Norman Hanks campaigns to be next county mayor
Norman Hanks seeks to be a Rutherford County mayor who accepts everyone, and promotes small business, affordable housing and recycling.
"I want everyone to feel safe and equal in this community," Hanks said.
An independent candidate, Hanks is among four campaigning for county mayor in the Aug. 4 election. He's competing against Republican nominee Joe Carr and fellow independents Randy Allen and Royce Olen Johnson.
League of Women Voters forum: County mayor candidates answer questions on landfill, diversity, recruiting workers
The Hanks campaign touts that he is the first out gay man to run for Rutherford County mayor. He's also known for his drag queen persona Veronica Paige and being the reigning Miss Boro Pride. Hanks uses his performing arts talents to raise money and awareness for various causes, including Boro Pride.
"I want to see our community grow and flourish and be more welcoming, and I thought Veronica was a good way to do that," said Hanks, who earned a bachelor's degree in theater education in 2012 from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro.
Who's campaigning: Your way-too-early guide to 2022 elections in Murfreesboro and Rutherford County
Hanks wants to help homeless with affordable housing
In addition to advocating for the LGBQT community and others to feel safe and welcome, Hanks is the chief operating officer for Nourish Food Bank in Murfreesboro.
He wants to find spaces for "homeless friends" to have as a safe place to live and go beyond the 56 overnight beds available in Murfreesboro.
"That's not enough," Hanks said.
He's also upset by the city "destroying camps" used by the homeless.
"We just want to support the ones here and support them in finding affordable housing," Hanks said.
The cheapest rent prices for a decent one-bedroom apartment is around $1,100.
"Who can afford that?" Hanks said. "You have to make three times the rent to be eligible."
'It's been frustrating': As Murfreesboro's rental market rises, affordability decreases for many
Two supporters praise what Hanks provides as a leader
Hanks offers the compassion and intelligence needed to serve as Rutherford County's next mayor, said his friend Leslie Russell Yost. A downtown Murfreesboro resident, Yost has worked with Hanks to promote Boro Pride and assist his non-profit efforts, such as making sure "kids have meals."
"He’d be a great leader for our diverse community," Yost said. "He would do a good job of representing all across the board. He’s really good at listening to people."
Hanks also has support for his campaign from Ladawna Parham, the chief executive officer at Nourish Food Bank.
"Norman has a passion for representing those in the community who are often the least safe or heard," said Parham, who's known Hanks for eight years. "I believe his goal is to provide support and representation and an outlet for those voices."
Hanks: County needs more recycling opportunities
When it comes to solid waste issues, Hanks said he would seek experts to provide advice on what to do about the odors and other problems at the private Middle Point Landfill that Murfreesboro officials estimate could be full by July 2026.
Hanks wants to provide more opportunities for people to recycle by increasing the hours and days of operation at the county's convenience centers that accept solid waste materials.
He also wants the county to provide more education to teach people how to recycle to make the process easier.
Hanks said increased recycling efforts will reduce what's being buried at the landfill.
Solid waste dispute: Rutherford County and Murfreesboro mayors offer different views on recycling proposal
Hanks opposes tax cuts for large corporations
Hanks also said he's tired of seeing the same leadership year after year not make any changes.
He has concerns that conservative opponents will fall in line with other elected officials and not represent the voice of Rutherford County on various issues, such as abortion rights, human rights, gun rights and immigration.
"We need to find someone to say, 'This is not what we as a people want right now,'" Hanks said. "We don't have leadership willing to do that."
Hanks also questions laws inspired by conservative Christian values pertaining to what people do with their bodies.
"It is not my job to impose my beliefs on everyone," Hanks said.
When it comes to commerce, Hanks said he's a huge proponent of small businesses.
Although he supports large corporations offering higher paying jobs here, Hanks questions why tax incentives are necessary for a fast-growing county.
"We don't need to give them tax breaks to come here," Hanks said. "I'm not here for the rich man. I'm here for the common man."
Incentive for retail giant: Costco receives tax break for new Murfreesboro store
Reach reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at sbroden@dnj.com. Follow him on Twitter @ScottBroden.
About Norman Hanks
What's notable: Campaigning as first out gay man to run for Rutherford County mayor
Age: 44
Education: earned bachelor's degree in theater education in 2012 from Middle Tennessee State University; graduated from La Vergne High after being raised in Smyrna
Career: chief operating officer for three years for Nourish Food Bank in Murfreesboro; he's worked for non-profits his entire career
Community involvement: Performs as drag persona Veronica, the reigning Miss Boro Pride, to raise money and awareness for various causes, including Boro Pride; a recent graduate of Leadership Rutherford; treasurer of Rutherford County Veterans Community Center; a ranking reviewing committee member for grants from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Comment: "I'm running because I wanted to see change in Rutherford County, and I wanted to see someone like me — a gay man, someone who puts the people first, and someone who gives back to the community."
Source: Campaign announcement for Norman Hanks
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Norman Hanks campaigns to be Rutherford County mayor for everyone
