Governor Bill Lee visited Sparta and Crossville Wednesday as part of his Tennessee 250 Tour, celebrating America’s independence and reflecting on his tenure as governor.
Lee said he and First Lady Maria Lee intend to visit every county in the state during the tour to mark the national milestone. Lee said the tour was inspired by the brilliance of the American founders and the sacrifices made to create a nation that continues to strive toward becoming a more perfect union.
“It kind of chokes me up to walk into a community like this and be so welcomed and have the firemen and the flag and the leaders and the families and it’s just, it means an awful lot to me and to Maria,” Lee said. “This stop in this iconic, beautiful town and this great spot in this county is an opportunity for us to just collectively come together and say let’s don’t forget we live in the greatest country in America.”
Lee said Tennessee has become one of the most moved-to states in the country because of its fiscal responsibility and business-friendly environment. Lee said the state’s attractiveness is not due to the actions of a governor, but rather the unique values and attitudes of the people living in communities like Sparta.
“I have had the incredible opportunity in the last seven and a half years to witness, to kind of have a front-row seat to what’s unique about Tennessee,” Lee said. “It has solidified in my heart that this is a very unique place we live in.”
Sparta White County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Executive Director Brent Young said the visit served as an opportunity for the community to showcase its radiant atmosphere to the state’s leadership. Young said the governor has dedicated his time in office to enhancing economic development and fortifying rural communities through workforce initiatives.
“Our effort in stopping in every community is to gather people together and say, you know what, we should set aside the differences, we should not be focused on the shortcomings,” Lee said. “We are not a perfect nation, but we are a nation on the path to becoming a more perfect union, as our founders said.”
Lee said his administration has focused on the needs of everyday citizens, whom he referred to as the people behind the mailboxes. Lee said he often reflects on whether families have good jobs, safe neighborhoods, and quality education for their children.
“What matters to those people?” Lee said. “Because that is what we should not only focus on while we’re campaigning, but that’s what we ought to be doing when we get in this spot.”