| Sources |
- [S104] Cocke County, Tennessee, and its People, Cocke County Heritage Book Committee, (Walsworth Publishing, 1992), 71.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 1 Jan 2005.
By: STEVE BLANCHETT
NEWPORT—“The county is absolutely poised to have a tremendously bright future,” said Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. on Thursday. “It’s a diamond in the rough for sustainable community development that will showcase and preserve the citizens of Cocke County’s natural heritage.”
McMahan said since he has been in office, his administration has assessed the county’s internal needs and developed an action plan that is both proactive and progress to address sustainable economic development in Cocke County.
“We are surrounded with the opportunities to expand our educational workforce and that is essential,” said McMahan. “We must look at the education process and prepare our people for the future. We must also be prepared to retrain the workforce every four or five years to meet the demand of increasing technological advances.”
McMahan said the county through the legislative body, the administration, and Cocke County Partnership would continue to enhance the life of its people by working together in one direction and by working in partnership with the city and other state and federal entities to promote sustainable development.
“We’ve created the atmosphere of city/county cooperation and collaboration by working together towards common goals,” said McMahan. “We created a team of professional team of business, community, and governmental leaders to transition from individual efforts in community development to a streamlined process of joint collaborative efforts.”
McMahan said through the action plan of coordinated partnering events the Newport/Cocke County Chamber of Commerce will hold its final annual Chamber dinner on January 15, 2005 and from then on it will be known as the annual Cocke County Partnership Dinner.
“This is the official kickoff of the Cocke County Partnership,” said McMahan.
McMahan said this will start the New Year out right and the Partnership will continue to improve the lives of the citizens of Cocke County.
“We have the ideal geographic location and we have begun to work on the infrastructure by securing nearly seven million dollars in state and federal grants that will help provide water, sewer, electric, and fiber cable within our community,” said McMahan. “We are working together towards common goals to facilitate the process to realize our vision through a long range 10 to 20 year comprehensive and balanced program of work.”
McMahan said to achieve sustainable economic development, the county needs to pursue several avenues.
“Prospecting and recruiting new industry statically makes up about 20 percent of growth within the county and expand and grow existing industry should be 80 percent,” said McMahan. “We also need to create an entrepreneurial incubator that will allow small business to develop into large business by supporting them from the time they open. If we help them to grow, then when they need to expand, they will want to stay in Cocke County.”
McMahan said in 2005, the Lowe’s Development Project, which is set for groundbreaking in February and the construction of Ruby Tuesday’s, which is underway, is just the beginning of future development in the city/county.
“With the passing of the restaurant referendum, negotiations are moving forward to bring two more restaurants to Newport in 2005 and we expect others to follow,” said McMahan.
McMahan said the Interstate 40, Exit 438-development project is slated to begin in late 2005 and it will create a new source of funding for the county because it will be developed into a place of destination for tourists.
“In 2005, development and implementation of the five-year strategic marketing plan for the Cocke County Partnership is key to sustainable community development,” said McMahan. “We must also keep working on enhancing and developing our regional partnerships which include the Gatlinburg Joint Promotion, the Haywood County Network, and partnering with the Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council, the North East Tennessee Tourism Association, and Advantage West, which is the tourism marketing organization for 16 North Carolina counties.”
McMahan said he expects to see the development of virtual campuses in Cocke County including East Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee, Walters State Community College, and others.
“We must also continue to nurture our partnerships with developers of sustainable housing,” said McMahan. “We are working with three major developers on projects for Cocke County and will continue to try to make them a reality in 2005.”
McMahan said he wanted to reflect on the accomplishments of 2004 including, the expansion of Aero Pro/Eagle Plastics and Rubber, the expansion and securing of the ConAgra plant, and the acquisition of new industries including Schenectady International, Phoenix Closures, and Moneta Enterprises, as well as the development of the speculative industrial buildings by the Newport/Cocke County Economic Development Commission.
“We have several other proposed grants on the table for 2005 and will continue our never ceasing efforts to work with state and federal officials to obtain more grants to continue sustainable community develop in Cocke County,” said McMahan. “Every deal the county is involved in must dovetail with another deal because stand-a-lone projects are not in the best interest of the entire community.
McMahan said he has always had three goals for the county, which are increase capital investment within the county, increase the tax base, and create sustainable jobs to benefit all Cocke County and positively effect the quality of life for its citizens.
“Anything less than that is quiet frankly no acceptable to me,” said McMahan.
McMahan said he is looking forward to the continued challenge serving as the county’s mayor and he will always keep the county’s best interest in mind.
McMahan said none of this development would have been possible without the support of the Cocke County Legislative Body and the City of Newport.
“I greatly appreciate the legislative body for having the vision and wisdom to move the county forward by working with us,” said McMahan. “We have a new finance director, which is the smartest hire I have made, and we also have a professional economic development director in Don Hurst. Everyone is working together as a team and I must also thank the city administration for helping to make all of this possible.”
McMahan said it’s important not to have any private agendas and to stay focused on the proactive and progressive action plan that is now in place for sustainable community development.
“It didn’t happen by accident,” said McMahan. “It’s a plan that has been in the making for more than a year and it is constantly being updated. It’s all being done for the betterment of the quality of life for the citizens of Cocke County.”
- [S142] Newspaper Article, County Exectives of America, 4 Oct 2004.
Cocke County TN Mayor Iliff McMahan has joined the ranks of the Board of Directors of the County Executives of America. On June 16, Mayor McMahan participated in CEA's political roundtable in Washington D.C. that included panelists such as CNN's pollster and chief political analyst Bill Schneider, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee's David Rudd, and Republican strategist Mike McKenna. Representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi's office were also in attendance at the one-day meeting.
