McKenzie, Tenn.–Political newcomer Ryan Griffin defeated long-time McKenzie Mayor Jill Holland in Tuesday’s election.
Griffin currently serves as the Director of Renaissance Relations at Bethel University where he oversees the recruiting and community relations for the program.
Unofficial results are: Ryan Griffin, 599 votes, with Holland receiving 543. A handful of votes also were cast in the McKenzie mayoral election in Weakley and Henry Counties.
Holland has been in public service for some 24 years, 10 of which were as Mayor.
Griffin held an Election Night get-together at Waddell Place Tuesday night. In his campaign he said, he had a “fresh set of eyes on an old set of problems.” He said he wants to help ‘grow McKenzie’ through marketing and recruitment efforts.
“I live here…I work here…I worship here…,” Griffin said. “McKenzie has been my home for the last decade and I want to serve McKenzie and help lead us to a future with better schools, thriving retail and industry, an increased focus on parks and recreation, quality of life and better roads. I want to lead a community Where people feel safe. ….where people of all socio-economic backgrounds have options….somewhere that we can all be proud of. I want to grow on that solid foundation that has been laid by Mayor Holland and generations of leaders.”
He is married to Lisa Bradfield Griffin and they have three children, Lute (16), a 5th generation McKenzie Rebel; Lila Ruth (deceased); and Isaac (5), entering the McKenzie school system in the fall. They are actively involved at First Baptist Church and in the community.
Two new McKenzie councilpersons also were elected: Tom Alexander and Carol Armpriest. Incumbents Bobby Young and Joseaphina Batton were reelected and they all join Charles Pruneau and Jessie Townes, whose terms expire in two years.