Lifelong Rhea County Resident Looks to Bring Positive Change to Rhea County

July 18, 2022

Rhea County, TN -- Adam. C. McRorie 44, is seeking the office of Rhea County Executive, to be determined on August 4, 2022. Adam was born November 23, 1977 in Rhea County and graduated from Rhea County High School. He went on to earn an Associate of Science Degree in Fire and Emergency Service Management from Chattanooga State College.

He is married to Amy Earles McRorie and they have two children Keegan(18) and Aidan(15). Adam's parents are Charlie and Dianne McRorie and in-laws are Gary and Becky Earles. The McRorie family lives in Frazier community. The family belongs to First Baptist Church in downtown Dayton, Tennessee. He is Vice-President of the Rhea County Amateur Radio Club and member of Dayton Masonic Lodge #512.

Adam has been spent 26 years as a Firefighter, beginning as volunteer firefighter in 1995. Adam is currently serving as Assistant Fire Chief and Fire Inspector for the City of Dayton Fire Department. He is a board member of the Tennessee Council on Fire Prevention and President of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.

In late 2021, Adam McRorie, a life-long resident of Rhea County, committed to seeking the office of Rhea County Executive. The decision was announced publicly on February 4, 2022. Since announcing his candidacy, Adam has had the opportunity to meet and visit with many of the great residents of Rhea County. From Pine Grove to Graysville and Walden’s Ridge to Wolf Creek, Adam has found that Rhea County’s residents are ready for positive change. As your next Rhea County Executive, Adam McRorie will bring honesty and integrity to the office to effect the positive change the residents are seeking.

Adam answered a few questions related to his running for Rhea County Executive.

1 - Why are you interested in being Rhea County Executive?

"As a 1996 graduate of Rhea County High School, I witnessed many of my friends head off to college, never to return. Many of my classmates went on to achieve successful careers and entrepreneurial activities elsewhere. One of my motivations for seeking the office of Rhea County Executive is to try to keep our children at home, or get them to return after college, for the betterment of Rhea County. In order to keep our children and young people home we must provide the jobs and amenities that currently draw them away. This is a huge undertaking, but nothing we can’t accomplish working together."

"First, we must ensure that our children are being taught the skills they need to succeed. While college education is right for some, it is not the only avenue to obtaining a rewarding career. Continued development of trade schools will ensure that Rhea County’s workforce is ready for higher paying, more skilled careers."

"Second, we must grow Rhea County responsibly. We shouldn’t focus solely on how many new jobs can be created, but instead on how many higher-paying, skilled jobs can be created."

"Finally, we must develop the amenities that allow our children and young adults to live the active, healthy lifestyles that they desire. This includes updating outdoor recreational facilities, adding features that are desired by the new generation of residents, and broadening shopping options to keep our tax dollars local."

2 - What qualifies you to be Rhea County Executive?

"As a career firefighter, and current Assistant Fire Chief for the City of Dayton, I know how and why government works. As President of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, I have seen the other side of the coin, the business side. I have witnessed first-hand many times when government and business have experienced challenges. Government is in place to protect the interests and safety of the residents. Business is just trying to be profitable and successful. The funny thing is that in order for government to offer most of the services that residents want, businesses must be successful."

"I feel that I have had a unique vantage point over the last few years that allowed me to help government and business work better together. I believe that my experience in managing both sides of this equation will translate into healthy, safe, and proactive growth for Rhea County while simultaneously improving and increasing the services offered by our County government."

3 - What has been the prevailing question you have been asked by voters about the Rhea County Executive during your campaigning?

"Most of the residents to whom I have spoken are confused about the duties of the Rhea County Executive. Long-time residents have seen the many functions carried out by previous administrations. Newer residents have experienced different roles being performed by the Executive branch of their former County governments."

"My answer to them is that I’ll do whatever needs to be done, within my authority, to get things done in Rhea County. I am just as comfortable in an economic development meeting as I am standing in the rain at an emergency scene. I believe that one area that deserves attention is not overstepping into the roles of appointed officers of the County. While the Rhea County Executive oversees many day-to-day functions of the County, we also have more specialized officials who should be supported and allowed to conduct the business of their portions of our government."

