The following article appeared in the February 5th edition of the Williamson Herald.
U.S. Rep Mark Green, R-Tennessee, 7th District, greeted a steady stream of visitors Monday during an Open House event held at his Franklin office at the old Williamson County courthouse in Franklin.
Green, who was elected in November, has been attending Williamson County events, meeting new people and talking to local leaders since the fall.
Green, who owns American Physician Partners in Williamson County, said he has enjoyed traveling throughout Williamson County just as he did on the campaign trail. Green recently attended a Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration at First Missionary Baptist Church on Natchez Street in Franklin and the recent Breakfast With the Mayors mayoral summit.
“Williamson County is a well-managed county,” Green said.
“The strategic planning that has gone into its decisions is something every leader could learn from, and it’s been phenomenal the way this community has come together with all of its various organizations from the chamber [to the cities], then and now.
“All of the organizations are doing a fantastic job of strategic planning as opposed to being reactive. Williamson County has been proactive.”
Visitors represented various county organizations including the Williamson County Association of Realtors, Williamson Inc. chamber, Williamson County government, Franklin city government, the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County, The Alzheimer’s Association and representatives from the various counties that Green represents.
“I just wanted to travel down here to make sure we are being heard. After all, we, the constituents, are his boss,” said Jimmy D. Dugger of Crye Leike Realty in Columbia.
Matt Largen, president and CEO of Williamson Inc., said its important for constituents to and the business community to know their legislators.
“Having a good relationship is important to our community’s economic health,” he said.
WCAR Director of Legislative Affairs Director Bo Patten has been instrumental in building the legislative leg of the organization in Williamson County and encouraged board members to attend the open house.
"Our membership continues to grow, now at nearly 3,000 strong," Patten said.
"As one of the largest trade associations in the area, we think it’s important for our membership to get active and engaged in political advocacy," Patten said.
"Maintaining open dialogues with our local leaders is so important to us, and we were thrilled for Congressman Mark Green to host this open house for the community that several of our members could attend."
Green said he is encouraged to meet all of his constituents and listened to their concerns as they moved through the line that snaked almost out the door.
Recently Green refused pay during the government shutdown and is supporting legislation such as the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, the president’s plan to build a wall, possible block grants for health care and the EL CHAPO (Ensuring Lawful Collection of Hidden Assets to Provide Order) Act that would seize funds from immigrants along the border involved in criminal activity.
