Get to Know Your ALDERMAN
ALDERMAN TERRY COUNTERMINE
His passion is to serve and to continue to support decisions that improve the quality of life in Jonesborough.
Terry and his wife, Sandy, have lived in Jonesborough since 1990. He is a retiree of East Tennessee State University where he was chairman of the Department of Computing for 20 years. Terry has served as an alderman for the town since 2000. His passion is to serve and to continue to support decisions that improve the quality of life in Jonesborough. This includes finding ways to improve diversity and inclusion. He is on the boards of the Heritage Alliance, Main Street Jonesborough, and the International Storytelling Center (emeritus). He is also a member of the Kiwanis Club of Jonesborough.
Terry loves music. He leads a Jam Session every Thursday evening at the Senior Center and frequently sings on Sunday morning at the Jonesborough United Methodist Church. As a member of the Jonesborough Novelty Band, he has helped to raise over $55,000 for Habitat for Humanity.
Quick Facts
First Term: 2000
Term Ends: 2024
Current Boards and Committees: Heritage Alliance Board, Main Street Jonesborough Board, and the International Storytelling Center Board (emeritus).
Other Town-related involvement: Member of the Kiwanis Club of Jonesborough, Senior Center Jam Session leader, Jonesborough United Methodist Church Music Team, Jonesborough Novelty Band Member, Habitat for Humanity Volunteer
Q&A With Alderman Countermine
Why do you enjoy serving the residents of Jonesborough?
I believe in service and in giving back. Jonesborough is an example of what can happen when citizens work together. Much of the quality of life here is related to the level of volunteering. Being a part of that inspires me.
What causes are you most passionate about?
Economic Development and Quality of Life Projects
What growth do you want to see in Jonesborough?
We should have controlled and planned growth that enhances our town. It’s a special place. We need to make decisions that are consistent with our well-earned reputation for being a welcoming community.
What is your favorite Town project you’ve been part of as an alderman?
There are three: The McKinney Center, the Senior Center, and the Jackson Theatre / Repertory Theatre complex.
What are you most proud of that the Town has accomplished?
The Town has made many accomplishments in the past 20 years. Most are related to the relationships that we have established with local, regional and state government officials and with the USDA-Rural Development leadership. This has enabled us to acquire funding for many projects with them as partners. Relationships and partnerships are essential for small town development.
Where do you frequent in Town or what is your favorite event and why?
My wife and I believe in shopping locally. We try to show our local businesses that we appreciate them being here. We have made many new friends because of our Storytelling Festival. Many friends, from other places that we have lived, come to visit during other events and are amazed at how special Jonesborough is.
Where do you see Jonesborough in 50 years?
I see Jonesborough as a town known for welcoming people from all walks of life and diverse backgrounds. We will continue to be a model for other small communities. Quality of life will remain an important goal and will include all forms of artistic, business, and educational opportunities.
What is one out-of-the-box idea you’ve always dreamed to make happen in Jonesborough?
I would like to see Jonesborough develop a town sponsored incubator program for new, innovative small businesses.
Contact ALDERMAN COUNTERMINE
Alderman Countermine welcomes you to contact him if you have any suggestions or issues you would like to discuss.
423-943-8726
