I thank the President for this nomination. I am grateful for the support of my sponsors, Mississippi Senior Senator Thad Cochran and Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott; and I have been fortunate to have the constant encouragement and friendship of my Congressman and Chair of TVA's Congressional Caucus, Roger Wicker, and Congressman Chip Pickering.
As a native of Tupelo, Mississippi, the histories of my family and of TVA are intertwined -- just as they are for millions of others across the seven state TVA service area. My father vividly remembers being among the thousands present at Tupelo's Robin's Field in 1934 when President Franklin Roosevelt ceremoniously turned the switch illuminating the first electric light in the first city in the region to contract with TVA for its power supply.
My hometown of Tupelo became known as the "First TVA City," a designation we still celebrate.
And just as Tupelo takes pride in its relationship with TVA, I take pride in my role in the TVA family; for I identify with TVA in its commitment to strong personal relationships; reliable, affordable electricity; and dedicated public service.
FIRST ..... PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS
The TVA family prioritizes not only its internal relationships with employees and distributors, but also its external relationships with customers and Congress itself. I understand TVA's valuing personal relationships.
My faith in God is the anchor of my life. I am blessed with a wonderful family whom I love (introductions).
I treasure my friendships. Strong relationships require faith and support to thrive. I believe in the wisdom and feasibility of the TVA Act. If confirmed, I pledge to honor its principles of environmental stewardship, power generation, and development to serve the public interest. I respect TVA's relationships with you and your colleagues, and I will seek to fortify those relationships by listening to you and learning from you.
SECOND . . . ELECTRIC POWER GENERATION
TVA has a great product: Reliable electric power generated, sold, and delivered by talented people to the consumer at the lowest feasible cost.
Two-thirds of my professional life has been spent in private business; and I know that the essence of business is producing, selling, and delivering a product which will meet the customers' needs. I don't have all the answers to the complex and critical issues facing this industry; but I will work with you, as TVA's owners, towards ensuring a strong TVA for the twenty-first century.
THIRD ..... PUBLIC SERVICE
The core of TVA is public service. Certain obligations accompany this role, including accountability -- a basic, but easily forgotten tenet of leadership.
As Mayor of Tupelo and a member of the Appalachian Regional Commission, I have learned how TVA's development projects have improved our region so that people, through their own initiative and industry, can attain a better quality of life.
From personal relationships that serve the public interest, to the business of electric power, to a commitment to public service, I am here with optimism and enthusiasm for this opportunity to serve.
I agree with one of Mississippi's most revered statesmen, the late Senator John C. Stennis, when he said,
"Opportunity will never chase you around the block. Opportunity will never meet you on the street and force itself upon you. But opportunity is there for those who are willing and able to meet it halfway."
I am willing to serve as a Director on the TVA Board; and if you deem me able, we will go to work to make good things happen.
It would be an honor for me to join fellow nominee, Skila Harris, and Chairman Crowell on the board.
Thank you for your consideration.