MURFREESBORO, Tenn. –- Councilman Shane McFarland has announced he will run for mayor in the 2014 election.
The two-term Murfreesboro City Council member said as mayor he would promote economic development through orderly growth that would continue to improve quality of life for area residents.
“Economic development has gotten so competitive,” McFarland said. “For Murfreesboro to compete in the current economic climate, we have to be aggressive, progressive and thoughtful. I am a husband, father to three young boys and a small-business owner. I am personally committed to making Murfreesboro a business-friendly city, the benefits of which are good, quality job creation and lower taxes.”
The announcement comes only a few weeks after longtime Mayor Tommy Bragg announced that he will not seek re-election next year.
As a former member of the Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation Department, and Cultural Arts, and Planning commissions, McFarland said he understands the importance of making Murfreesboro one of America’s most livable cities.
“Murfreesboro has a lot to offer,” said McFarland, who serves as vice chair of the Master Custom Builders Council. “It is a great place to live, raise a family, or enjoy in retirement. We have an outstanding quality of life, and that’s why so many new residents now call it home.”
McFarland, a Middle Tennessee State University graduate, began Shane McFarland Construction in 2008. The local company employs a staff of five.
“I know about making payroll and the struggles of small businesses. I’ve had to be fiscally responsible and conservative, doing more with less – principles I’ve applied to serving on the City Council,” he said.
Murfreesboro has not had a property tax increase in 15 years, an accomplishment McFarland credits to the city’s retail venues, tourism and recreational offerings.
“We rely on our property tax revenue less, as our sales tax base grows,” he said. “Lower tax rates are a key factor in recruiting business.”
McFarland helped initiate the city’s customer service program, which is not only business friendly, but helpful to residents as well.
“The council, working together as a team, implemented customer service training and performance measures to improve the level of service residents and business experience when dealing with our municipality.
“I am grateful for the privilege of serving on the City Council,” he said. “As mayor, I will work to build a team, involving the council and federal, state and local officials, the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, and residents, seeking their direction on the challenges and opportunities facing Murfreesboro.”
McFarland serves on the Pension and Golf commissions and is president of the Linebaugh Foundation board. He is a past Discovery Center and Special Kids Inc. board member and Noon Rotary secretary.
He is a founding board member and treasurer of the Murfreesboro Half Marathon and coaches his sons’ baseball team.
McFarland, his wife, Ashley, and their three boys reside in Murfreesboro. The McFarlands attend World Outreach Church.
— Marie Kemph, mkemph@murfreesboropost.com