As we are about to enter into February of 2022 many people have dropped the diets and stopped going to the gym or even put down that book they were going to finish.
At the end of the day, new year’s resolutions are hard to accomplish. It is not easy to self-start and keep ourselves accountable throughout the year.
Many times, people set goals that are simply out of reach or too specific to the point of unattainability.
Jason Bailey, the Mayor of Union County, is going into this new year with hopes that have been with him from the beginning.
“It is and has always been my hope that Union County residence know my overall objective,” Bailey said. “To grow our great county in terms of workforce development, community development and tourism.”
Bailey is one community member who plans to hold himself accountable through setting a goal that is quite attainable.
Bailey’s goal is to get as many outstanding projects completed as possible. Bailey understands the roadblocks that may get in the way, in turn he uses the term “as many as possible.”
A few of the biggest things that community members need to look out for is the new infrastructure coming to the county.
The construction on Hwy 33 that will expand the road from the Knox-Union County line to the Maynardville City limits will begin mid-summer. Around the same time, Heritage Park, which will hold the Farmer’s Market Pavilion, Performance stage and the Music Hall of Fame, will be opening in May.
Broadband internet, which is one of Bailey’s number one priorities moving forward, will become available to Union County residences through KUB, Powell Valley Electric and Scott County VA Telephone.
Along with these projects, residences of Luttrell should expect the construction of the Luttrell Sports Complex at some point this year.
While we look forward to these projects and the opportunity for community development, we also look back on how we have grown through the struggles of the past two years.
With everything that has happened over the past two years, Bailey sees the struggles that our community has experiences. He states that one of the very few positives that has come from the pandemic is the increase in resources for Union County residents that were not available before.
“The pandemic has been one of the most life-altering events that many of us have ever experienced,” Bailey said.
While the past two years have been troublesome and weighed on many in the community, Bailey hopes to see continued progress and team work to lead the county in a positive direction.
Beyond broadband internet access, Bailey has four other priorities moving forward. These are water and sewer access to as many residences as possible, post-secondary education opportunities for all residence, further business development and further promotion of the county.
There are numerous projects that are in the works for the community. This may just be one of Union County’s best years yet.
Bailey encourages any Union County citizen, especially those new to the community, to reach out at any time. He wants to act as a listening ear that hears your concerns and answers your questions.