Smyrna Town Mayor
Joanne Delk
Joanne Delk
Independent
Tell us about your campaign.
I am running for Mayor of Smyrna because it’s time for a change. I believe our community deserves leadership that is willing to listen, plan for the future, and recognize that the challenges we face today require us to think differently about tomorrow. Smyrna is a wonderful community. It is a place where families build their lives, children grow up, businesses invest, and neighbors come together. But, we have grown, and in many ways, our infrastructure and planning have struggled to keep up with that growth. My commitment to Smyrna is personal. I am a wife, a mother, a business professional, and someone who believes strongly in giving back to the community I call home. I volunteer my time coaching youth sports in Smyrna and Murfreesboro, helping young people learn not only the skills of the game but also the importance of teamwork, accountability, and perseverance. I also serve as the treasurer of my HOA, where I see firsthand how important it is for communities to work together, listen to one another, and make responsible decisions. As Mayor, I want to focus on responsible growth that puts the needs of our residents first. We must address the infrastructure challenges that come with rapid growth, including traffic, roads, utilities, and public services. Growth should be planned—not simply reacted to after our residents are already dealing with the consequences. I also believe we must take housing seriously. Seniors who have spent their lives contributing to our community deserve affordable options that allow them to remain here. Young people and recent college graduates who want to begin their careers and lives in Smyrna should also be able to afford to live here. We need thoughtful housing solutions that serve our community at every stage of life while protecting the character of our existing neighborhoods. Our residents should have opportunities to work, grow, and build successful careers without feeling that they have to leave our community to find them. Public safety must remain a priority as well. As our population grows, we must ensure our police officers, firefighters, and first responders have the resources, staffing, training, and equipment necessary to keep our community safe. Most importantly, I believe leadership should be accessible. Residents should feel heard. They should know that their concerns matter and that the people elected to represent them are willing to listen—even when the conversations are difficult. I am not running for Mayor because I believe one person can solve every problem. I am running because I believe the best solutions come when leaders listen to their community, bring people together, and have the courage to make decisions that prepare the community for the future. Smyrna has tremendous potential, but we cannot assume that what worked yesterday will automatically prepare us for tomorrow. We have an opportunity to create a better path forward.
In your own words, describe the responsibilities of the office you are seeking.
1. Providing leadership and vision * Help establish the community’s long-term priorities. * Work with the Town Council to develop policies that address Smyrna’s growth and future. * Represent the interests of residents in major community decisions. 2. Working with the Town Council * Serve as a member of the governing body. * Participate in discussions and decisions concerning ordinances, budgets, development, infrastructure and town services. * Help build consensus among council members and the community. 3. Representing Smyrna * Serve as one of the town’s primary public representatives. * Meet with residents, businesses, community organizations and regional/state officials. * Promote Smyrna and advocate for resources and opportunities for the community. 4. Focusing on growth and infrastructure For the priorities you’ve already identified, this could include helping shape policies around: * Roads and traffic * Water and sewer capacity * Parks and recreation * Housing * Economic development * Public safety * Responsible development * Infrastructure that keeps pace with Smyrna’s population growth 5. Supporting economic development The mayor can help set the direction for attracting quality employers while also supporting businesses that are already in Smyrna.
What are your priorities for this office?
My priorities for seniors 1. Affordable housing for seniors * Encourage development of affordable, safe senior housing. * Look for ways to help seniors remain in Smyrna rather than being priced out as the community grows. * Support a variety of options, from independent living to assisted living. 2. Expand senior services * Support the expansion of the Senior Activity Center and additional programs for a growing senior population. * Expand opportunities for recreation, social connection, education and wellness. 3. Make Smyrna easier to navigate for older residents * Prioritize safe sidewalks, crossings, lighting and accessibility. * Consider transportation options for seniors who no longer drive. My priorities for small businesses 1. Make it easier to start and operate a business * Streamline city processes and permitting where possible. * Create a more accessible point of contact within the town for small-business owners. 2. Support the businesses already here * Economic development shouldn’t only mean recruiting large companies. * Help existing locally owned businesses expand, hire and remain competitive. 3. Create opportunities for new small businesses. 4. Invest in commercial areas * Improve infrastructure, walkability, parking, lighting and streetscapes around business districts. * Make Smyrna’s commercial areas places where residents want to spend time. 5. Connect small businesses with local talent.
Describe your qualifications for this office.
My Qualifications to Serve as Mayor I believe effective leadership starts with education, experience, and a commitment to serving the community. I have earned an Associate degree, a Bachelor’s degree in Business, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership (MSML). My education has given me a strong foundation in business, financial management, organizational leadership, strategic planning, and developing people and teams. But leadership isn’t learned only in a classroom. I have also gained valuable experience through community involvement and service. I coach youth soccer and baseball in Smyrna and football in Murfreesboro, giving me the opportunity to work with young people, parents, volunteers, and other coaches. Coaching has taught me the importance of teamwork, accountability, communication, and bringing people together toward a common goal. As the treasurer of my HOA and a member of its board, I have gained hands-on experience with budgeting, financial responsibility, community concerns, decision-making, and working with residents to address issues that directly affect their neighborhood. My professional, educational, and community experiences have prepared me to approach the mayor’s role with a business-minded, community-focused, and collaborative perspective.
