SMYRNA – Council Member Gerry Short announced today that he will run for re-election to continue work on revitalizing downtown, expanding parks and recreation, improving transportation, and managing growth.
“I would like to continue the projects we have underway, such as the expansion of the wastewater treatment plant, completion of the widening of Jefferson Pike to SR-840, the second expansion of Cedar Stone Park, and the continued improvement of the Downtown Depot district,” Short, a native and lifelong resident of Smyrna, said.
“I love the downtown area and want to see it as the heart of Smyrna, again, as the place where people go,” he said. “We must also manage growth consistently to ensure new projects are a good fit in the area they are to be developed.”
Short was appointed to the Council in 2018 to fill a vacated seat and was elected to the Council four months later. He served on the Planning Commission and Historic Zoning Board and is currently serving on the Sister City Committee.
Highlights during Short’s first term on the Council include:
- The widening of Sam Ridley Parkway
- The current widening of Jefferson Pike to SR-840
- The opening and expanding of three parks: Cedar Stone Park became the first new park since Lee Victory Park opened 20 years ago and features synthetic turf. Zama Park, named for Smyrna’s Sister City was expanded and Lee Victory Park now includes an all-inclusive playground named Freedom Park, which is a collaboration between the Town, the Christy-Houston Foundation, and the Rotary Club of Smyrna of which Short is a member
- An additional greenway was constructed from Sharp Springs to Jefferson Springs
- A covered area was added to the Depot District for live music
“All of these projects continue to be done without a property tax increase,” Short said.
In March 2018, Short retired from Bridgestone after working in Health and Safety for plants in LaVergne, Warren County and the North American Headquarters in Nashville for 40 years. Short twice received Bridgestone’s CEO Award after the VPP designations and a worldwide award for safety. He received the President’s Award several times.
Short received the State of Tennessee Colonel Aid De Camp Award from the late State Rep. Kent Coleman. He has volunteered as an assistant coach in the Smyrna Junior Basketball League.
A graduate of Smyrna High School, Short received a Bachelor of Science from Belmont University and a Master of Science from Middle Tennessee State University.
Short and his wife, Patty, have been married for 37 years and have three sons, two daughters-in-law and three grandchildren. Patty taught First Grade for 39 years in Smyrna.
A lifelong member of Powell’s Chapel Baptist Church, Short has served as Deacon since 2001.
The General Election is Nov. 8, with early voting from Oct. 19 through Nov. 3.
Political Submission by Short Campaign, Smyrna, TN
