Tell us about your campaign.

Hello! My name is Brendan Doughtie. I graduated from Siegel High School in 2021 and now work for my family’s business Boro Bagel in Murfreesboro. I’ve grown up in Rutherford County and have seen the constant issues surrounding the Middle Point Landfill, irresponsible growth, questionable infrastructure, and lots and lots of traffic. I am passionate about people as well as wildlife so my priorities are with protecting both from the damage that has already been done to our water, air, and land. As county commissioner, I will plan ahead and make smart choices around pollution and green space protection. As an animal rights advocate, I felt ignored by my elected officials when I reached out about a problem directly and negatively impacting the life of hermit crabs in pet stores. That is why I will prioritize transparency and accountability because local government should put the people who live here first, not ignore them. I promise to do my part to make sure residents' voices are valued.

In your own words, describe the responsibilities of the office you are seeking.

A county commissioner's top priority needs to be the people. That means valuing their constituents' voices, making choices that won't negatively affect them, and acting on their issues and concerns. Other than direct involvement with the people of Rutherford County, a county commissioner acts as the legislative body of county government. They manage and set the county budget and act as a policy maker for the community. As I've seen at the meetings, County Commissioners often discuss topics like zoning, land use, public safety, and legal affairs where they usually have a vote that sometimes spark a debate.

What are your priorities for this office?

I’m not a politician, but a working class individual struggling to make ends meet alongside most of my peers. My priorities are with the people whether I am holding an elected office or not. While in office, I will be an ear and a voice for those who feel ignored just as I did when advocating for animal welfare.

Describe your qualifications for this office.

On the surface, some people may believe I am not qualified or ready for this position. As a 22 year old renter, I have first hand experience living in the current state of our county. Every year, my rent goes up, wages stay the same, and cost of living continues to increase. Owning a home feels like a dream that keeps getting further out of reach. Young adults are simultaneously struggling alongside their grandparents and things aren’t getting better. As County Commissioner, I can’t solve every problem, but I can provide some relief by proposing tax incentives for developers to encourage them to build affordable homes. I can also ask important questions before voting yes on a decision that would directly impact my constituents. Since I personally struggle with the rising cost of rent, I would ask, “How much is rent going to cost your tenants? Do you expect rent prices to go up every year and if yes, how much? Will you have enough staff to be attentive to the amount of tenants you hope to have?” If their answers don’t coincide with the needs of the people, I will simply vote no. I’m not going to tell you that I have more experience being on a commission board than someone who is triple my age and has been on there for years. What I can tell you is that as a person who is dealing with the same struggles as you right now- I will demand the change that WE all deserve.