Q&A with Kingston Springs Commissioner Bob Stohler

Kingston Springs voters will see three unopposed candidates for the Town of Kingston Springs Board of Commissioners on the Nov. 3 ballot. The Gazette asked the candidates about their priorities, plans for the town and goals for the next term to help residents learn more about the people seeking to represent them.

Early voting is open through Oct. 29 at Pegram City Hall, and Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3, at Harpeth High School for Kingston Springs residents.

Read Commissioner Bob Stohler's responses below.

What are your top two or three priorities for Kingston Springs over the next four years?

My priorities are environmentally responsible growth, fiscally responsible government and a stable infrastructure.

We need to develop a long term plan to maximize our budget efficiencies. If our revenue streams do not increase to the point where we can cover the capital expenditures and other needs, then we must cut our expenses. We must understand the difference between “wants” and “needs” in our budgets.

What is the town’s greatest challenge, and how should the Board of Commissioners address it?

The town’s greatest challenge is maintaining and repairing its sewer system and water treatment plant.

The system has operated since the early 1990s and is classified as an enterprise system, so its 750 users bear the repair and maintenance costs. It was intended as the first phase of a larger system, but expansion did not occur because of difficult topography and limited commercial and residential development. This year, a failed liner in one of the three sewer lagoons required replacement, and excessive inflow and infiltration allowed groundwater and stormwater into the system. Repairs for these two problems exceeded $1.6 million.

The best way to reduce the financial burden is to add users by encouraging mixed-use development near the existing system and working with TDEC to identify options for easing repair costs.

What specific project, policy, or initiative would you prioritize in the next term?

I would create a citywide plan that prioritizes each department’s capital improvements, equipment and infrastructure needs. The plan would identify projected costs and funding sources for every item.

Reflecting on your current term, what accomplishments stand out most, and which efforts would you like to continue?

Among the current Board of Commissioners’ most significant accomplishments are establishing a moratorium on projects with excessive utility demands, such as data centers; adopting zoning restrictions that promote thoughtful development; completing the sewer manhole repair project and finishing the sidewalk project funded by the Safe Routes to School grant. Some of these efforts are ongoing and will require continued review and adjustment.

With no opponent in this race, what would you like residents to know about your ongoing service and vision for the town?

I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the Town of Kingston Springs. My commitment to public service began after I was affected by the devastating May 2010 flood. Witnessing the extraordinary compassion and volunteerism of my neighbors inspired me to give back, and I ran for City Commissioner in 2012. I remain committed to preserving the city’s small-town charm while ensuring responsible stewardship of its finances.