White County Executive Q2 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 Executive candidates.

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

During several of the County Commission meetings, Tourism is mentioned as a revenue source. But no one seems to know how this revenue is captured/generated.

What are considered the top 3 items that tourists from out-of-State might consider visiting, that also contribute as revenue?

Are there any plans to improve or add tourism supporting infrastructure (hotels, restaurants, venues, etc.) within White County?

KYLE GOFF: Standing in the middle of White County, we have 7 state parks in a 26 mile radius. We have more caves, waterfalls and scenic overlooks per square mile than anywhere in North America. We also have 100 miles of navigable water. A marketing plan that ties this message together, along with promotion of our unique locally owned restaurants and retail, has to be a top priority for tourism.

I will work to add businesses that contribute directly to tourist dollars and increased sales tax revenue. The City of Sparta recently conducted a hotel readiness study and I will support that effort in any way possible.

PENNY WHALEY:The top 3 tourism attractions are our great State parks, Waterways and hiking trails. White County in my option has some of the most beautiful scenery to attract out-of-state tourism in our area of natural resources available.

I do feel that White County needs to increase its infrastructure such as hotels, restaurants and venues. This not only will help with tourism but will increase revenue into the county.

JOE HALLUMS: (a) Burgess Falls State Park, Rock Island State Park and Virgin Falls State Natural Area

(b) White County would benefit from a major chain hotel and additional stores and restaurants within the county. We are currently missing revenue opportunities to the hotels, shopping and restaurant entities to the surrounding counties.

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