A former Milligan College student and piano performance major, Lucas Schmidt, felt compelled to run for office in historic Jonesborough because of an unprecedented event, the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I decided to run for office because I have grown increasingly concerned with the financial stability and quality of life of Jonesborough, where I live,” Schmidt stated. “This isn’t a reflection of the current leadership; this is a reflection on an anomaly pandemic that couldn’t be properly predicted.”
Schmidt was mentored and inspired by many professors while he was a student at Milligan. He couldn’t name just one favorite professor, but he named five professors who influenced him, and devoted time to him while he was at Milligan.
He named Professor Rick Simerly, Schmidt’s mentor, study supervisor and professor in multiple subjects as someone who inspired him by their strong work-ethic.
“Professor Anne Elliott was my piano teacher, considering that was my degree, we worked together a lot, I will always be grateful for the dedication to the craft she has,” Schmidt replied. “She was tactful but direct and could get a good performance out of you no matter your condition.”
Schmidt states, “Dr. Kellie Brown was a wonderful conducting instructor and her music history class was one of my favorite courses in my time at Milligan and Dr. John Jackson’s patience knows no bounds.”
Lastly Schmidt responds fondly of Dr. Pat Magness who at the time taught western history.
“She made the class seem exciting and fun, regardless of which vase or ancient text we were discussing,” said Schmidt.
Schmidt gives helpful advice to students who are considering running for office one day.
“Build a solid reputation of integrity and honesty first and foremost,” Schmidt said. Toughness, intelligence, cleverness, and a good general work ethic are excellent qualities, but if you come under fire as a candidate, which you will; integrity and honesty are things which shield you to an extent in the public eye.”
Schmidt says, “I have tried to carry myself with kindness and integrity in my work, and I’ve received good feedback as a result.”
If elected Schmidt has goals already in mind for Jonesborough. He lists the goals as:
1. Ensure a balanced budget and surpluses of funds in the town treasury.
2. Keep taxes low but secure other sources of income. This could include expansion in our water department, renegotiation of some our bonds, and increasing foot traffic with new downtown events. This would boost our sales-tax revenue (but I don’t want to raise the sales or property tax).
3. Establish a more direct line of communication between voters and the Alderman. I’d like voters to feel they can email me as an elected leader directly with questions and concerns.
“I’d love to change the current policy of near-total lockdown on public events,” Schmidt notes. “Again, this isn’t a poor reflection of our current leaders; they are doing what is best advised, I’d just like to contribute in a creative way to get new events this winter to compensate for the loss of our live events downtown.”
Most of all Schmidt is looking forward to the day after the election. He explained, “It means it’s over with and done.”
He goes on to explain, “God’s will isn’t always immediately visible,” Schmidt said, “Entering a race for a political seat of power is just asking to be put on a ‘God’s Will’ waiting list.”
“It’s exciting but also nerve-wracking,” Schmidt admits. “I don’t fear loss or victory, I simply just want to know what to brace for. The unknown is rather uneasy for me.”
Running for office undoubtedly takes energy and time.
Schmidt works in theatre, theatre education and runs his own business from home. He encourages people to vote for him if they hope for new ideas for new problems.
“I have a wide variety of problem solving and communication skills that I’d like to think were refined through my educational and technical work in my fields,” Schmidt stated.
For more information on local voting, click here.
Headline photo: Lucas Schmidt, one of five candidates on the ballot for Jonesborough Board.