Virginia Causey
Alderwoman Causey’s Bio
Coming Soon
Current Boards and Committees:
Jonesborough Repertory Theatre Board
Q&A with Alderwoman Causey
Why do you enjoy serving the residents of Jonesborough?
I enjoy serving the residents and have always strived to treat people the way I want to be treated. I enjoy the fact that I strive to be a good steward of the Town’s finances and being helpful from the knowledge that I gained when I was an employee for approximately 40 years.
What causes are you most passionate about?
I am very passionate about the treatment of our employees. I strive to make sure that they are all treated equally because without good employees we cannot provide the excellent services that we strive to provide for our residents each and everyday. High quality employees helps maintain our high quality of services for our residents.
What growth do you want to see in Jonesborough?
Continuation of our town being friendly and welcoming to our residents, visitors, and tourist. I would like to see a nice family style restaurant open in Jonesborough that would be open at night.
What is your favorite Town project you’ve been part of as an alderman?
I enjoy the fact that we have completed several projects during my tenure but the one that I am very passionate about is the Jackson Theatre. I grew up in Jonesborough and that is where my husband and I had our first date. I feel that the Theatre will be a major destination for our town locally, regionally, and nationally.
What are you most proud of that the Town has accomplished?
The Town haas developed a great relationship with Washington County Commissioners and the School Board. The children in the Jonesborough district will be getting a new school. Also, the Town close relationship with state and federal agencies, and in particular USDA for projects within the Town and county.
Where do you frequent in Town or what is your favorite event and why?
My family and I always enjoy the special events downtown and the fact that we can walk down to enjoy them. I look forward especially to our July 4th and Christmas parades. That is a time that you can see how people come out and enjoy what the Town provides with the events I praise our staff that work so very hard to provide the special events. In the last two years the Christmas lights downtown have been so beautiful and I know it makes me appreciate the beauty of our Town more.
Where do you see Jonesborough in 50 years?
Our local historian, Paul Fink, told me back in the 70’s when there was a variety store, ladies clothing store, mens clothing store, grocery store, banks, post office, drug store downtown and there was no stores that attracted tourist that one day – not in his lifetime or my lifetime that Jonesborough would be a big tourist attraction like Gatlinburg. I do feel he was right in the fact that Jonesborough attracts people from all over the world to our our little town, Tennessee Hills brings many tourist to see the operation there, as well as many other attractions that Jonesborough offers. I am proud of the Historic Preservation of our downtown buildings and how the citizens want to preserve the historic homes that they live in.
Terry Countermine
Alderman Countermine’s Bio
His passion is to serve and to continue to support decisions that improve the quality of life in Jonesborough.
Terry and his wife, Sandy, have lived in Jonesborough since 1990. He is a retiree of East Tennessee State University where he was chairman of the Department of Computing for 20 years. Terry has served as an alderman for the town since 2000. His passion is to serve and to continue to support decisions that improve the quality of life in Jonesborough. This includes finding ways to improve diversity and inclusion. He is on the boards of the Heritage Alliance, Main Street Jonesborough, and the International Storytelling Center (emeritus). He is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jonesborough.
Terry loves music. He leads a Jam Session every Thursday evening at the Senior Center and frequently sings on Sunday morning at the Jonesborough United Methodist Church. As a member of the Jonesborough Novelty Band, he has helped to raise over $55,000 for Habitat for Humanity.
Current Boards and Committees:
Current Boards and Committees: Main Street Jonesborough Board, Regional Planning Commission, Tree and Townscape Board and the International Storytelling Center Board (emeritus).
Other Town-related involvement: Member of the Kiwanis Club of Jonesborough, Senior Center Jam Session leader, Jonesborough United Methodist Church Music Team, Jonesborough Novelty Band Member, Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
Q&A with Alderman Countermine
Why do you enjoy serving the residents of Jonesborough?
I believe in service and in giving back. Jonesborough is an example of what can happen when citizens work together. Much of the quality of life here is related to the level of volunteering. Being a part of that inspires me.
What causes are you most passionate about?
Economic Development and Quality of Life Projects
What growth do you want to see in Jonesborough?