Mayor McMahan was elected to the Board of Directors in February 2004. On being a new member of the Board, Mayor McMahan said, "I feel extremely fortunate to have the privilege to have been elected to such a prestigious and vitally important organization as the County Executives of America. For a small, rural county like Cocke County, Tennessee to share a place in a national arena of my colleagues, and have a voice in recognizing needs for policy priorities for county governments nationwide, is an incredible opportunity to create and participate in proactive, progressive stewardship of sound community viability. I am truly humbled to have this opportunity to lend a voice for rural counties across our nation, and I will serve as a member of this board to the very best of my abilities."
McMahan has served as the first Tourism Director for Cocke County, as General Manager of a regional tourism publication in Sevier County, as the first Tourism Director for the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce, and then later as General Manager of the Chamber, and as Manager of Marketing/Public Relations for Newport Utilities. McMahan is one of only 62 tourism professionals in Tennessee to have met the criteria of a professional certification program awarding him the status as a Certified Tennessee Tourism Professional (CTTP).
In May 2002, McMahan was elected to the position of County Mayor in Cocke County, Tennessee. McMahan was recently appointed by Governor Phil Bredesen to a position on the board of directors of the Tennessee Workforce Development Board. McMahan has served or currently serves on the board of directors for: East Tennessee Development District, Local Workforce Development Board-Region 2, Smoky Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council, Kiwanis Club of Newport, Great Smoky Mountains Regional Greenways System, Middle East Tennessee Tourism Council, Smoky Mountain Wildlife Project, Boys & Girls Club of Newport/Cocke County, and Parrottsville Ruritan Club. McMahan is a "Life Member" of both AMVETS Post 75 and the Disabled American Veterans. McMahan has served as Chairman of the United Way of Cocke County and is a member of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Newport, TN. McMahan lives on a farm in Parrottsville, TN (pop. 207)with his wife, Marcie, and a wide variety of God's creatures.
Michael Griffin, Executive Director of the County Executives of America said, "The addition of Mayor McMahan to the CEA Board is important because he lends our organization the perspective of the smaller, more rural county. It is our intention at CEA that our Board of Directors reflect the diversity of the 700 member counties that we serve." He continued, "Mayor McMahan comes with impeccable credentials and we at CEA look forward to his involvement in the organization and his leadership. "Iliff McMahan Joins CEA Board of Directors4Cocke County TN Mayor Iliff McMahan, Jr. recently joined the Board of Directors of the County Executives of America. He was elected at the CEA Board meeting in Washington D.C. in February and attended the policy session in June.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 8 Mar 1999.
Iliff McMahan, Sr. obituary
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 17 Aug 2005.
Plenty of folks gathered at political rally for McMahan
2005 NPT PHOTO BY DAVID POPIEL Political friends rallied for Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. on Saturday night near Parrottsville. From left are Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale, Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, and McMahan
By: David Popiel
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
08-17-2005
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Despite hot afternoon thunderstorms, hundreds of well wishers and supporters attended a picnic and political rally for Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. last Saturday.
It was the earliest gathering in the county signaling that the 2006 elections are just over the hillside.
McMahan got the support of many folks, including a special visit by Knox County Mayor Mike Ragsdale and US Senate candidate Bob Corker, mayor of Chattanooga.
Mayor Ragsdale, who was on the “Picnic’n & Politic’n” host committee for McMahan said that economic activity “doesn’t stop at county lines,” and he said he was pleased with the progress happening in Cocke County because of the local leadership.
Mayor Ragsdale said that not only was McMahan focusing on economic activity to benefit the area but also knows the importance of education–“strengthening schools and neighborhoods.”
But the two main traits that McMahan exhibited as a county leader are that “he cares about people” and “he’s my friend,” said Ragsdale.
“When I need guidance or help, I call Iliff. We want you (Cocke County) to prosper. Iliff has been doing a great job,” said Ragsdale.
Several dozen people worked during the past weeks to host the event at Iliff and Marcie McMahan (Wilds-McMahan) farm and horse barn. The large barn provided shelter when the evening storm blew through, but it didn’t dampen the enthusiasm or stop the visitors who kept arriving until late in the evening.
Mayor McMahan spoke after Corker and Ragsdale to thank those attending, especially helpers from Nashville. Other Knoxville officials attending included Knox Finance Director John Werner, Council member Chris Woodhull, and Chief of Staff Mike Arms.
“Three years ago we started with a vision to make the lives better for Cocke County people,” he said.
His administration has helped do this through “coalitions, friendships, and partners.”
McMahan made it clear that “the party of Lincoln is an inclusive party–everybody is at the table–that is the focus of our vision. To develop to our full potential, everyone must be at the table to have a clear and concise vision for Cocke County.”
He said that during his last campaign, and ever since, he repeats two Biblical proverbs: A house divided cannot stand; and where there is no vision, the people perish.
“We’ve never had it going so good for us,” he said pointing to the coalitions built like those with Ragsdale and other government leaders.
“I thank everyone for your support you have enhanced my office and our work,” he said.
“We are fortunate to have so many natural resources such as our rivers, lakes and TVA watersheds. Most precious are the 34,000 people who live here. Thank you for believing in our vision. A heart-felt thanks from my family and every fiber of my body to you,” said McMahan.
Among those who were on the host committee with Mayor Ragsdale and his wife, Claudia Ragsdale, were Mike Arms, Mike Allee, Dustin Blazer, Dr. Bolling and Nancy Brawley, Carl Jay and Bettye Carver, Allen and Vicki Crooks, John Farris, Dr. William and Dr. Stephanie Frost, Jamie Hanks, Dr. Ken and Carol Johnson, Will Johnson, Libbye McMahan, Joe May, Carter and Renee Moore, Mike and Janie Moore, Ashley Phillips, Charlie and Diane Phillips, Cody Phillips, Dana Rinehart, and Kristi Stout.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 15 Feb 2006.
