White County Executive Q3 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 third question, and answers from those candidates who chose to respond.

There is a department within the White County Government titled, " Industrial Development". It appears to fall under the County Executive for direction and management. However, when a question has been asked about its purpose or meeting dates, only vague responses have been provided.

a) Assuming that the purpose of this department is to attract industrial business to the County, what will you, as County Executive do to draw Industry into our area?

b) What type of infrastructure improvements must be added/improved upon to attract new businesses to White County (such as additional cell towers, adding fire hydrants, improved on/off highway access, etc.)?

KYLE GOFF: To attract industry, we have to be intentional and identify the right types of businesses that fit our strengths and needs. It means building relationships with state partners, site selectors, and regional resources. Companies won’t come where infrastructure isn’t ready so we must invest in site readiness—water, sewer, gas, and fire protection, along with strong broadband and highway access. One thing not to lose site of, is to be strong partners for businesses already here. A simple rule would be, take care of what you have first.

PENNY WHALEY: As White County executive, I would work closely with the highway dept as well as TDOT to improve access to business from highways. I would promote additional cell towers for high-tech digital access for all businesses. I also would work with local and county fire departments to add additional fire hydrants for business and industry.

JOE HALLUMS: (a) Develop and Execute a Plan! This will be a short-term and a long-term plan. First, we must conduct a comprehensive study to identify all available facilities within the county. This study would identify available property with adequate infrastructure and if not adequate, what capital investment will be required. Then we must promote and advertise White County to attract prospective company’s interest. White County must engage with State and regional agencies to support our plans. Finally, we need a plan to invest in our workers with developing skills and training to support the requirements of the new industry.

(b) The infrastructure improvements would be determined through a comprehensive case study. First examine all available existing facility options, then consider new construction opportunities. Once this study is completed, a capital plan can be budgeted.

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