Ross Priddy, a mortgage loan officer with Leaders Credit Union, was elected as a Jackson City Councilman in District 5 in December 2017.
Ross, 32, replaced Scott Conger, who resigned in November after moving out of the district.
WNWS.COM visited with Ross for a question and answer session about his role as a member of the Jackson City Council.
Question: Could you give us a little background information about yourself – family, education?
Answer: My wife Laura and I have three sons – Jack 7, Thad 5 and Owen 2. I graduated from Jackson Central-Merry in 2004 and Middle Tennessee State University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies.
Question: Is this your first time to become involved in politics?
Answer: Yes, this is my first time to become involved in politics in an official role.
Question: What encouraged you to turn in a resume to apply for the position of councilman in District 5?
Answer: In the coming years my generation and our children will inherit the results of decisions currently being made by our elected officials.
Growing up in Jackson I never really knew much about the city council or how the city operates. It was not until we moved back to Jackson in the middle of the last mayoral election that I started to become interested in local politics.
As I began to learn how the city operates and after completing Leadership Jackson I saw the importance of younger people getting involved in the local political system.
Question: After you were sworn in and seated in December, we noticed you abstained on each resolution presented. Was it because you would like to have time to research and study the proposals before the meeting?
Answer: Yes, I abstained from voting because I did not believe it would be wise to vote on issues that I was not able to fully research and have a sufficient understanding of before hand.
Question: How long have you been with Leaders Credit Union and would you describe your position?
Answer: I have been with Leaders Credit Union since June of 2017. In my position as a mortgage loan officer I help our current members and potential members navigate the home buying or refinance process from the initial application to the closing table.
Question: As a councilman, what is your vision for the City of Jackson?
Answer: As a councilman my vision is to see Jackson become the best it can be. Right now we have a lot going for us as a city and at the same time we have areas we can improve in.
I look forward to listening and learning from the residents of District 5 about their hopes and needs for their block, our district, and our city.
I hope to encourage more people to invest in our city and take ownership in it by getting involved in the current systems and organizations or by creating new ones.
When my time comes to an end as a city council member – however long that may be – I hope in some small way that I will be able to leave the City of Jackson better than I found her.
(PHOTO: Ross Priddy)
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