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Elizabethton Mayor Curt Alexander is announcing his candidacy for the open seat for the Fourth District Tennessee State House District 4 in the August 1 primary election. The district covers part of Carter County and all of Unicoi County. John Holsclaw Jr. has held the seat for the last ten years and Is not seeking re-election to another term. Alexander has served on the Elizabethton City Council since 2004 and has been the mayor since 2006, making him the longest serving mayor in Elizabethton history.

Born in Elizabethton, Alexander is the son of the late Richard Alexander of Elizabethton and the late Kathy Heaton Alexander of Roan Mountain. He graduated from Elizabethton High School in 1990. He also graduated from East Tennessee State University with a SBA in Accounting as well as a Master of Business Administration (MBA). He has been a financial advisor since 2001 and is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) professional. He has also served as an adjunct faculty instructor of Accounting and Finance at ETSU since 2002. He and his wife Audra have four children: Ava, 11; Alaina, 9; Curt, 7; and Isla, 3.

Alexander said, “I felt it was time to serve our community in another way. I wanted to make sure that education of all levels continues to be funded, grants and infrastructure funding continues to flow to our district, and above all, remind Nashville that the state does NOT end in Knoxville.”

Alexander pointed out that he is qualified for the position due to a proven track record of getting projects completed.

“If you look at Elizabethton prior to 2004 and up through today, over a period of 20 years, we have been able to complete many capital projects, including the complete rebuild of all electric substations, major capital investments in all of our schools, new metering for both water/sewer and electric systems, construction of a surface water plant on Wilbur Lake, construction of a new animal shelter, and construction of a new police department.” Alexander said.

“We have also moved from borrowing to purchase capital assets to now purchasing all property, plant, and equipment with cash reserves in order to eliminate interest costs. This has allowed us to keep property taxes low and has also allowed us to look forward by providing the necessary infrastructure for the next decade,” he said.

“I am a believer In small government. Tennessee has one of the best managed budgets in the country. My experience with accounting and finance will help as we continue to balance the budget each year. As your representative, I will oppose additional taxes on the families of our district and the state. I am also in favor of tax relief on groceries and other household Items,” Alexander said.

Alexander explained In order to develop Job growth In the district, it is essential to work with our universities and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology to provide a trained workforce for potential employers. 

“If elected, I will work with the governor and the legislature to make sure our district is considered for economic expansion. We have the ideal location for businesses to locate here, with our trained workforce, as well as our low cost of living and great outdoor activities.”

Alexander was also actively involved with the Northeast Tennessee Regional Recovery Center.  This project has turned the old Roan Mountain Work Camp into a drug treatment rehabilitation facility. This facility provides long-term treatment that can address alcohol and drug issues. There will also be vocational training as well.  

“Northeast Tennessee struggles with addiction and this facility will help those with a desire to become contributing members of society. Addiction does not discriminate. It can and does happen to all levels of society. Thankfully, Judge Rice and Judge Street saw this need and worked tirelessly to make this happen. We will become a better society because of this,” Alexander said.

Alexander stressed the importance of sending someone to Nashville that isn’t afraid to work. As a young boy, he was up early every morning feeding chickens and packing eggs for delivery on the family farm. He would then help load delivery trucks before going to school. After school he would clean and fuel the trucks for the next day. This helped him develop an admiration of farmers and the long hours of hard work they complete every day in order to put food on our tables.

“I know what it is like to be up early and work hard. I have done it since I was a boy with my father’s egg business and I will continue working hard in Nashville. I have never had anything given to me. I have had to work hard for everything I have achieved. I am proud of this and I believe it makes me appreciate the life I have been blessed with today. This has also allowed me to relate to the citizens on a personal level as well.”

Alexander is a supporter of the Second Amendment and legal immigration through the appropriate channels. He also wants to find ways to help fight the homelessness problem in the district.

The election is on August 1, 2024, with early voting starting July 12 and running through July 27.