There could be some shakeup on the Bartlett Board of Mayor and Aldermen with three contested races in the Nov. 3 election.
In the nonpartisan race for Position 3 alderman, incumbent David Reaves faces Tamisha Dubose. The winner will serve a four-year term.
Reaves was elected to the Position 3 seat in November 2022. He previously served on the Shelby County Commission from 2014-2018. Outside his civic duties, Reaves spent 11 years working for Nike in various capacities including recently as the company’s business continuity and crisis management consultant before retiring in May, according to his LinkedIn page. He also is co-owner of Side Porch Steakhouse in Bartlett.
Dubose, who has lived in Bartlett for 13 years, is a retired senior travel consultant.
She said her career allowed her the opportunity to work with people from different backgrounds, build relationships and help others navigate their travel needs.
Here is a look at where Reaves and Dubose stand on some of the key issues in Bartlett.
David Reaves
Why did you decide to run for reelection?
To continue the work of growing Bartlett and making it the best place to live, work and retire in the area.
Why should the people of Bartlett reelect you?
Four years ago, we came in as part of a change mandate from the people. And we have done that over the past four years. We have restarted growth, saved thegolf course, eliminated waste and our employees are happier. But in the second term, we are going to stand-out by eliminating the property tax and replacing it with something that doesn't punish home ownership.
What do you want the board to focus on to improve the city?
I think we should focus on paving more roads and eliminating the onerous property tax that all of our citizens pay.
What are the major challenges in Bartlett you would like to see addressed?
Shelby County government is one of the biggest issues that we have since they have a dwindling fund balance and are having to borrow money to make payroll. I want to make sure we have options to protect the citizens on Bartlett if they default.
Tamisha Dubose
Have you ever been involved in politics? If so, what is your background?
This is my first time running for office and I’m excited about the opportunity to serve Bartlett in a meaningful way. I may be a first-time candidate, but my passion for helping others, listening to people’s concerns, and serving my community has prepared me to take on this responsibility with an open mind.
Why did you decide to run?
I’m running for Bartlett Alderman Position 3 because I believe the time has come to take my commitment to community service to the next level. I have a genuine passion for helping people, and I want to make a positive lasting difference right here in the place I call home. I’m running because I believe every resident deserves to be heard, represented and included in the decisions that affect their daily lives.
Why should the people of Bartlett elect you?
The people of Bartlett should elect me because I bring a genuine passion for service, a willingness to listen and a strong commitment to representing the needs and concerns of our residents. Leadership is about more than holding a position. It is about being accessible, following through on commitments, and working collaboratively to find solutions. If elected, I will listen with an open mind, be a proactive and approachable voice for the people of Bartlett and ensure that every resident feels valued, respected and heard.
What do you want the board to focus on to improve the city?
If elected, I would like the board to focus on maintaining and improving our neighborhoods, strengthening public safety, supporting responsible growth and development and ensuring that our city services meet the needs of our residents. I also believe it is important to encourage open communication between city leadership and the community, so residents have meaningful opportunities to share their concerns and ideas. My goal would be to work with the board to establish practical priorities, make responsible decisions, and preserve the quality of life that makes Bartlett a wonderful place to call home.
What major challenges in Bartlett do you want the board to address?
I would like to see the board continue to address the challenges that directly affect residents’ everyday lives like road and infrastructure improvement, managing growth in a responsible and sustainable way and making sure every voice in Bartlett feels represented. I also believe we must be mindful of how development affects existing neighborhoods and the overall character of our community. As an alderman, I would listen carefully to residents to better understand their concerns, work with my board members together as a team and advocate for decisions that protect Bartlett’s amenities and future.
Corey Davis is the Collierville and Germantown reporter with The Commercial Appeal. He can be reached at Corey.Davis@commercialappeal.com or 901-293-1610.
To keep up with the latest news from the Shelby County suburbs, sign up here for our Suburban Pulse weekly newsletter.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Reaves, Dubose talk key issues in Bartlett alderman Position 3 race