ILIFF MCMAHAN JR. Cocke County Mayor McMahan was attending a county landfill meeting to deal with EPA issues and could not attend the Republican function. He did send a letter that was read by the chair. McMahan said he was thankful to be a member of Lincoln's party, the party of the people, an inclusive party. He noted that the party has presented many leaders over the decades-leaders who were bold, visionary, and Republican. "We need bold leadership to heal our wounds" to build coalitions, and create an atmosphere of success, he said. During his years as county mayor, he has created partnerships with people, businesses, and governments. This has helped to bring in three new industries and expand existing industries. The county has also benefited by $20 million in grants during his term as mayor. The achievements for the citizens have come because McMahan has followed the principles of Lincoln's party, he said. He said he is honored and humbled to be the county mayor.
Republican primary candidates introduce themselves
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 18 Feb 2006.
County Mayor McMahan seeks 2nd term
Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan, Jr. has announced his candidacy to run for re-election for county mayor in the Republican Primary on Tuesday, May 2. McMahan has been actively involved in Republican politics for many years. He said he always wanted to seek public office to serve Cocke County citizens and carry on a family tradition that his father started many years ago.
Iliff McMahan, Sr. decided to run for office after he served with the US Navy in World War II. He was first elected as circuit court clerk in 1946. McMahan Sr. served in that office for several years before accepting a position in the Tennessee Department of Labor in Nashville and then later as a director for the National Labor Relations Board in Washington, DC.
"My father taught me to love Cocke County, and most of all, to respect its land and its people. It has always been my desire to follow in his footsteps and be a public servant as he so proudly was for decades," said McMahan.
In May 2002 at his first attempt at political office, McMahan was elected to the office of Cocke County Executive-later the office designation became county mayor.
"Four years ago, I was deeply troubled by what I saw happening in Cocke County. I saw that we were suffering from a lack of positive, progressive, and visionary leadership to create new opportunities for sustainable development and new job growth. I knew we could do better.
"Cocke County has so very much to offer. We are blessed with some of the most beautiful natural resources in the world. We are the northern gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains, one of our nation's greatest natural treasures. We host thousands of acres of the lush forests with many species of plants and wildlife within the Cherokee National Forest. Hundreds of thousands of people visit our county each year and experience our hometown hospitality. You will not find nicer, friendlier or more hospitable folks anywhere like we have here in Cocke County-just good Christian folks trying to be kind to our visitors while making a living and providing for our families.
"During the previous administration, we were in dire need of progressive industrial growth that would create new jobs. We had the capacity to expand our growth in industry and create these needed jobs, but why didn't we? Why had our industrial growth been stagnant for the previous four years? Where were those needed jobs for our families?" McMahan said.
Born in the Smoky Mountains of Cocke County, at age 10, he moved with his family to Washington, DC. After graduation from high school, he joined the US Army for a three-year tour and was honorably discharged at the end of his service. McMahan continued his college education earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, and was awarded an academic scholarship for graduate school earning a Masters of Fine Arts degree from Catholic University.
His working career began in the marketing dept. of The Washington Post newspaper, and for the next 10 years, he developed marketing/business plans, media buys, advertising and image campaigns and managed budgets for the Business Development Unit, Marketing & Advertising Departments.
Since returning home, McMahan has served as the first tourism director for Cocke County, as general manager of a regional tourism publication in Sevier County, as the first tourism director for the Morristown Area Chamber of Commerce, and then later as general manager of the chamber, and as manager of marketing and public relations for Newport Utilities.
He is one of only 52 tourism professionals in the state to have met the criteria of a professional certification program awarding him the status as a Certified Tennessee Tourism Professional (CTTP). McMahan is also an adjunct faculty member at Walters State Community College teaching in the humanities division. In June 2001, the governor and the Tennessee Dept. of Economic and Community Development invited him to participate in the Tennessee Horizons Network, a statewide leadership program for young professionals recognized for their vision, leadership, and business skills.
Most recently, Gov. Phil Bredesen appointed McMahan to the state Workforce Development Board, and he was elected to a position on the national board for the County Executives of America Board of Directors. He has served on the Board of Directors for: Kiwanis Club's of Newport and Morristown, Great Smoky Mountains Regional Greenway System, The Middle East Tenn. Tourism Council, the Smoky Mountain Wildlife Project and the Parrottsville Ruritan Club.
McMahan is a "Life Member" of AMVETS Post 75 and the Disabled American Veterans, and has served as the past chair of the United Way of Cocke County and is a member of the Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Newport.
"I enjoy living on a farm in Parrottsville with my wonderful (and very tolerant) wife Marcie and a wide variety of God's creatures," he said. The county mayor is an avid outdoorsman and accomplished horse rider, often participating in the annual wagon trains.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 3 May 2006.
McMahan edges Moore, Bacon For County Mayor
Iliff McMahan Jr. expressed excitement and gratefulness following his victory in the Republican primary as Cocke County mayor. McMahan garnered 3,748 votes, or 38.82 percent.
Charles Lewis Moore was second with 3,081 votes or 31.91 percent while Joe Bacon had 2,822 votes for 29.23 percent. "I am so grateful to all who voted for me, as well as those who went to the polls," McMahan said. "I am excited to continue our vision of growing partnerships and moving Cocke County forward." Moore was gracious in defeat. "I want to thank my family and all the workers, voters and supporters who were behind me," he said. "The people have spoken, I will abide by that," he continued. "I wish the winner all the best and wish only great things for the county. "Somebody has to win and somebody has to lose. I put my policies out there, I guess they were just not good enough." Moore feels that the presence of Bacon split the vote. "My feelings are that I could have gotten a lot of the votes that Joe received. But everything happens for a reason. I am not bitter." Bacon said he was not surprised by the outcome. "It was a split vote," he said. "But I had a good time on the campaign. If nobody sues me, I'll be on the street corner in the morning." Bacon produces a newsletter and distributes it throughout the city. McMahan ran four years ago on the promise to increase capital investment in Cocke County, increase the tax base and bring sustainable jobs into the county. That vision remains, according to McMahan. "We are doing just that," he said. He noted four new industries, two industrial expansions and the Lowe's Shopping Center as evidence of the vision in action. "Lowe's has added 140 jobs to the workforce," he said. "We have hundreds of new jobs and thousands of new dollars." He also said the nearly $20 million the county has received in grants is evidence of strengthened partnerships between the county, the city and regional governmental agencies. McMahan won the vote in 10 precincts, plus the early vote. Moore finished first in six precincts and Bacon three.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 13 Aug 2006.
