Empowering our community and its members for a brighter future.
Valuing Family
I’ve been married to Marcella Mackey Ellis for over 30 years and we’ve made Lexington our home during this time. Marcella is an educator in the Henderson County School System. Our sons, Brandon and Bryce were educated within our local public school system and both graduated from the University of Memphis with Computer Science degrees. Our family places a high value on education.
A Commitment to Service
My service to others began 39 years ago when I enlisted into the United States Air Force as an 18yr old with only an idea of who and what I wanted to be. The military taught me discipline, patience, cooperation, teamwork and the benefit of compromise. My community service includes having served on the boards of the Lexington Housing Authority, Lexington Electric System, Henderson County Chamber of Commerce and Lexington Soccer league. I am a past member of the Lexington Rotary Club. I’ve had the pleasure of coaching our youth in baseball and soccer for numerous years.
Promoting Education and Opportunity
I am a veteran of the United States Air Force and a proud graduate of Lexington High School, Jackson State Community College, Bethel University and the WestStar Leadership program at the University of Tennessee, Martin.
Supporting public safety,
I believe that our local officials need to see our community safety as a basic human right and important aspect of the quality of life in our community. We need to mobilize local partnerships with key actors—the police, government agencies, community organizations and residents---to develop safe, secure and vibrant areas within our rural community. The problems of Memphis shift to Jackson and problems of Jackson shift to Lexington, etc. We need to make sure that our public safety officials have the tools and training needed to address those issues before they arise.
A voice for the people
Polling numbers for Lexington have shown a decline in the number of citizens participating in our local elections. I would like to see more people exercise their civic duty and vote. I also believe we should hold our elected leaders accountable for decisions they make. On behalf of our city, it is imperative that our citizens have a government that is functional and working for all the people, not just the select few.
I pledge to work for the citizens of Lexington and be accountable to each and every one of you regardless of whom you support. To me that means I treat your tax dollars like I treat my own funds, that I am courteous and polite whenever, wherever I encounter you and most importantly that I always put the interest of our city above all else.
Championing Infrastructure
Neglected roads, insufficient utilities and lack of widespread broadband can be the difference between industries choosing our community or elsewhere. Our leaders should continue to use the technology that is available today to improve our community by addressing traffic patterns and utility locations.
Most citizens do not realize the importance of the high cost of infrastructure but it is one of if not the most important item within a city, especially when recruiting industry. If the basic necessities are not in place then our community has the potential to be overlooked. While our officials are stewards of our tax dollars, sometimes you have to spend money to make money.
Economic development and uplifting local business
I believe that we need to continue to work at the state, regional and federal levels to ensure that we are utilizing all available resources at our disposal.
Our leaders must continue to interact with our local businesses to assess their needs. Our small business owners are the backbone of our community and we must do our best to ensure that they not only survive but thrive.
“In every community, there is work to be done. In every nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is the power to do it.”
— Marianne Williamson
