"Today the most useful person in the world is the man or woman who knows
how to get along with other people. Human relations is the most important
science in the broad curriculum of living.”
–Stanley C. Allyn

MISSION STATEMENT

To enhance and promote a more representative government and to improve upon community livability issues through involving and activating representatives from all sectors of the community.

PLAN:

1) Winchester is a small rural town in Franklin County Tennessee with approximately 7,329 residents representing approximately 20% of Franklin County's total population.

2) Winchester is the County Seat of Franklin County; with three other smaller cities touching its boundaries that at times are impacted by the decisions made by and for the development of Winchester. Those cities are Decherd (pop. 2246), Cowan (pop. 1752), and Estill Springs (pop. 1466.

3) Total of population living in urban districts in Franklin County is approximately 29.9% (includes Huntland)

4) The year 2000 census revels Franklin County as having a population of 39, 270, with a 13.1% population change from 1990 to year 2000. The 2000 census further revels that 7.8% of the population in Franklin County being non-white*, and 51% of the population being female.

5) Year 2000 census Education level for adults:
Adults with a high school/GED diploma or above: 19,168
Adults with nine or more years of education w/o a diploma: 3,688
Adults with less than nine years of education: 3,106

6) Year 2000 Population Percentages by Race/Ethnicity:
African American - 5.5%
American Indian/Alaskan 8.2%
Asian - 8.4%
Hawaiian/other Pacific - 8%
Other Race 0.6%
Two or More Races - 1.1%
Hispanic/Latino - 1.6%

7) Year 200 Population Percentages by age Bracket: (Median age 38.1)
Under 18 - 23%
Ages 18 thru 24 - 10.9%
Ages 25 thru 44 - 26.4%
Ages 45 thru 64 - 24.4%
Ages 65 and over - 12.4%

8) Year 2000 family and per capita income:
Per Capita Personal Income - $21,126.00
Median Family Income - $42,279.00

*NOTE: The non-white population census information is only on the County. However by using the break out of population in urban areas (cities) from the census information and understanding the demography of minorities and citizens with a ethnic back ground one might expect that most of these citizens would live in an urban area (city) rather than a rural area.

Plan Development

1) Generally speaking we would like to make our community a better place to live through actively involving our diverse ethnic population and other minorities.

2) We would like our community to be viewed as an all-inclusive community

3) We would like our community to become a premier example of a community where diverse ethnic backgrounds, minorities and citizens of all age groups are represented and are working with the majority in leading our community into the future.

4) We would like to be seen as a community that extends an open welcome without prejudice.

5) We would like to be known as a community that is sensitive and responsive to citizen needs and for improving the quality of life.

6) We would like to see minorities and citizens of varying ages and with diverse ethnic backgrounds play a more active part in the way we govern.

Implementation of the plan

1) Reach out and touch someone! (Recruiting minorities and citizens with ethnic backgrounds)
2) Educate the citizenry, especially minorities and those with ethnic backgrounds as how they can become involved and the impact they can make through their involvement.
3) Involve these groups and individuals in the other various committees within the City's Master Plan.
4) Identify specific groups and capitalize on their strengths and diverse backgrounds and experiences.
5) Promote communication between leaders and the various groups and encourage mutual understanding through public discussions using various public forums and media outlets to include the city's website and the city's EGTV Channel 12 TV programming.
6) Solicit guidance and input from established resources already available within the community.

*NOTE: According to the 2000 census, the State of Tennessee is the 14th fastest growing state in the nation. Further, based on a 1997 National Resources inventory report, the State of Tennessee also has the 4th fastest rate of land development. (In large part, these figures represent population growth, however it would not be un-reasonable to assume that Winchester/Franklin County is presently, or will be affected in the future by these statistics).

"People should learn from crayons: Some are sharp, some are pretty,
some are dull, some have weird names, and all are different colors…but they
all exist very nicely in the same box."
–Anonymous