NEWPORT- Cocke County's recently re-elected mayor, Iliff McMahan Jr., enthusiastically predicts Cocke County will continue to develop its potential during his next four years in office. In an interview Thursday afternoon, McMahan reviewed the hurdles and accomplishments of his first four years in office and shared his goals for the next term. McMahan will join six new commissioners elected to the County Legislative Body in September as the group continues to deal with the county's business. "We (the CLB and I) work together as a team-as a partnership," emphasized McMahan. "I bring everything to committees." Emphasizing his motto, "I'm not a lone ranger. I don't do deals," McMahan said, "One of my proudest moments during this administration was getting a certified partnership established." Referring to a 1998 attempt to establish a partnership, McMahan pointed out that that try failed. "We went in, tweaked it, took the politics out, and tried again. And, this time, it has worked," said McMahan. The partnership consists of three core organizations-Department of Tourism, Chamber of Commerce, and Newport/Cocke County Economic Development Commission. Nine other groups, ranging from the Newport Theatre Guild to Keep Cocke County Beautiful, are under that umbrella as well, with the Boys/Girls Club expected to become the 10th. "Groups coming under the Partnership umbrella need to be viable-ones with a mission to the whole community-willing to work in partnership with others," McMahan continued. Echoing McMahan's statements, Don Hurst, who was hired Nov. 5, 2002, as a professional economic developer, said, "Groups wishing to be part of the Partnership team must have a service mission to the community at large. They can't be a niche organization." Hurst added, "All of our present groups are non-profit. We want to be inclusive. We are not a political organization." Hurst serves the county in dual roles-executive director of the Cocke County Economic Development Commission and president of the Cocke County Partnership. In reference to the county's economic growth during the past four years, McMahan said enthusiastically, "We've had phenomenal results in economic planning." "When I took office, we did a needs assessment and found we needed everything-from commercial to residential. We had to prioritize. Our mission is to help Cocke County develop its real full potential. We want to attract sustainable development, while we preserve our traditions and natural resources." McMahan gives high praise to Tommy Bible and the late Mayor Roland Dykes for helping build his initial team. In addition to the hiring of Hurst as economic developer, McMahan sees the addition of an accredited financial planner in the person of Ann Williams on Jan. 1, 2003, was a big step in the right direction. "We soon realized Cocke County needed to attract new capital investments in the form of industrial and commercial development, tourism, and downtown revitalization. We needed to create sustainable jobs, and we desperately needed to increase our county's tax base and increase sales tax revenue," said McMahan. McMahan pointed to the county's dramatic increase in sales tax revenue during the past year as evidence of the county's growth. In reference to the county's growth in tourism revenue, McMahan said, "We've just had a record year. The 12 companies of the Pigeon River Rafting Association continue to grow. "The Pigeon River rafting businesses continue to be the fastest growing in the area. In fact, the Pigeon River is the only one since 1995 that has continued to grow." Referring to the county's industrial expansion, McMahan named Valore Furniture, SI Group, Phoenix Closures, Unified Marine and an as yet unnamed wood product industry relocating from Georgia, plus the expansions at ConAgra and AeroPro, as evidence of the success of his administration. "The closing of Ace hurt. We lost 100 jobs there," McMahan stated. "On the other hand, Lowe's development has a target goal of 400 jobs. Presently a little over 200 jobs are already in place. And when the undeveloped properties of that project are in place, I'm confident the end result will be over 350 jobs," he added. McMahan also pointed out that the local jail recently was recertified for the fourth straight year. "When I came into office, the jail situation was uncertain-threatened with the loss of their liability insurance, because it was not certified," he said. McMahan happily noted the fact that during his tenure, Cocke County has received more than $19 million dollars in grants, while only having to pay a paltry $2,000 in matching funds for a $50,000 grant. "Everything we've done with grants has dovetailed with something else," McMahan explained. In many cases, industries that would benefit from the grant paid the required matching funds. When asked to detail where he sees Cocke County going in the next four years, McMahan answered, "We've got to continue to improve and support our existing health care and educational systems. "We are blessed with a fine hospital and Rural Medical, with the Parrottsville ambulance service, the Rescue Squad, fire departments, two nursing homes, and a cadre of physicians and specialists. But we need to make sure we have a community that will attract additional professionals," he added. Speaking of the local schools, McMahan said, "We are blessed with a good educational system. Did you know that Cocke County is one of only 27 Tennessee counties, out of a total of 95, with all of the schools certified?" "Our TCAP scores met or exceeded our goals last year. But we need to stop the 'brain drain,'" he continued, pointing out that a high percentage of Tennessee's top scholars did not apply to a Tennessee college or university last year. "We need to connect with local technology and educational training programs. We're surrounded by fine institutions," said McMahan, naming Oak Ridge, Tennessee Technology Center, Walters State Community College, University of Tennessee, Tusculum College, Carson-Newman College, and East Tennessee State University. "We must work with them to meet our industries' needs," McMahan emphasized. "Just recently I read that 90 percent of the jobs children starting kindergarten today will enter do not even exist now. That's how fast our world is changing!" "We'll get the job done," McMahan stated. "We have a plan."
