Seeking Another Term to Build on Five Pillars of Progress
By David Morgan, Lawrence County Executive

Change is inevitable, but progress is optional.
That’s one of my dad’s favorite sayings, and it’s guided me both as a first-generation farmer and as your County Executive. I fell in love with farming years ago—not just for the work itself, but for its value to our nation, our state, our county, and my own family. Agriculture has shaped my values: hard work, stewardship, and a deep respect for the land and people who make up this community. Those same values have guided my leadership.
Over the past three years, I’ve worked every day to turn inevitable change into lasting progress. I say “we” because none of this has been accomplished by me alone. By God’s grace, and with the incredible team around me, promises made have been promises kept.
My love for Lawrence County, my commitment to my job, and the success we’ve achieved together are why I’m humbly asking for your support for a second term as County Executive. You’ll make that choice in the May 2026 primary and the August 2026 general election.
I officially kicked off my campaign Tuesday night at the Republican Party Reagan Dinner, sharing the stage with Congressman John Rose and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn who are both 2026 candidates for Tennessee Governor. With this column, I want to share my heart, highlight what we’ve accomplished, and explain why I want to continue focusing on the five pillars I ran on in 2022: Government Transparency, Fiscal Conservatism, Economic Development, Education, and Quality of Life.
AGRICULTURE
Before I was a County Executive, I was—and still am—a farmer. Farming is a way of life that matters dearly to me, and I know it matters to this county. I understand the devotion to land and livestock that runs deep here, and I am committed to preserving and protecting that culture.
The most recent agricultural census tells a story worth celebrating: from 2017 to 2025, Lawrence County gained 7,848 acres of farmland. We also now rank third in Tennessee for the number of young farmers. Agriculture—our oldest and largest industry—isn’t fading; it’s growing right alongside our economy.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Healthy growth requires a range of job opportunities. That’s why economic development has been a priority since my first day in office. In 2022, we welcomed Blickman Industries LLC, which invested over $2.7 million and created 48 jobs. Just a week later, Magna International announced a $200 million investment to build a 400,000-square-foot plant in Team Lawrence Commerce Park, creating 250 jobs. That project earned a 2023 Impact Award from Business Facilities magazine. Again, a team effort with special thanks to the Chamber of Commerce, LUS and the city of Lawrenceburg for aiding and assisting in theses negotiations.
In 2024, we purchased 150 acres of prime land on Highway 43 North for industrial growth. State and TVA grants covered $2.75 million of the $3 million purchase price, and the site has been certified as “shovel-ready” for industry.
We also partnered with the City of Loretto, contributing $100,000 to upgrade its sewer plant to prepare its industrial park for expansion.
QUALITY OF LIFE
Public safety was one of my earliest focuses. We increased pay for EMS and Sheriff’s Department personnel, ending years of high turnover and achieving full staffing for the first time in modern history. We added six EMS positions and a 24-hour ambulance, bringing us above the national coverage standard.
We doubled funding for Lawrence County Fire & Rescue, paid off the debt on the Jason Dickey Memorial Fire Training Center, and added weekday paid firefighters to strengthen coverage when volunteers are less available.
We’ve also:
- Launched a mobile convenience center program, with a permanent location soon opening in Loretto and 2 acres secured in Summertown for round 2.
- Advocated for rural utility districts’ right to self-govern while securing part of a $5.2 million state grant to upgrade rural water systems.
- Begun the county’s first major road improvement project in over 20 years, investing $6 million in repairs and new roads.
- Soon breaking ground on a new $5.7 million Health Department funded entirely by grants.
- Expanded animal services at the County level by adding an animal control officer to the Sheriff’s department while still partnering with the City of Lawrenceburg to manage their animal control facility
- Purchased land for future Lawrence County Public Library expansion.
EDUCATION
Working with Director Michael Adkins and the Lawrence County School System, we’ve raised teacher pay ahead of state requirements, expanded mental health services for students, and funded facility improvements across the county.
From Summertown’s new football complex and multipurpose facility to bleachers, parking lot upgrades and classroom expansion at other schools, these investments are about giving our children the tools they need to succeed.
GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY
I believe you deserve to know what your government is doing. I’ve written weekly columns like this one, posted regular updates online, gladly given out my cell number and invested in technology to make county government more accessible.
Our new CivicPlus system will streamline agenda management, post minutes online, livestream Commission meetings, and add an electronic voting system to make meetings easier to follow.
FISCAL CONSERVATISM
Fiscal responsibility is the foundation of my leadership. We’ve tightened budgets where necessary, updated decades-old fee structures, aggressively pursued grants and landed more grant money than any other 3 year period in County history (thanks to Nancy Brewer), and kept our reserve fund well above the state-recommended minimum—all without raising property taxes.
LOOKING AHEAD
I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in economic growth, public safety, infrastructure, education, and open government—but my roots remind me that progress is never a one-season job.
Just as a farmer plants with the next harvest in mind, I believe the work we’ve started must continue for the future of Lawrence County. My vision for the next four years is to keep building on these five pillars—protecting taxpayer dollars, growing our economy, improving and preserving quality of life, supporting our schools, and keeping government open and accountable.
I love this job. I love this county. And with your trust, and God’s help, I’ll continue working to ensure that inevitable change becomes undeniable progress for Lawrence County.