October 09, 2008 04:24 pm
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Saying he wanted to continue the work he had started for families in Crossville, Earl Dean announced today his decision to seek another term on the Crossville City Council. "With the election just around the corner," Dean said, "I would like to ask that city voters consider my record as I seek re-election on Tuesday, Nov. 4."
Dean is a former mayor of Crossville but his most recent service has been as a city councilman. Over the past eight years, Dean has been on the front lines, working to see the city's recreational facilities improved for the families of Crossville. "We already have 800 kids signed up to play on the new soccer fields.
"We used bonds to fund the complex which includes six full-sized fields, a concession building and restrooms," Dean said. "There is also a walking trail, which will involve even more families. We are looking forward to next spring, when the University of Tennessee Lady Vol soccer team will hold an exhibition at our new complex as part of the grand opening celebration," Dean said.
Another one of Dean's projects is a new playground, created separate from the other playground area, equipped with special safety equipment for the handicapped. It is located at Centennial Park, where the covered horseshoe pit is also located. This venue is already paying dividends for Crossville, as events there have brought in large numbers of participants and much needed revenue for city businesses.
The owner of Monticello Canning Company, Dean is now retired, which gives him plenty of time to be involved in his position at the city. Being a councilman requires a lot of their time and Dean is dedicated to seeing the city move forward, another reason for his re-election bid.
One project that is of importance to Dean is the big merger with Catoosa Water District and recent project to extend water lines to Cumberland Cove. "This project will allow us to pick up several thousand new customers and at the same time, help people who really need access to city water," Dean said. "There is no growth without water, and this is one of our biggest assets. We have adequate water to meet the demands of growth (with the expansion of Meadow Park Lake's dam).
"I feel that it will be easier for me to continue to work with the other council members in our efforts to reach common goals and values than it would for a new person, who has no experience with city government," Dean said. "This is a consideration, that I ask all voters to look at. Our city has grown at a rapid pace over the past 15 years and much of the growth has been without a major tax increase."
Dean asked voters to consider the advancements of the city over the past two decades. "There are not enough pages in this newspaper to list all the positive projects that the city has implemented," Dean said. "You can't see all of them, because a lot of it is underground, like water and sewer lines. We have widened roads, built streets and sidewalks, secured grants, put in traffic lights, paved streets, and lighted intersections. And for the most part, it has been accomplished without the burden of growth being put on the taxpayer.
"I am proud of this city, and what we have accomplished," Dean said. "I ask the voters to help me continue to help you."
The candidate lives on Sunset Drive in Crossville. His wife of 50 years, Gerry, passed away earlier this year. They have one son, Kevin.
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Earl Dean