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 5 Nov 2006.
McMahan, Hurst comment on recent LA Times article
By: Duay O'Neil
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
11-05-2006
NEWPORT- A front-page article in the Oct. 27 issue of the Los Angeles Times, "A County of Bad Ol' Boys," penned by Richard Fausset, whose card refers to him as "Atlanta Bureau Chief" for the LA Times, once again dredged up bits of Cocke County's past that most area citizens would prefer to let lie. Fausset's article begins with the question, "How bad is Cocke County's lawless reputation?" In answering his own question, Fausset takes his readers back to Prohibition days, the formation of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and the beginnings of TVA. Thrown into the piece are references to Cocke County's moonshining past, brothels, chop shops, and the recent corruption probe. Among the people Fausett interviewed during his visit here were Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan, Jr. and Don Hurst, executive director of the Newport/Cocke County Economic Development Commission. According to McMahan, Fausett telephoned him "a couple of weeks ago," the first contact he had with the reporter. Later, on Oct. 12, McMahan met with Fausett for three hours in his office in the Courthouse Annex. "The first thing I asked him," recalls McMahan, "was 'What is going to be the scope of your article?' He replied, 'I've heard so much about Cocke County, and I just wanted to follow up on it.'" When McMahan pressed for a more concrete answer regarding Fausett's purpose here, specifically as to where Fausett had gotten his information about Cocke County, Fausett admitted, "From the Knoxville News-Sentinel articles and time line," in reference to the ongoing series of articles penned by J.J. Stambaugh about Operation Rose Thorn. McMahan says, "I then asked him flat out, 'Is this article going to be positive about Cocke County, and Faursett answered, 'Iliff, the story more than likely won't be what you want." McMahan said that Fausett did admit, "I know there are considerable efforts to turn Cocke County's negative image around and for Cocke County to flourish economically in ways you never have before. I want to get the other side." After Fausett's request to "get the other side," McMahan said, "I agreed to talk with him. I met with Mr. Fausett because he seemed to be interested, and I wanted to tell the good side of our story. It was quite evident when I talked with him that I was one of the last people he talked to, and that he had done his homework as far as knowing people he talked to and their roles in our community." And "talk with him" McMahan did-for four hours. "We talked about Cocke County's tremendous growth-the five new industries which have chosen to locate here, the expansions of two existing industries, the $19 million dollars in grants and low-interest loans we have gotten in the last four years, the new Lowe's and Newport Town Center developments, the expansions in water, sewer and roads, the successful reorganization of the Cocke County Partnership, our wonderful schools. But, as you can see, very little of the positive information found its way into Fausett's finished piece." What Fausett seemed very interested in, according to McMahan, was the Rose Thorn investigation. "He asked me several times about the investigation-what I knew. I told him what I know about the investigation is what I have read in the media-the Newport Plain Talk and the Knoxville News-Sentinel. I told him that I didn't even know about the investigation until the actual bust, and I told him that, according to the FBI, the investigation had actually begun in late 2000 or early 2001, during a previous administration." In response to Fausett's questions regarding the investigation, McMahan said, "I pointed out to him that I'm not privy to information from the FBI, TBI or DA. I'm not a law enforcement officer. I'm a business officer. My job's duties are laid out by Tennessee Code Annotated." When Fausett asked again if McMahan had any comments on the various aspects of the investigation, McMahan said, "I told him, 'No.' I refused to comment because I felt like that wasn't part of my job. If it had been, then the FBI would have made me part of their investigation.'" Since the appearance of Fausett's article, rumors have flown regarding McMahan's part in the interview. "I have heard that certain rumors are being spread that I traveled to LA to interview with the LA Times and to trash this county," responded McMahan. "I heard these lies. It's sad that when our county gets trashed repeatedly by outside agencies that everyone comes together, except for a few folks who feel it necessary to take a shot at our leadership just for their personal and political gains. Mr. Fausett sought me out. I did not call him." McMahan pointed out that Fausett's article "referenced a total of 17 people." "These individuals were the focus of his article," observed McMahan, "yet we have 35,000 wonderful, morally strong, God-loving people who have to take the brunt of yet another kick in the butt from a media source that lives in a town notorious for its own problems and corruption." Don Hurst's interview with Fausett appeared to be similar to that of McMahan. Said Hurst, "He dropped in on the Chamber of Commerce, whose office is located downstairs. They called up here and asked me if I would talk with him." Hurst said, "We talked about lots of things. He never gave a specific reason as to why he was doing this article." In speaking of the article itself, Hurst noted, "It doesn't tie into anything in LA. I generally see these types of articles as the work of someone looking for someone else to point their finger at when they have problems at home they don't want to deal with." He continued, "I also told Fausett about our successful industrial growth, our phenomenal rise in retail sales, our expansions in water and roads, and our place in regional development." Hurst added, "I pointed out to him that I cannot change Cocke County's history. All cities and towns have the same types of things in their pasts. The unfortunate part is when a community repeats history." Hurst, whose ancestors hailed from nearby Claiborne County, continued, "No one wins by continuing to argue about what happened 30 years ago. We can certainly change the future. How we view ourselves is what is important. We've allowed people to keep their negative image of ourselves. The challenge lies with the locals-to change this image." Hurst concluded, "Education is the key. Cocke County's jobs in the future will not strictly be focused on manufacturing. As Cocke County grows and develops, service jobs, computer technicians, health care workers-these are going to increase in great numbers. We must make sure we have people who are well educated to get in those careers. Now who you're related to doesn't matter anymore-what matters are your qualifications." Both McMahan and Hurst referred to the fact that USA Today picked up the Times story and established a connecting blog where readers may go on-line to offer their own comments about the Times story. "I encourage people to go to the USA Today blog and look at the responses. It's incredible," said McMahan. "The ratio is running about 9:1 in favor of Cocke County and against the LA Times. It just goes to show that there are some good people who don't believe everything they read." Hurst added, "For the most part the responders question the Times' willingness to devote front page space to us when there are so many other larger and more important stories to cover. With the favorable responses to our county now on the blog, we've received thousands of dollars of publicity in favor of our county." EDITOR'S NOTE: The article may be viewed on the Los Angeles Times' website.
