig Hayes

Hometown: Hendersonville, Tenn.

Job: State Farm Insurance Agent

Education: BA in Business Management- Belmont University

Family: Austin Hayes - son, Ashley Hayes - daughter, Vivian Hayes - granddaughter

What is your background and what relevant experience can you bring to the table?

I have operated a successful business for 30+ years. I consider running the city like running my business; I take a conservative approach. While I have been on the Council, the city has not raised the property tax rate and, in fact, lowered it last year. As a 57-year resident of Sumner County, I am aware that Gallatin is a city with tremendous potential, a community striving for excellence and a great place to live and raise a family. We have many assets and I want to be involved in making the most of them. That is why I am asking to continue representing the 4th District on the City Council. In my tenure of the city council, I have listened, learned, and worked hard to build consensus to improve our city. That is what public service is about.

Will infrastructure be able to keep up future residential/commercial development?

Yes, it will. We work proactively with the state on grant funding for road projects such as the Albert Gallatin Extension and 386/Long Hollow redesign. Our water/sewer infrastructure has plenty of capacity today, but we are not complacent. GPU is planning expansions to stay well ahead of the curve. Our electric and water rates are among the lowest in the region. We are developing a master plan for parks and recreation to add those amenities where needed. And I would work with our Engineering Department to prioritize new road projects, save for them, and activate them before demands exceed capacity. We have a proven record of planning for growth.

What is the first thing you would like to work on if elected/reelected?

If re-elected, I plan to focus on planning and zoning, infrastructure, and the economic development of Gallatin. These issues are crucial to the responsible, long-term growth of the city. We need to continue with a plan in place that provides opportunity for growth while simultaneously protecting the interests of existing property owners. I would work on attracting new business and retail. I would assure we maintain our commercially zoned properties and not convert them to residential. We should hold out for what is best; not easy.