We should have controlled and planned growth that enhances our town. It’s a special place. We need to make decisions that are consistent with our well-earned reputation for being a welcoming community.
What is your favorite Town project you’ve been part of as an alderman?
There are three: The McKinney Center, the Senior Center, and the Jackson Theatre / Repertory Theatre complex.
What are you most proud of that the Town has accomplished?
The Town has made many accomplishments in the past 20 years. Most are related to the relationships that we have established with local, regional and state government officials and with the USDA-Rural Development leadership. This has enabled us to acquire funding for many projects with them as partners. Relationships and partnerships are essential for small town development.
Where do you frequent in Town or what is your favorite event and why?
My wife and I believe in shopping locally. We try to show our local businesses that we appreciate them being here. We have made many new friends because of our Storytelling Festival. Many friends, from other places that we have lived, come to visit during other events and are amazed at how special Jonesborough is.
Where do you see Jonesborough in 50 years?
I see Jonesborough as a town known for welcoming people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. We will continue to be a model for other small communities. Quality of life will remain an important goal and will include all forms of artistic, business, and educational opportunities.
What is one out-of-the-box idea you’ve always dreamed to make happen in Jonesborough?
I would like to see Jonesborough develop a town sponsored incubator program for new, innovative small businesses.
Adam Dickson
Alderman Dickson’s Bio
I see Jonesborough as a hub for “artistic expression” including not only performance and educational space, but also an arts district for craft artisans to live and create.
Adam Dickson is a community advocate and servant-leader. His professional experiences include local government, community development, higher education and the nonprofit administration.
Adam currently works for the City of Johnson City, TN as Supervisor of the Langston Centre (Langston), a facility promoting multicultural awareness through community arts, education, and leadership. Langston sits on the site of the former Langston High School, Johnson City, TN’s black high school from 1893-1965. Langston seeks to accomplish three objectives. First, Langston preserves the memories of the alumni of Langston High School and celebrates Johnson City’s African-American experience. Second, Langston creates educational programs for students to learn, have fun, and develop necessary life skills. Third, Langston serves as a “community hub” to address serious social problems and to promote community engagement.
Adam is an Adjunct Instructor of Political Science at East TN State University. For 16 years he has taught the course “Black American Political Thought” which examines black political ideology and the role of race in American political development. Adam currently serves on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for the Town of Jonesborough as Vice-Mayor. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Carson-Newman University, and he received a Master of Public Administration degree from East TN State University in 2004.
Current Boards and Committees:
Current Boards and Committees: Parks and Recreation and McKinney Center Advisory
Other Town-related involvement: Founder and former President, Jonesborough Community Chest Member and Former President, Jonesborough Civitan Club
Q&A with Alderman Dickson
Why do you enjoy serving the residents of Jonesborough?
I enjoy serving the residents of Jonesborough because I find purpose in serving others. And, public service allows me to fulfill my purpose.
What causes are you most passionate about?
Community Building and Economic Development projects
What growth do you want to see in Jonesborough?
I could envision an expansion of Persimmon Ridge Park that would provide accommodations to tourists.
What is your favorite Town project you’ve been part of as an alderman?
The development and opening of the McKinney Center.
What are you most proud of that the Town has accomplished?
The Town has made two accomplishments that I am proud of. One is our ability to maintain our Bond rating which allows us to secure credit. A very close second is our ability to maintain a healthy relationship with USDA-Rural Development. These two factors have allowed our Town to pursue its bold agenda.
Where do you frequent in Town or what is your favorite event and why?
I enjoy Jonesborough Days because it is the time to see old neighbors and friends and enjoy the summer.
Where do you see Jonesborough in 50 years?
I see Jonesborough as a hub for “artistic expression” including not only performance and educational space, but also an arts district for craft artisans to live and create.
What is one out-of-the-box idea you’ve always dreamed to make happen in Jonesborough?
I would like to see Jonesborough develop a botanical garden. I think it would nicely fit in with the Arboretum as well as an expansion of Persimmon Ridge Park.
Zac Jenkins
Alderman Jenkins Bio
Coming Soon
Current Boards and Committees:
Coming Soon
Q&A with Alderman Jenkins
Coming Soon
