April 20, 2006

The candidates who appeared to receive the most backing from developers won their elections for Murfreesboro City Council. The voter turnout was a only 13%.

While the low turnout is disappointing, it was probably as much as could be expected, said Mayor Tommy Bragg. Bragg, who ran unopposed Tuesday, was returned to office with 4,494 votes.

"Silence usually means consent," the mayor said. "I think the citizens understand government has been open and responsive in Murfreesboro. We try to include as many people as often as possible."
[Voters stay away from polls - Daily News Journal - 04-20-06]

One of the biggest challenges facing the new city council is growth and development.

Rutherford County is experiencing the fastest job growth in America, statistics released Thursday by the United States Department of Labor show.

The number of jobs in Rutherford County jumped 9.2 percent for the third quarter of 2004 compared to 2003 as measured in September, with 91,600 jobs provided at 3,700 places of employment.

David A. Penn, an assistant professor of economics and finance at MTSU, said that the area's employment increase is "monumental."
[Jobs growth No. 1 in nation - Daily News Journal - 04-15-06]

It would be a mistake for those elected to translate a 13% turnout as majority consent for irresponsible development and budgetting to keep up with growth. As the public becomes better informed of the council's decisions, any increase in voter turnout in the next elections will have a profound impact.