- [S142] Newspaper Article, LA Times, 27 Oct 2006.
A county of bad ol' boys
By Richard Fausset, Times Staff Writer
October 27, 2006
HOW bad is Cocke County's lawless reputation?
So bad that its tourism and economic development chief, Donald Hurst, likes to kick off out-of-town business meetings with a self-deprecating joke. All of the visiting Cocke County officials, he tells his audience, are right here in the building — so "rest assured, your home is safe."
To many Tennesseans, Cocke County is the place their parents warned them about, the butt of hillbilly jokes, the last redoubt of an old, untamed Appalachia. For decades this poor and dramatically beautiful area, north of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, was a haven for moonshiners and bootleggers who evaded federal tax agents by hiding in its rugged hills and hollows.
It was also known for its brothels and chop shops, its illegal bars and gambling, its shakedowns and drugs and stadium-sized cockfight pits — and its rampant public corruption. There was a time when people called it "Little Chicago."
And though other mountain communities have seen their wild days lapse into the innocuous category of "colorful past," Cocke County seems doomed to repeat the sins that have long defined it.
In recent months, a state and federal corruption probe has been making familiar headlines here, flushing out the latest round of dirty cops, brothel owners and incorrigible outlaws whom locals call "tush hogs" — a name they also use for wild boar.
County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr., first elected in 2002 on a promise to attract tourists and new business, hopes this investigation is the final chapter of a long, troubled history.
After all, the Little Chicago nickname has long faded, and moonshining, a victim of increasingly lax Southern liquor laws, has been reduced to the status of a hobby.
And yet the trouble continues, competing with the good news McMahan and Hurst are spreading about their inexpensive, underdeveloped and untrammeled county — the place their tourism campaign extols as the "real" Smoky Mountains.
"People think we're all barefooted and have three teeth and are playing banjo music," McMahan said. "We do have a tarnished reputation when it comes to public service …
[but] there are a lot of good, Christian people who live here. We are a law-abiding, God-fearing community."
Jeramy Hux, the owner of a local mountaineering shop, said he hoped the probe would finally break what he called the "good-old-boy web" that had given the county such a bad name.
"It's about time," he said.
But there is also a notable lack of enthusiasm for the investigation, even among some law-abiding residents. Once again, they say, it seems like the federal government is picking on little Cocke County.
Robert Dameron, 64, a retired truck driver, said the FBI should find better things to do. "I don't think [the corruption] is as bad as they think," he said. "They've got that everywhere."
The mayor — who counts a few illicit whiskey makers among his forebears — said a wariness of federal power was deeply ingrained here. In the old days, McMahan said, moonshiners were rarely considered criminals — just people trying to feed their families. When they were busted by federal "revenuers," those families often went hungry.
In the 1920s and '30s, state bureaucrats assembling land for the national park created more bad blood when they pressured hundreds of families to leave their mountain homes. During World War II, the Tennessee Valley Authority moved others off some of the county's best farmland to create Douglas Lake, part of the authority's vast hydropower system.
"We here in Cocke County have always felt the federal government has taken every effort to kick our butt that they possibly could," McMahan said.
ON a pretty day, the Cocke County countryside feels more like heaven than a notorious den of iniquity. Mountains roll to the horizon, clad in green swaths of hemlock and pine. Three rivers — the Pigeon, the French Broad and the Nolichucky — rush through lush, oak-strewn bottomlands. Small farmers grow tomatoes, grass for hay, and a little tobacco.
According to the 2000 census, 22.5% of Cocke County's 34,000 residents live in poverty. The county seat, Newport, is home to 7,000, with a quaint if dowdy downtown and a few suburban amenities: a Ruby Tuesday restaurant, a Lowe's home improvement store.
This is, supporters say, a typical rural county, no better or worse than any other. To some extent, statistics bear them out: In 2005, Cocke County logged about 77 crimes per 1,000 residents. The rate was higher than those reported by nearby Jefferson and Grainger counties, but lower than that of adjacent Sevier County, where tourists flock to miniature golf courses in Gatlinburg, and Dolly Parton's Dollywood theme park in Pigeon Forge.
The federal government launched its investigation in 2001, naming it Operation Rose Thorn. Since then, seven officers from the Newport police and county sheriff's departments have been convicted of crimes that include conspiracy to distribute cocaine, attempted money laundering, perjury, witness tampering, and stealing money from illegal immigrants.
At least 10 other Cocke County residents have been prosecuted on charges including cocaine sales and interstate theft. Brothels and suspected chop shops have been raided without much input from local authorities — presumably because state and federal agencies didn't trust them.
Former Chief Sheriff's Deputy Patrick Taylor, second-in-command at the department, pleaded guilty to conspiring to traffic in stolen goods. He bought what he thought was $9,000 in stolen NASCAR-themed tank tops, hats and other clothing from undercover agents, and planned to sell the merchandise at country fairs out of a deep-fried-onion stand, according to federal prosecutors. He is expected to be sentenced in November.
In court documents, prosecutors accused Taylor of other crimes for which he was not charged. They said he had extorted money from bars, coercing them to buy liquor from the package store he ran with his wife. And they said he had protected a business that supplied bar owners with illegal video poker machines.
Sheriff D.C. Ramsey — Taylor's uncle — resigned in January after 2005 court filings showed he was under investigation on suspicion of receiving payoffs from gambling interests. He has not been charged.
Then there was the Del Rio Cockfight Pit, with enough bleachers to accommodate 500 fans.
