MAYOR TERRY WILLIAMS - The First Twenty Five Years

(06/13/2001)

By Bob Weaver

Spencer Mayor Terry Williams was re-elected yesterday, unopposed in the municipal election. Williams is completing a quarter-century as the town's chief elected official. "I didn't expect to make it a career," he said. He originally took the job to fill an un-expired term. "I called my folks and told them they wanted me to be the Mayor, and they said I was crazy," he recalled. "They said you'll have 500 enemies the next day."

Mayor Williams - A Quarter Century

"Lots of people have come and gone and many of the old-timers," he said. "My experience as Mayor has been priceless and I've made a lot of wonderful friends." It was like old home week in the Mayor's office, current council members, candidates, former officials and community members.

Long-time Times-Record and Roane County photographer Sidney Boggs had a few tales of his own, having covered elections for nearly 30 years.

Williams told stories of his early experiences as Mayor, while waiting for last nights returns. He told his favorite about running for the office, after holding the position for five years.

"I was over in Alvord campaigning and walked over to a man sittin' in his back yard. After a little small talk, I asked him to vote for me."

After which the gentlemen responded, "You'll sure get my vote son, that (expletive deleted) that's in there now is no damn good."

Spencer's new municipal building

The group talked about early accomplishments in the town during revenue sharing days, but the subject switched to the new municipal building which is now under construction. The town recently qualified for the Main Street program. "We, the town, have worked hard to make things happen here," said Williams. "It has been my life."