County Commission | District 4
Robert Peay
Hardworking; Experienced; Accessible
The Representation District 4 Needs
Personal Background
It has been a profound honor to serve as your Commissioner for District 4. My roots in Rutherford County run deep; my ancestors were among the trustees who signed the original petition to form this county. While much has changed since then, my commitment to keeping Rutherford a wonderful place for all remains as firm as it was for those who came before me.
Many of you knew my beloved wife, Pat. We shared 44 years of marriage before she passed away months ago after a courageous battle with leukemia. She was a dedicated educator for RCS, and her legacy lives on through our daughters, Dr. Rachel Peay Cornett (Lipscomb University) and Katie Peay (Biosystems Engineer), and our five wonderful grandchildren. Whether I’m attending North Boulevard Church, farming and fishing in Readyville, or cheering on the Oakland Patriots, my heart is always with this community. I am an alumnus of Kittrell and MTSU. My background, from manufacturing management and small business ownership to serving as a volunteer firefighter assistant chief, has taught me the value of hard work and common sense leadership. It brings me joy to help my fellow neighbors! My servant's heart desires to continue working hard to get things right for the people of District 4.
About District 4
District 4 covers both rural and suburban areas near/on the eastern border of Rutherford County including but not limited to parts of Readyville, Milton, Lascassas, Kittrell, Bradyville, and Murfreesboro around the Oakland Schools. Contact me if you are unsure about your commissioner representation for Rutherford County.
Appointed Committees
- • Steering (past)
- • Public Safety (past)
- • Regional Planning Commission (past)
- • Ethics (current)
- • Purchasing (current)
- • Public Works (current)
- • Budget (current chairman)
Goals
1. Fiscal Responsibility
My top priority is ensuring we do not overburden residents with taxes. As your Budget Chairman, I have helped guide Rutherford County into the top 1.7% of counties nationwide for financial health.
AAA Bond Rating: We are one of only 53 counties in the U.S. to maintain a AAA rating across all three agencies, saving us millions in interest.
Debt Reduction: By aggressively paying off debt early, our budget committee along with the commission has saved taxpayers $26.4 million since 2010.
Senior Advocacy: I will continue to work with our state delegation to raise the $67,000 income threshold for the property tax freeze to better protect our seniors.
2. Innovative Waste Management & Clean Water
We must reduce our dependence on landfills and protect our natural resources.
Sustainable Solutions: I am advocating for a county-led recycling center or a waste-to-energy facility to stop the practice of simply burying trash.
Protecting Infrastructure: I want to limit or stop out-of-county trash that increases our road maintenance costs.
Clean Water: I am committed to identifying and correcting the sources of pollution in our local waterways to ensure our drinking water and recreation areas remain safe.
3. Preserving Our Rural Heritage
Tennessee is losing over 200 acres of farmland every single day.
Smart Growth: I support Plan Rutherford to prevent over-development and preserve our rural farmland.
Balanced Development: We must protect our agricultural history while allowing for responsible growth only where the infrastructure and soil can support it.
4. Accessibility & Common Sense Leadership
I am one vote on the commission, but I promise to be your most vocal advocate for District 4.
Accountability: I will ensure tax dollars are spent transparently on essential needs: quality schools, public safety (fire, police, ambulance), community needs, and safe roads.
Accessible Representation: I work for you. My contact information is always public, and I encourage you to reach out at any time.
Accomplishments
I have accomplished nothing without the support of my constituents. Below you will find a list of a few highlights that I have been glad to help with over the years serving as commissioner.
Fiscal Responsibility & Leadership
- • AAA Bond Rating: As budget chairman, I’ve helped guide our county to a rare AAA bond rating across all three agencies, helping keep our costs and debt lower.
- • Debt Reduction: Voted to pay off our debt faster by placing half of all development tax toward debt service.
- • Tax Relief: Supported freezing property tax increases for senior citizens and assisting our disabled, veterans, and elderly.
- • Ethics & Governance: Served on the Rutherford County Ethics Committee since its inception.
- • Public Voice: As chairman of Steering, I implemented the first public comment sessions before they were required by the state.
Education & School Safety
- • SROs & Safety: Advocated for School Resource Officers (SROs) for all county schools and voted for the provision of metal detectors.
- • Infrastructure: Advocated for recent school additions at Oakland and Riverdale and proudly support our award-winning Rutherford County Schools. Great schools attract great residents and businesses.
- • Classroom Support: Made certain there was enough funding for textbooks for Kittrell School students.
Public Safety & Infrastructure
- • Fire & Rescue: Fought for and established the Rutherford County Fire Rescue Department while maintaining support for our remaining volunteers.
- • Public Safety Buildings: Worked to provide funding for public safety buildings in Lascassas and Kittrell, providing fire protection, ambulances, and health services.
- • Highway Safety: Added sidewalks and a wider roadway to Halls Hill Pike where it was previously rated one of the most deadly roads in Rutherford County. Worked with the city and state to widen Jefferson Pike and Florence Road.
- • Turn Lanes: Championed adding turning lanes to any future subdivision being built and added turning lanes at Highway 96, Richland Richardson Road, Compton Road, etc.
- • Water Access: Helped get CUD water to rural areas with USDA grants and pushed to mandate that water hydrants be included in all subdivisions.
Environment & Planning
- • Waste Management: Convinced the commission to sell the Guy James Property, which was zoned for a landfill, to MTSU and voted for the county’s own transfer station for better waste control.
- • Sustainability: Invited to speak on a panel regarding ideas for our county at Recycle Rutherford’s public meeting.
- • Planning Experience: Served as a Regional Planning Commission member for 8 years.
Community Preservation
- • Kittrell Gym: Successfully navigated the return of the old Kittrell School gym to our community for its restoration and community use.
- • Advocating for Smart Growth and Preserving Rural Farmland: Voted for Plan Rutherford which calls for less dense development in rural areas.
Voting
Thank you for considering me when you make the important choice of who to vote for to represent District 4. You can now vote at any polling location in the county on election day with your state or federal government issued identification. See this website for polling location options. Locations in/near our district include Sports Com, Kittrell Elementary, Lascassas Elementary, and North Boulevard Church of Christ. Early Voting Sites include Sports Com, which is open for voting M-F 10-6 and Saturday 8-12. *Check voting dates info for mail-in voting dates, etc.
Need to Know Dates
- • Republican Primary: May 5
- • Early Voting for the Primary: April 15-30
- • General Election: August 6
- • Early Voting for the General Election: July 17- August 1
Contact
I need to hear from you to best represent you. Contact me with ways I can help!
Home: 615-409-6808
Cell (call or text): 615-603-5038
Email: rpeay45390@aol.com
Facebook: Robert Peay for Commission