Q&A with Spring Hill Ward 4 Candidates: Kimberly Hughes

What is your public service experience?

I’ve advocated on Capitol Hill to help pass major Veteran’s legislation, like the PACT Act - The largest veterans’ medical bill in U.S. History - and the Elizabeth Dole Act of 2024. I’m a public speaker who’s addressed audiences in over 20 states and at military bases in parts of Asia. I share the story of my late husband, Army Major Gary Hughes in a book I co-authored called ‘The Promise’.

What is your private sector experience?

I was a schoolteacher for seven years, a Homeland Security Officer for ten – including two years on the National Advisory Council where I voted on issues and helped make decisions for 55,000 employees nationwide. I was also a small business owner for a few years. I graduated from MTSU with an Integrative Studies degree, earning the 2023 Outstanding Undergraduate Student Award.

What are the biggest needs or top concerns for your ward?

Clean water, a Level 1 Trauma Center and less traffic congestion are critical. These issues affect our health, safety and daily lives as Spring Hill grows.

What is your take on continued private development within the city?

We must prioritize infrastructure development, focusing on roads, water and sewage systems, by ways of pursuing responsible growth. Once we have addressed our existing infrastructure needs, we can implement smart, responsible growth strategies that safeguard our environment (particularly our water) to the benefit of all residents. By taking a thoughtful approach, we can stimulate economic growth and ensure a prosperous future.

What do you think the city needs to be doing to improve its infrastructure (power, water, roads, etc.)?

For water, we need the Cumberland pipeline with a full treatment process – Flocculation, setting, filtration, purification – to blend with Duck River water. For traffic, I’d push to widen Highway 31 with Thompson Station and explore shuttle busses and smarter timing of traffic signals. Residents are fed up with gridlock and I hear them.

Which mayoral candidate are you supporting?

I’ll decide by April 10th, after seeing who prioritizes Ward 4’s needs.

If elected, how would you work alongside a mayoral candidate who you did not support?

I’d work diligently, focusing on what is best for Spring Hill residents.