Joe Wise, a Milligan graduate, is now currently serving as Johnson City’s mayor. Wise graduated in 1992 with a B.S. in Communications and a B.A. in Art. He also later studied Church History at Emmanuel Christian Seminary.
Wise worked at Milligan as a staff member from 1998 until 2008 in the Advancement Area while also serving as an assistant to the President, director of development and director of church relations.
Wise met his wife while attending Milligan as a student. They both graduated and now have three children.
This next section is a Q&A from an interview with Mayor Wise:
Q: What led you to pursue a position in local politics?
A: I grew up in Mentor, Ohio. Our next-door neighbor was the City Manager. My parent’s friend was the Fire Chief. My classmate’s mother was a city council woman and Mayor. I observed first-hand how these roles contribute to the quality of life in a community and early on had an interest in serving in this way.
Q: How has your time at Milligan, specifically your education and experience, helped you in your role as mayor?
A: While a student at Milligan I was actively involved in campus life as President of Pardee Hall, Class President and SGA President. Each of those experiences taught me about working with people to advance a shared goal.
Q: How does your faith impact how you carry out your duties as mayor?
A: I view public service as a calling to serve, not be served. I believe public service provides an opportunity to better a community for people of all faiths or no faith at all. Ultimately, we seek to improve the lives of all people. In local government we deal in the things that are easily overlooked until they fail to work appropriately. These are vitally important services (e.g., water, sewer, garbage, public transportation, emergency responders, etc.).
I believe we are all created in the image of God and deserving of dignity and respect regardless of whatever differences we may have.
Q: What are your responsibilities as mayor in dealing with the COVID situation? (The Delta variant outbreak).
A: The Mayor is a ceremonial role in Johnson City. I am but one member of the 5-member City Commission. I was elected by my Commission colleagues to serve in this role. The Mayor’s role in public health is limited. The city does have some discretion related to city owned facilities and staff to the degree allowed by the state.
Q: What is the current status of the COVID situation in the Johnson City area?
A: Concerning. The rate of infection, and surge in hospitalizations, should concern everyone. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Get your shot. It is by doing these things we can eventually end this pandemic and return to our lives and loved ones as we all long to.
Q: Can you tell me anything about any other projects you might be working on in your office?
A: We have several significant projects ongoing. The one that I have most personally been involved in over the years is the redevelopment of the West Walnut Street Corridor that links downtown to the campus of ETSU. I was first drawn to this opportunity while serving on the Planning Commission a number of years ago and seeing the potential that exists there. It is exciting to see that project reach a point where construction can begin in the coming weeks. There is more information on that project available here (https://www.johnsoncitytn.org/westwalnutplan/)
Q: Is there anything else that you would like to add?
A: Pardee Rowdies Forever!
For more information about Mayor Wise and other members of the Johnson City Commission click the link here.