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Billy Hobbs' leadership sparked many improvements
in White House
News
Examiner
Editorial
December 6,
2002
When the White House Board of Mayor and
Aldermen meets in January, there will be a new person at the helm for
the first time in many years.
Current Mayor Billy Hobbs was not
returned to office and will step down from the leadership position he
has held for 26 years.
Only one other person has served as mayor
of the city during its over 30 years of incorporation.
And while
voters in the city of 7,000 residents choose not to return Hobbs to
office, the contributions he has made to the city's quality of life
deserve appreciation.
Hobbs leadership has been during a time of
tremendous growth for the city, and to have this type growth and still
maintain services and a good quality of life is an
accomplishment.
During Hobbs' tenure there have been many
services provided that have enhanced the livability of White House,
including a modern recreational system with 120 acres of park land and
the recent opening of the new youth soccer complex.
Also in the
area of recreation, the city was one of the first in this area to
provide a greenway system to its residents.
The city has also
seen a policy of codes enforcement which has enhanced the value of
property and expanded commercial development, with the city working
closely with firms wanting to do business in the city.
Other
accomplishments made on Hobbs' watch include continued efforts toward
the improvmement of the city's road system, including the opening of the
southern bypass to improve the flow of traffic and the planned for
realignment of College Street with 76W to improve traffic flow.
The city has also opened a new police facility, replacing one
built in 1932, and has a fully certified police department and full-time
fire department which has resulted in the reduction of the city's fire
rating from 8 to 5.
Ninety-eight percent of the city is sewered
and the library has been enlarged to provide more space for the
public.
Certainly Hobbs has had help in achieving these goals,
but his leadership has sparked many of these improvements.
Hobbs'
civic contributions have not been limited to the city of White House. He
also served as a Sumner County Commissioners and on the Sumner County
Board of Education.
He served for 26 years as principal of White
House High School and a total of 33 years in public educations, from
classroom teacher to superintendent of schools in Maury
County.
As Hobbs leaves public office, residents of White House
and Sumner County owe a debt to him for the many hours he has promoted
to the betterment of his community.
whlib@viafamily.com |