Candidate says, “Let’s make a great county even better.”
(Jonesborough, Tenn.) Dan Eldridge officially announces his candidacy for the office of Washington County Mayor today. Eldridge, a 49 year-old businessman from Jonesborough, says that after prayerful consideration with his wife, Tammy, and their three children, he decided to seek the Republican Party’s nomination in the G.O.P. primary. Eldridge says, “The people I’ve talked to tell me they are ready for a new way of doing business. With your support, we can make Washington County an even better place to live. This is an opportunity for positive change by building on our strengths.”For the past eight years, Eldridge has focused on commercial and residential real estate development and construction in Washington County. He says, “In the current economy, effective leadership is about stewardship of the taxpayers’ dollars and job creation and retention. This is no time for politics as usual.”
“My number one priority will be to attract and retain good jobs for all people in Washington County,” says Eldridge. “As a businessman, I understand the competitive environment Washington County faces in attracting and retaining quality employers. I will use this knowledge and my experience in creating jobs to promote the benefits and economic advantages of Washington County to prospective employers.”
“I think our county can do more for its citizens. We can achieve much without increasing the burden on taxpayers,” Eldridge explained. “We can do more in attracting more blue collar jobs and in using the county’s strength in medical-related jobs to grow more opportunities. We can improve the efficiency of our county services and we can bring more of a business-like approach to measuring the value we are bringing to our citizens.”
Eldridge believes what sets him apart is his ability to plan, organize and encourage people. “I will build on the strengths of our County government in order to conduct the business of the people in the most efficient and effective manner, while insisting on accountability to the taxpayer. I will also make it a priority to improve trust and cooperation between the County, Johnson City and Jonesborough, for the benefit of all our citizens.”
Eldridge concluded by saying, “I am not a politician. Some may say that will put me at a disadvantage. Yet, people I’ve known and trusted throughout my life in Washington County tell me our county needs a new way of doing business that focuses on smart growth, more jobs, efficient management of county services and a respect for taxpayers. My campaign is about making a great county even better and I will bring that to the office of Washington County Mayor.”
About Dan Eldridge:
Eldridge is a 1978 graduate of David Crockett High school. He received his B.S. in Construction Technology in 1985 from ETSU. Upon graduation Eldridge began work as a Civil Systems Engineer with MCI Communications in Dallas, Texas. In 1987 he became General Manager of Summit Communications, Inc. in Jackson, MS and in 1990 he and his wife returned home to Washington County to start Com-Net Construction Services, Inc. and a family. Under Eldridge’s leadership Com-Net grew to become one of the largest wireless communications infrastructure contractors in the country, completing projects in dozens of states and hundreds of communities across the U.S.
In 1999 Com-Net merged with SBA Telecommunications to form SBA Communications Corp. Following a successful public stock offering, the combined company has become one of the three largest providers of multi-tenant tower infrastructure to the wireless communications industry. Under Eldridge’s leadership the network services division of the combined company grew to 550 employees and $125 million dollars in annual revenue with offices across the country.
Eldridge and his wife Tammy, a graduate of Daniel Boone High School and ETSU, have been married for 25 years. They have three children, Meredith, 17, Abigail, 14 and Collin, 12. Eldridge serves as a Deacon and small group leader at Boone Trail Baptist Church and is two time Chairman of the Deacons.
He is a member of the ETSU Foundation, the ETSU College of Business and Technology Board of Advisors and established the Dan and Tammy Eldridge Faculty Fellowship in the College of Business and Technology. In 2006 he was awarded The Excellence in Business Award for work that has brought distinction to the ETSU College of Business and Technology.
Eldridge is a Director of Mountain Commerce Bank and Chairman of the Director’s Loan Committee. He is a member and former Director of the Johnson City Area Home Builders Association. He is also a member of the Milligan College President’s Council.
The Eldridge family lives on Grace Meadows Farm where they have a 350 head registered Angus cattle operation. Eldridge is a member of the Washington County Cattlemen’s Association, the Tennessee Angus Association and the American Angus Association.
Dan Eldridge contact information:
Office: (423) 341-7960
e-mail: info[at]electeldridge.com
Facebook: Dan Eldridge
Web: www.electeldridge.com
Campaign address: P.O. Box 917, Jonesborough, TN 37659, Clarence Mabe, Treasurer
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
From: Mary Ellen Miller
October 27, 2009
MarketingMel
maryellen[at]marketingmel.com