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Candidates speak to SGA


Mayor Larry Taylor and mayor candidate Randy Brundidge both spoke Thursday to open the SGA meeting.

Mayor Larry Taylor was born and raised in Martin and is graduate of UTM. As mayor of Martin he has helped to improve streets and began an annual plan to install new sidewalks. He assisted in upgrading the fire department and the city’s water and waste treatment plants. He was also involved in the renovation and construction of Martin’s new library. He helped to make the Soybean festival possible.

Mayor Taylor has also made sure that the city of Martin and UTM keep a good relationship.

Brundidge said, “With a background in running my own business I know how to plan a budget.” Brundidge said Martin is dear to his heart and wants the best for Martin.

The month of October will dedicated to education of voting. It was suggested they meet again next semester to discuss progress.

Other business discussed at the meeting was Vice President Vikki Draper’s trip to Knoxville, Tennessee to the Network weekend. Network weekend was held this past weekend. In attendance at the Network weekend were University of Knoxville, UT Chattanooga, UT Martin, UT Memphis medical school, and the Tennessee Space Institute. They discussed having voter registration drives where they will be educating people on voting.

Advisory council discussed the executive committee and freshman council dessert date with the Chancellor on September 16. Also discussed was UT Martin’s McNairy Center in Selmer. They are regulated by SGA as well and it was suggested that a Senator be elected at large for the center.

Discussed in old business was the tribute to September 11. All ceremonies went extremely well. Also discussed was where to hang the banner SGA members signed. It will be hung in the UC Boling center on the second story.

Discussed in new business was the swearing in of the freshman council at the next Senator meeting. They discussed the events of Homecoming, which is approaching on and will be on October 11. There will be a bond fire and a fire works show the week of Homecoming.

SGA next meeting is Thursday, September 26. Mayor Taylor said, “UTM is good for Martin and Martin is good for UTM. UTM is a big industry for Martin and employees about 700 people.”

His main focus as Mayor is to continue to see that Martin grows and continues to progress.

Mayor candidate Randy Brundidge was also born and raised in Martin. He has been married for twenty-five years and has two children. He is involved in a multi-million dollar business that is a life stock trading business.