Cockfighting had been a felony in Tennessee until 1990, when it was downgraded to a misdemeanor by Cocke County's state representative at the time, Ronnie Davis. (Davis was imprisoned for taking part in a fake-passport scheme in 2004.)
Around the same time, Dist. Atty. Gen. Al Schmutzer raided the pit, but it soon resumed business. Last year, Schmutzer returned with a contingent of heavily armed state and federal agents and issued citations to more than 140 spectators and participants.
Witnesses cooperating with the FBI said as much as $30,000 in wagers would change hands over a single fight — and pits like the Del Rio held dozens of fights in one day. Breeders and fans came from surrounding states and filled up hotels and restaurants, generating thousands of dollars for a historically depressed economy.
They were also upholding what many here see as a proud symbol of their Appalachian heritage. But Schmutzer said the raid was about more than stamping out an old country pastime. "You can't have something going on that's illegal and notorious in your community and expect people to respect the law," he said.
After the raid, Schmutzer was surprised when some locals complained that the young people wouldn't have much to do now.
"You'd a thought we'd raided the Boys & Girls Club," he said.
HURST, the head of an economic development group called the Cocke County Partnership, smiled wearily when discussing the investigation. At one point, he compared the county's recurring issues to the movie "Groundhog Day."
Jimmie Frank Hill, 76, a regular at Newport's downtown barbershop, remembers the 1930s: riding as a child in a van, sitting on a blanket covering his father's cases of illegal whiskey. He talks about the brothel his father built and ran, and the gangsters from Chicago and Detroit who would sometimes hide out there.
In the mountain community of Del Rio, a man who asked not to be identified for fear of retaliation recalled his experiences in the 1960s, when truckers passing through town were considered easy bait. While the truckers were occupied at the brothels, a few men would offer boys $5 to puncture their tires — a boon for the tire distributor.
Schmutzer, who recently retired, said that when he was first elected in 1974, "Cocke County was pretty well wide-open."
It was easy to find a drink of hard liquor in bars despite the fact that it was banned. Prostitution was out of control. Back then, the women were supplied by an organized crime gang from St. Louis. Many of the brothels billed themselves as truck stops, and the prostitutes cooed over CB radios in code, enticing men with $50 "cups of coffee." A few of the places did not bother to install diesel pumps.
Schmutzer eventually drummed the more organized criminal elements out of Cocke County's prostitution business. The brothels crept back into service, although some of them have been shuttered again in the recent probe.
The most extensive chronicle of the county's troubles, focusing largely on the last four decades, was compiled last year by J.J. Stambaugh, a reporter at the Knoxville News Sentinel. Titled Cocke County Confidential, published online at http://www.knoxnews.comunder the header news, it runs to more than 50 pages when printed out.
Stambaugh offers a few plausible explanations for Cocke County's troubles. First came Prohibition, which showed moonshiners there was serious money to be made outside the law. Later, World War II brought an influx of GIs to east Tennessee — and entrepreneurs willing to slake their thirst for booze and sex.
The timeline shows that two Cocke County sheriffs have faced felony indictments since 1970. It describes dumped bodies, moonshiners-turned-pot growers, and mysterious and questionable shootings involving police. And it limns a tangled, multi-generational web of local characters — some of whom are the focus of the current probe.
MAYOR McMahan may understand why some residents are annoyed by the federal investigation. But he doesn't agree with them. Public corruption, he said, is a very real problem in Cocke County.
"It's a culture," he said. "And how do you change it? It's like eating an elephant. You do it one bite at a time."
McMahan, 55, was born in Cocke County — a place, he will remind you, that was named after an Independence-era politician, not a fighting rooster. But he spent much of his life in Washington, D.C., where he worked as a professional stage actor and business executive. He returned home to care for his ailing father in 1995, his accent half-citified, his Cocke County alliances few.
During his first bid for election, McMahan said, he received death threats. These days, he keeps a pistol strapped to his ankle — "because you never know," he said.
After taking office, McMahan saw controversy visit even the most ordinary totems of small-town life. In 2004, the local United Way was kicked out of the national organization, the United Way of America, over questionable bookkeeping. Last year, the county's Fraternal Order of Eagles chapter was decertified by its international parent organization because it had never given any money to charity. Its membership list included many of the targets of Rose Thorn.
Yet in his successful reelection campaign this year, McMahan did not make corruption an issue. Realistically, he said, there was little he could do about it, because the sheriff is an independently elected office.
It also seemed like bad politics: Too many voters, he figured, were kin to someone caught up in it all.
James R. "Russ" Dedrick, the U.S. attorney for Tennessee's Eastern District, declined to speak at length about Operation Rose Thorn. He said he would be more forthcoming when the case wrapped up, in about a month.
He did say, however, that new leadership — including a newly elected sheriff — seemed intent on putting the old ways behind them.
Sgt. Jonathan Morgan said the culture of his department was changing under Sheriff Claude Strange, a former state trooper.
In the last few years, Morgan, 29, has given the FBI evidence about three of the deputies prosecuted in Rose Thorn. His reward under then-Sheriff Ramsey was a transfer from drug investigations to night patrol — in effect, a trip to the doghouse.
Morgan never heard anyone in the department call it retaliation. And he can't say that he blames the ex-sheriff for all of the trouble.
"I don't know if 'blame' is the word," Morgan said. "It's just tradition."
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 15 Nov 2006.
