Locals will remember Gary Pickens from his time at WBBJ TV, but NEWS/TALK 101.5 FM & WNWS.COM visited with Gary to discuss his role as a member of the Jackson City Council.

Question: First a little background. Where are you are originally from (we’re thinking Jackson), education, employment (how many years at BBJ), family.

Answer: I was born and raised in Madison County and attended public schools here. I graduated from South Side High School in 1971, and I have a Bachelor of Science in Business administration from Chadwick University – a school that is no longer open.

I worked in the broadcast industry either full or part time from the age of 15 until I retired. I spent almost 30 years at WBBJ. I am a retired military officer with 20 plus years. My family prefers to remain out of the picture. They were exposed to the spotlight during my years in television and prefer to just quietly live their lives.

Question: When did you decide you wanted to run for City Council?

Answer: I had a few people contact me about a year and a half prior to my deciding to run.
A few years ago, I considered running for the Tennessee Legislature, but did not follow up on the idea. There were too many negatives at the time, so I just let the idea pass.

Question: You were also selected to serve on the Jackson Beer Board. Anything this early into your term you could share about the experience?

Answer: No real surprises on the beer board. Recently, we had to suspend a beer license at a store in my district. I know that beer sales at many stores is a good part of their revenue, but we have laws and regulations that must be followed. It really is pretty simple. Abide by the rules and you can have a great business. Disobey the laws, and there is a price to pay.

Question: What would you say tops your list of priorities for your constituents in District 1, and what would you say tops the list of priorities for the City of Jackson?

Answer: I think we have to get control of the budget. Regardless of what district you live in, the budget must be a priority. We ask residents to pay their taxes and we as the city council must insure that the money is spent in an effective manner. We are one city and we all should expect our tax money will be utilized without being wasteful.

The mayor had the foresight to immediately appoint a budget committee and his choice to head that group (Paul Taylor) was outstanding.

If we do not control spending, then the city is not going to be able to adequately provide the necessary services to residents.

That being said, I am really interested in making sure the fire department is properly staffed with expertly trained personnel and equipped with the newest in firefighting equipment.

That will cost us money. The interim fire chief (Darryl W. Samuels Sr.) has developed a long range plan with priorities that will begin to bring the department to a much improved level. I am not saying the fire department is not a good one, but I am saying that we must insure that the firefighters have the best equipment, facilities and compensation.

They deserve all of that. Homeowners in Jackson should be concerned about the quality of the fire department, because it will directly effect the insurance rates you pay as a homeowner.

It is really simple. If the fire department’s ratings drop – then your insurance rates go up.

(PHOTO: Gary Pickens)

David Thomas, Twitter – @DavidThomasWNWS
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