La Vergne City Mayor

Jason Cole

Jason Cole

Independent

Tell us about your campaign.

I’m running for re-election as Mayor of La Vergne because I believe in this city, I believe in its people, and I believe our best days are still ahead of us. Serving as your mayor has never been about a title. It has been about showing up, listening, making decisions, and working every day to move La Vergne forward. I have worked to be one of the most engaged mayors our city has had — being out in our community, meeting with residents and businesses, working alongside our first responders, advocating for infrastructure, and representing La Vergne across Tennessee. La Vergne is growing, and with that growth comes responsibility. We must make sure our roads, public safety, utilities, neighborhoods and businesses keep pace. That means continuing projects like the widening of South Waldron Road, improving our transportation network, and making smart investments for the future. Public safety remains one of my highest priorities. We have continued investing in our police and fire departments, including a new police facility, a new fire station and additional fire equipment. At the same time, our crime statistics have moved in the right direction, including significant reductions in burglaries, motor vehicle theft, theft offenses and assaults. We are also increasing traffic enforcement to help keep our roads and neighborhoods safer. Economic development is another key part of our future. La Vergne is attracting new businesses, expanding existing ones and creating opportunities for our residents. From Aldi, Panda Express, 7 Brew and Starbucks to the expansion of Tennessee Cooperative and other investments, businesses recognize that La Vergne is a great place to live, work and invest. But growth must be responsible. I believe we can invest in our city while being good stewards of taxpayers’ money. Our current budget maintains the property tax rate at .5363 with no property tax increase for the upcoming fiscal year. Most importantly, I believe a mayor should be accessible. Whether it is a road project, a neighborhood concern, a business looking to locate here, or a resident who simply wants to be heard, I want people to know their mayor is there for them. My campaign is about continuing the progress we have made and preparing La Vergne for the future: safer neighborhoods, better roads, responsible growth, strong economic development, continued investment in our first responders, responsible financial management, and a city government that listens and gets things done. Keep La Vergne Moving Forward. I’m asking for your support and your vote because I love this city, I’m proud of what we have accomplished together, and I know there is still work to do.

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

The Mayor of La Vergne has a responsibility to lead, listen, and represent the entire community. The job is much more than presiding over meetings or attending events. It requires being engaged with residents, businesses, city employees, first responders, and community organizations while helping set a vision for La Vergne’s future. The Mayor works with the Board of Mayor and Aldermen to establish priorities, develop and approve the city budget, make responsible financial decisions, and create policies that affect our community. The Mayor also has an important role in supporting public safety, infrastructure, economic development, transportation, responsible growth, and the quality of life in our neighborhoods. The Mayor must also be an advocate for La Vergne outside our city, working with Rutherford County, state and federal officials, neighboring communities, regional organizations, and businesses to bring resources and opportunities to our residents. Most importantly, the Mayor must listen. Residents deserve an accessible leader who is willing to hear different perspectives, address difficult issues, and work toward solutions. Ultimately, the Mayor’s responsibility is to be a good steward of the city, protect the interests of its residents, support those who serve our community, encourage responsible growth, and help prepare La Vergne for the future while never losing sight of the people who call La Vergne home.

What are your priorities for this office?

If re-elected, my priorities will be focused on continuing the progress we have made while preparing La Vergne for the future. Infrastructure & Transportation: Continue improving critical roads, addressing traffic congestion, and working with TDOT, Rutherford County, and regional partners on transportation solutions. Public Safety: Continue investing in our police and fire departments, facilities, equipment, and personnel while supporting effective crime prevention and traffic enforcement. Responsible Growth: Make sure La Vergne grows in a way that benefits existing residents while attracting quality businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening our tax base. Financial Responsibility: Protect taxpayers through responsible budgeting, careful spending, responsible debt management, and investments that provide long-term value. Economic Development: Continue attracting new businesses and supporting existing employers to create jobs and expand opportunities for our residents. Quality of Life: Continue improving parks, community facilities, senior services, neighborhoods, and opportunities for families. Communication: Remain an accessible mayor who listens to residents, communicates openly, and works with citizens, businesses, and other governments to solve problems. Above all, my priority is simple: Keep La Vergne Moving Forward — building a safer, stronger, more prosperous city while protecting the quality of life that makes La Vergne home.

Describe your qualifications for this office.

My greatest qualification for serving as Mayor of La Vergne is the experience I have gained through serving our community. As your incumbent Mayor, I understand how our city government operates, the challenges we face, and the opportunities ahead. I have worked with our Board of Mayor and Aldermen, city staff, police and fire departments, local businesses, Rutherford County, state officials, and regional partners to move important projects forward. I have represented La Vergne beyond our city while advocating for infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and the resources our community needs. I remain actively involved in our community by attending events, meeting with residents and businesses, listening to concerns, and staying accessible. I believe leadership requires understanding the issues, bringing people together, and following through. During my time as Mayor, La Vergne has continued to grow, attract new businesses, invest in public safety and infrastructure, and maintain responsible financial policies. I am running on experience, relationships, and the record of work we have accomplished together. I believe that experience, accessibility, and commitment to La Vergne qualify me to continue serving as your Mayor and Keep La Vergne Moving Forward.