Marshall Endorsed by Gov. Lee as Kaestner Drops Out of County Mayoral Race

“Wow, if I wasn't sure [before,] I am now,” Williamson County mayoral candidate Andy Marshall told a crowd of several hundred supporters inside of Willis Johnson’s Car Barn in Franklin Saturday morning.

Marshall, the founder and CEO of A. Marshall Hospitality, the parent company of Puckett’s, was endorsed by a slew of government leaders, including Gov. Bill Lee, outgoing Williamson County Mayor Rogers Anderson, Franklin Mayor Ken Moore and Spring Hill Mayor Matt Fitterer, with Lee calling him “exactly the kind of person that we need to have leading in this county.”

The strong show of support also includes that of local businessmen Lee Beaman and Dave Ramsey as Marshall’s campaign reports more than $230,000 on hand ahead of the May 5 primary.

On Monday, fellow county mayoral candidate and former Williamson County Commissioner Todd Kaestner dropped out of the race. Williamson County Commissioner Mary Smith and former state Rep. Brandon Ogles are also running for the seat.

“What truly sets me apart, other than just being a true Williamson Countian, is that I built my business from the ground up, solving problems, building relationships through cooperation and encouraging others along the way,” Marshall said, echoing familiar general policy positions such as keeping taxes low, maintaining the county’s AAA bond rating, and supporting schools and law enforcement.

“Smart Growth means protecting what makes Williamson County special by preparing for the future,” Marshall said. “That balance — opportunity without overreach — is exactly what my leadership is all about … Williamson County doesn't need reinvention. It needs steady hands; calm, clear vision; and collaboration.”

Marshall told the Williamson Scene that his other top priorities include tackling infrastructure challenges and trying to get more tax dollars returned to Williamson County.

He also voiced his support of the Williamson Medical Center Board of Trustees amid conversations about the hospital's future.

“There's gonna be a lot of conversation about the hospital,” Marshall said. “I'm so glad that we have a responsible board that is looking into their due diligence, and they're going about it the right way, and we'll see where all that ends up landing, but I think it's prudent of them to at least be looking at it.”