Don Gallagher is an independent candidate for re-election to Bedford County Board of Commissioners in the Aug. 4 General Election.  

He is currently one of two commissioners serving the 1st District, which is composed of the Wartrace and Bell Buckle precincts. Gallagher has served as a commissioner for 11½ years. He filled the vacancy of Phillip Vincent in 2011.  

He currently serves on the financial management committee, the Joint Economic Advisory Board and Bedford County Railroad Authority. He’s also on the board of trustees with Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library.  

Prior to being elected as a commissioner, he was Mayor of Wartrace. He retired professionally in 2015, following 50 years with his family business, Gallagher Guitars.  

Gallagher has previously served on the board of trustees of Heritage Medical Center (now Vanderbilt Bedford Hospital); the Board of Upper Duck River Development Agency; the board of Leadership Bedford; and served as a past president of Shelbyville Rotary Club.  

Gallagher attends Wartrace Church of Christ, where he’s taught Bible classes for 42 years. He served as minister for 21 years before retiring in 2019.  

A graduate of The Webb School in Bell Buckle, he holds a bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro and a master’s from the University of Akron in Akron, Ohio. He is a graduate of the Elected Official Academy of the University of Tennessee and a graduate of the Tennessee Military Academy where he received a commission as an Army reserve officer.  

He and wife, Jean Adcock Gallagher married 53 years ago; they have 3 sons and 11 grandchildren. Jean is a retired teacher with 40 years of experience, having taught for 32 years at Cascade Middle School.  

“It has been an honor to represent the 1st District on the County Commission,” said Gallagher. “As a member of the financial management committee, it was particularly rewarding last term to work with the Board of Education and the other commissioners to secure funding for the much-needed new Cascade High School.”  

Gallagher added that this term of office was highlighted by working with the County Commission and the Town of Wartrace to secure a $1.2 million dollar Community Development Block Grant for the Union Ridge Water Extension Project.  

“Also, as a member of the Economic Advisory Board, I am excited about the progress we have made in developing the 231 Industrial Park. The commercial development along highway 231 will yield significant economic benefits in the future to our County.”  

He added that high water bills are a pressing concern in the 1st District.  

“Aging waterlines are in desperate need of replacement. Presently, the Wartrace Water System is losing approximately50% of its water through leaks. This results in about$21,000 per month in lost revenue, making our water bills in Wartrace and Bell Buckle exceedingly high. If re-elected my focus this next term of office will be to work with the Wartrace Water Department and the County Commission to secure needed funding to enact a water line rehabilitation program.”  

“My unique blend of experience in business, government and community involvement helps me be an effective representative for the1st District. If re-elected, I will continue to represent the 1st District with integrity and honesty.