4- What are the main duties of the Rhea County Executive?

"The duties of the Rhea County Executive are many and various, and often undefined by written publications. First and foremost, the Rhea County Executive must work hand-in-hand with the Rhea County Finance office to ensure monies are available and properly accounted for the transaction of County business. The Executive must also maintain regular communications with the members of the County Commission to address arising issues proactively. Also, there are many daily activities that the County Executive only generally manages as they have assigned supervisors who are supported by the Executive. Oft times the Rhea County Executive serves on boards of directors for programs of interest to our County. This includes economic development boards and even SETHRA. Making sure that Rhea County’s interests are represented on these boards ensures that services offered are distributed equitably within the Southeast Tennessee area. Finally, in the event of a disaster, whether natural or manmade, the Rhea County Executive takes on emergency roles to affect an appropriate emergency response. The County Executive’s office, through the Rhea County Emergency Management, facilitates communications with State and Federal support agencies to ensure that local emergency responders and recovery agencies receive the support needed to carry out their respective mission."

5-How many hours a week do you feel the job will require?

"No elected official should take office expecting to work a regular work week. Oft times extra hours are required to meet the needs and expectations of the residents. The Rhea County Executive is elected by the people and works for the people. The County Executive’s schedule should be flexible so as to accommodate activities scheduled outside of regular work hours. It is imperative for the County Executive to remember that many of the people who elected him work daytime hours and need access to their elected officials after their work hours. I believe that a strong work ethic and the ability to efficiently manage work hours are required to be Rhea County Executive. I believe my decades of flexible service through the fire service have prepared me for just this sort of work. I will work whatever number of hours is necessary to meet the needs of Rhea County’s residents."

6-What is the one top priority that you think needs to be addressed by you when elected?

"The top priority that I believe needs to be addressed when elected is opening lines of communications. The only way to effectively accomplish this is to be absolutely transparent with Rhea County’s residents. I would encourage everyone to speak with their County Commissioners and regularly attend Commission meetings. I would encourage the Commissioners to join me in regularly communicating with their constituents, either in person or through electronic means. Most false or errant communications can be cleared up simply by communicating facts."

"One thing that I believe that needs to be addressed within the County Executive’s office is defining the roles and responsibilities of the employees. I believe in defining duties, setting expectations, and then seeing results. While I understand that duties outside the defined job descriptions of employees will occasionally arise, that shouldn’t be the norm. Employees work more efficiently and successfully when expectations are outlined up front. How can one feel assured that they are meeting goals if goals have not been defined?"

7 - What are the biggest challenges that you think Rhea County will face in the upcoming year?

"I believe that Rhea County is poised for growth. The challenge for our County and Municipal governments is to be proactive with the growth. Infrastructure and services must grow with the community. Infrastructure includes everything from emergency services to schools to sewer. We must start using a proactive, instead of reactive, approach to growth."

9- What has been the biggest negative about the campaign?

"This campaign has required a lot of time away from family events. Thankfully, my wife and children have adapted and been of great assistance to my campaign. We’ve spent a lot more time in the car moving from event to event than time at home, but it’s what you make of your family time that matters. My son will be headed off to college in the fall, but I’ve spent a memorable summer with him. When he told me he wanted a summer job and I told him I had one for him, I don’t think he knew he would be handing out hand fans at Shake the Lake. My daughter is usually very reserved, but she’s opened up a lot this summer because you can’t be shy during a campaign. Amy has continued to stand by my side, as she has done for more than two decades. My in-laws have sweated out the campaign with me, whether it was putting up signs or handing out cards. My parents are the technical side of this campaign. They have the ability to keep our data in line allowing me to spend more time talking to people. I can’t say that any of this has been a negative side effect, though, because I’ve still spent time with my family."

Closing Statement:

"I believe that the course my life has taken has prepared me for the office of Rhea County Executive. People often ask “If you could change one thing in your life, what would it be?” My simple answer is nothing. I believe that the events of our life, whether experiences, struggles, or accomplishments, have defined our perspectives on life. My faith, family, and friends have also played a valuable role in that perspective. We may not all see things the same way, but if we take the time to listen and understand someone else’s view, we can improve Rhea County together."