Commissioner Jonathan Beverly is a newly elected Rutherford County commissioner and took the time to have a conversation with Tennessee District 48 State Representative Bryan Terry, MD.
Terry: Congratulations on becoming a County Commissioner for Rutherford County. I appreciate you taking the time for a Terry Talk and helping our community get to know you better and get informed on some issues.
Beverly: Thank you for the opportunity! I am honored to have been elected and excited to work hard for District 6. The County Commission has many issues coming before them and I look forward to helping guide our community.
Terry: I understand you guys have a new baby. Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
Beverly: We did, William was born in June of this year. We are very blessed and grateful that he is sleeping through the night now. My wife, Amanda, and I celebrated our second wedding anniversary last July.
I grew up in Smyrna, graduating from Smyrna High in 2010. I attended MTSU, graduating in 2013 with a degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Accounting/Information Systems. During high school and college, I worked for the YMCA before leaving to start a career in law enforcement with the Town of Smyrna. Since then I have completed Grad School at Bethel University, taken on additional responsibilities within my department, served as a Board Member with the North Rutherford YMCA, Smyrna Rotary Club, Boys & Girls Club, and President of the Stones River Fraternal Order of Police.
Terry: I first met you a few years ago and you seemed pretty passionate for the community. Obviously, you’ve taken the next step and ran for office. When running for office, one of the most common questions that people get asked is “why” or “what was your get off the couch moment”? So, if you can, what is your driving motivation for your dedication to local issues and politics?
Beverly: Thank you! Public service is a passion of mine and I wanted to get involved. For me, it boiled down to “if not me, then who?” I wanted to help build a strong community for my family, friends, and fellow citizens. I have always had a desire to serve, which led to Amanda and I praying for guidance on how to best accomplish that. We felt God offered an opportunity to run for County Commissioner and I knew I needed to follow.
Terry: You’ve been in office for a few months and it seems like the County Commission has hit the ground running. How would you describe the beginning of your term?
Beverly: A learning experience to say the least. Government has so many moving parts and so many people with a desire to help. The main goal for the first part of my term was to learn.
Terry: What are some of the big issues that the County Commission is dealing with right now, and how might the state help with these issues?
Beverly: Rutherford County is facing issues with both waste management and education and we are grateful to the state for their help. With waste management, we work closely with TDEC regarding the Middle Point Landfill and Rutherford County Landfill. As we continue to grow, we have to examine long term solutions to waste management.
Education is the key to a successful society. The State Legislature took action to make sure students are taken care of with a new approach to education funding. Rutherford County Schools grow by almost 2,000 students a year, one of the fastest rates in the state. This new funding provides a way for our students to get the most out of their education.
Lastly, our state legislature is fiscally responsible. This allows Rutherford County to recruit businesses to our area on the basis of economic stability. They see the teamwork between the local and state delegation, which brings comfort that their investment is solid.
Terry: With the landfill, solid waste, odors and a possible transfer station on the minds of constituents, what’s the latest info that you can give us surrounding those issues?
Beverly: The County Mayor and County Commission are working very hard to develop an answer to the problems surrounding solid waste. We have made multiple site visits to companies that may be able to provide the solution we are looking for. Additionally, our Public Works Committee just reviewed RFQs from three companies regarding transfer stations. These RFQs covered past projects the companies have done, experience with TDEC, plans for concept to construction, and what technology they would use. This is one of the many preliminary steps for Rutherford County to accomplish as we plan for the next phase of waste management in our community.
Terry: What do you wish Rutherford Countians knew about the county commission or local government? Anything they could do to assist you as a commissioner?
Beverly: Communication is key, your elected officials are here to help. If a citizen has an idea or desire to get more information, feel free to pick up the phone or send an email. Service is our goal, we try to be as communicative as possible.
Terry: Is there anything else you think the community should know or would like to say going into 2023?
Beverly: Our community is a great place to live. I am blessed with the opportunity to serve and look forward to what we will accomplish in not just 2023, but future years as well.
Terry: Thank you for taking the time for a Terry Talk. I have great appreciation for anyone who is willing to serve and those willing to inform our constituents. Best of luck on your term and I look forward to working with you for our community.