Dating back over nine generations, Mayor Paige Brown's roots and family stories run deep in Gallatin. As she is currently serving her second term as Gallatin's mayor, Mayor Brown sits down with us to share a bit about herself, her favorite things about our city and what she's most excited for in the future.
TELL US YOUR BACKGROUND AND STORY OF HOW YOU/YOUR FAMILY CAME TO GALLATIN.
Mayor: My ancestors actually came to Sumner County around 1800 and have been here ever since. I was raised in Gallatin, moved away, and returned. My past careers have been in television and non-profit management (Gallatin Area Chamber of Commerce), but I always had simultaneous projects/jobs/work in other areas, which has created a fun work history.
HOW DID YOU BECOME INVOLVED IN CITY GOVERNMENT?
Mayor: As I was immersed in the community in my chamber career, I realized the impact, both negative and positive, that local government has on quality of life, opportunity, success and prosperity. I submitted myself to serve on boards and committees and volunteered in various capacities, which mushroomed into even more chances to learn and engage. After years of consideration, education, exposure and engagement in the community, I ran for Mayor in 2014. I have had the honor of serving this amazing city since 2015.
WHAT IS THE MOST REWARDING PART OF BEING MAYOR HERE IN GALLATIN?
Mayor: Helping people solve problems, realize their dreams and find opportunities. One of the most fun things I get to do is speak with kids!
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT GALLATIN?
Mayor: Geographically, it’s our older areas. While the new ones are so nice and enticing, the old parts of Gallatin feel like home for me.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE LOCAL SPOTS IN GALLATIN?
Mayor: I LOVE the lake, our downtown and so many of our local restaurants.
WHAT'S THE ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT GALLATIN?
Mayor: How rich it is – in history, beauty, opportunity, character and kindness.
WHAT'S THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING GALLATIN RIGHT NOW?
Mayor: Absolutely, it is our growth. People are fleeing from other states that don’t offer the quality of life they want and they’re migrating to just a few states and putting a large burden on the Middle Tennessee area. The city is managing and planning well, but some citizens believe that we should stop the growth, which would have quite a detrimental impact. I joke that everyone wants to be the last one in and shut the door behind them. The change is so hard, especially for those of us who nostalgically remember, but we actually have much that is better because of the growth. I focus on the good and look forward to a slow down.
WHAT'S A FUN FACT ABOUT GALLATIN THAT YOU CAN TELL US?
Mayor: Recently, artists Mickey Guyton (who sang the National Anthem at this year’s Super Bowl), Tenille Towns, Sam Hunt, Chris Young and Kane Brown have all featured Gallatin in their music videos
WHAT'S THE ONE THING YOU WANT NEWCOMERS TO GALLATIN TO KNOW ABOUT OUR CITY?
Mayor: That we welcome you, hope you love Gallatin, welcome your engagement and investment in our city, but we don’t want you to want to change us to the place from which you come (said with a smile).
READER'S DIGEST NAMED GALLATIN THE, "NICEST PLACE IN AMERICA." WHAT DOES THAT MEAN TO YOU AND WHY IS THAT DISTINCTION SO FITTING FOR GALLATIN?
Mayor: While it is fitting for Gallatin, it is also a challenge. Our personality is a part of our livability, our texture and a core component of what makes us attractive for investments that translate into good jobs so it’s so important that we retain that character that is the essence of Gallatin.
WHAT'S ONE THING YOU WISH YOU KNEW GROWING UP THAT YOU KNOW NOW?
Mayor: That small gestures (a smile, a kind word, a note) can brighten a person’s day and can turn around your own.
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE SOUTHERN SAYING OR WORDS OF WISDOM?
Mayor: I’m certain my vocabulary is peppered with many Southern idioms, but my words to live by are “Extend Grace” and “Gratitude is the Key to Happiness.”
WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE TRAVEL SPOT OR VACATION DESTINATION?
Mayor: In recent years, Vieques, Puerto Rico but I love the beach, the islands and Central America.
DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE SPORT AND/OR TEAM?
Mayor: I was raised on football and I know it best. My Alma Maters, Gallatin and Florida State, will always be important to me, and since my Daddy played at Tennessee, orange is in my blood!