White County Commission Q5 Candidate Responses

The Main Street Journal – Sparta has been listening to the community. Over the past several weeks, readers have submitted questions they want answered ahead of the 2026 election—and we’ve taken those directly to your County Commission candidates.

Here is your fifth question, and answers from those candidates who chose to respond.

How will you support small businesses?

BRYAN COLE: Supporting small businesses starts with creating an environment where they can grow, hire, and succeed. I will work to keep taxes reasonable and ensure county policies don’t place unnecessary burdens on local business owners. Regulations should protect public safety while remaining practical and not discouraging entrepreneurship.

I also belive in supporting local initiatives that drive growth – such as community events, partnerships, and “shop local” efforts tht keep dollars circulating within our county. Strong small businesses mean stronger neighborhoods, more jobs, and a healthier local economy.

Just as important is maintaining open communication. I will be accessible, listen to business owners’ concerns, and work toward solutions that benefit not just individual businesses, but the entire county.

Small businesses are the backbone of our community, and they deserve fair opportunities and consistent support.

ANDY DAVIS: Small businesses are the backbone of this county, and if we want them to grow, we’ve got to make it easier to do business here.

First, I’ll support cutting through red tape. Folks trying to start or grow a business shouldn’t feel like they’re fighting the county to get it done. We need clear rules, fair treatment, and a process that doesn’t drag on forever.

Second, I’ll push to keep taxes and fees reasonable. Small businesses operate on tight margins, and we don’t need to make it harder on them than it already is.

Third, I’ll work to make sure we’ve got the infrastructure they need. Good roads, reliable utilities, and strong internet. Those things matter whether you’re running a shop in town or a business out in the county.

And finally, I’ll show up and listen. The people running businesses here know what they need better than anybody. My job is to hear them out and make sure their voice is part of the decisions we make.

At the end of the day, if our small businesses are doing well, White County is doing well.

ERICK DILDINE: Supporting small businesses is something that hits close to home for me. This question really means a lot to me as someone it personally affects, and District 2 is unique in that it has a high concentration of businesses compared to other districts that are mostly residential. Because of that, I understand how important it is to support the people who are creating jobs and keeping our local economy moving.

The first thing we need to do is make sure local government isn’t getting in the way. That means keeping taxes as low as possible and being mindful of fees, permits, and regulations. Small businesses don’t have big corporate backing, so when government adds extra costs or delays, they feel it immediately.

Second, we need to create an environment where businesses can grow and succeed. That starts with smart planning and infrastructure good roads, reliable services, and thoughtful development. When growth comes to our county, it should be done in a way that supports our local businesses, not pushes them out.

I also believe communication is key. Business owners should feel like they have a voice and someone they can reach directly. I want to be accessible and actually listen, then carry those concerns into decisions being made.

Finally, we should always be looking for opportunities to help here at home whether that’s working with the state on grants, supporting local events that bring in customers, or simply be a patron of our local businesses .

At the end of the day, small businesses are the backbone of our community. If they succeed, White County succeeds, and I’ll always work to support them in a practical, common-sense way.

DERRICK HUTCHINGS: White County is very business-friendly; we have very few restrictions, and we have some of the lowest property taxes in the surrounding counties. I shop local and do as much business as I can with small businesses in my community.