County mayor injured while bear hunting
PARROTTSVILLE- County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. was to undergo a MRI procedure on his knee Wednesday following a hunting accident on Monday. But the nature of his injury could have been much worse. McMahan is expected to be off work all week. He said he was hunting with the English Mountain Bear and Boar Hunting Club Monday. There were 10 hunters and about 16 dogs on the hunt. "We were about two miles into the woods in the Jones Cove area," McMahan said. "There were no trails. The others had gone on ahead chasing the dogs who had a big bear in a tree. I tried to cross a small creek by stepping on a log. My ankle turned and I could hear my knee pop even above the barking of the dogs." The county mayor managed to get out of the creek and was propped up. He heard a shot and then he heard some rustling of tree branches and bushes. "The next thing I knew, there was something big and black coming at me. I said, 'Oh heck,' and shot the bear twice, killing the animal as it was about 10 feet away." McMahan, who says he is not a big hunter, said the 337-pound black bear was easily the largest bear he had shot. The mayor had to basically crawl his way out of the woods since the other members had to tend to the dogs and the dead bear who were shot by the club on Monday. Negotiations are under way in the McMahan household as to the final resting place for the prize hunting trophy.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 20 Jun 2007.
Iliff McMahan elected chair of ETDD board of directors
Source: The Newport Plain Talk
06-20-2007
Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. has been elected chairman of the East Tennessee Development District board of directors for the 2007-08 fiscal year. "I'm truly honored to be elected by my colleagues to serve as chairman of the East Tennessee Development District board of directors," said McMahan. "I have always believed that improving one's quality of life through smart planning and sustainable job growth can only reach its full potential by working together, in partnership, in a shared vision and from a regional perspective. This has been ETTD's philosophy for decades and the tradition continues today. I am thrilled to serve the people of our region in our shared vision. "For the last five years ETDD's board and staff have been essential in partnering with us in our quest for grant monies to improve the quality of life for our citizens of Cocke County. We could not have been as successful in being awarded the $20 million in grant monies if it had not been for the dedication of ETDD's Executive Terry Bobrowski and his staff in partnering with Cocke County. "I want to thank Allan Watson for his leadership as chairman of ETDD and I'm honored to be following in his footsteps." McMahan, who replaces outgoing chair Allan Watson, of Monroe County, was installed at the 40th annual ETDD awards banquet in Knoxville on June 15. McMahan has been a member of the ETDD board since he took office as Cocke County Mayor in 2002. He served as vice-chair of the board in 2006-07, secretary in 2005-06 and treasurer in 2004-05. Currently, McMahan serves on the board of directors for the Newport/Cocke County Economic Development Commission, the Cocke County Partnership, Great Smoky Mountains Regional Greenway System, the Boys and Girls Club of Newport/Cocke County, the Smoky Mountain Resource Conservation and Development Council and is chairman of the East Tennessee Regional Agribusiness Marketing Authority. In addition, McMahan was appointed by Gov. Phil Bredesen to a position on the state Workforce Development Board and was elected to a national position with the County Executives of America board of directors. He is a member of the Parrottsville Ruritan Club, Kiwanis Club of Newport and is a Life Member of both the AMVETS Post No. 75 and Disabled American Veterans. He and his wife, Marcie, attend Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Newport. Donald Mull of Alcoa was installed as the ETDD vice chair for 2007-08 while Morgan County Mayor Becky Ruppe was elected secretary and Anderson County Mayor Rex Lynch was chosen as treasurer. The ETDD serves 16 counties in East Tennessee with planning services and assists with economic and industrial development, utility planning, historic preservation, tourism and small business development.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 31 Aug 2010.
McMahan reflects on achievements, ready for a vacation
Author: Rick Hooper
NEWPORT-After 12 years, outgoing Cocke County Mayor Iliff McMahan Jr. is ready to take a vacation.
While cleaning out his office Monday, McMahan reflected on his two terms in office and also spoke about his future plans.
"I got married 13 years ago," he said. "On our first anniversary, Marcie and I went to Key West. I haven't had a full week of vacation since. I want to take off a few months to spend with my family. Then, I'm looking at opportunities throughout the state in economic development. I hope to be in the private sector in a few months but I don't want to move. I love Cocke County and I want to stay here."
For more details, please see the latest edition of The Newport Plain Talk.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 6 May 2011.
Iliff McMahan named assistant commissioner for Tennessee Department Of Labor And Workforce Development
NASHVILLE-Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Karla Davis announced Friday the appointment of Iliff McMahan, Jr. to the position of Assistant Commissioner for the department. As Assistant Commissioner, McMahan will be responsible for legislative affairs as well as other duties. He reportedly will begin his new duties on May 16.
"Iliff's extensive government and economic development experience as well as his experience with the State Workforce Development Board will make him a tremendous asset to the department," Commissioner Davis said.
McMahan retired in 2010 after serving as the County Mayor in Cocke County for 8 years. Prior to serving as County Mayor, McMahan has extensive business experience in local utility, chamber of commerce, publishing, and economic and tourism development activities.
For more details, please see the latest edition of the Newport Plain Talk.
- [S24] The Newport Plain Talk, (http://www.newportplaintalk.com), 9 Apr 2013.
McMahan speaks to Newport Lions Club
(C)2013 NPT PHOTO BY RICK HOOPER
Iliff McMahan Jr., Northeast Regional Director for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development and former Cocke County mayor, was guest speaker for the Newport Lions Club last week.
Author: Rick Hooper
NEWPORT-Despite tighter budgets and less personnel, Tennessee is better than most southern states in economic development, according to Iliff McMahan Jr., Northeast Regional Director for the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
McMahan, who also served two terms as Cocke County mayor, was guest speaker for the Newport Lions Club during last week's meeting at Shoney's. McMahan has served as regional director for the past 16 months and works out of Johnson City.
While praising for Gov. Phil Bredesen for his efforts, McMahan said current Gov. Bill Haslam has been great in working to improve economic growth.
- [S58] Marriage Certificate.
Groom's Name Bride's First Name Bride's Maiden Name County Date of Marriage File #
MCMAHAN ILIFF R MARCIA L WILDS COCKE 06-28-1997 41645
|
Search | Advanced Search
1951 - (73 years)
, d. 7 Mar 1999 (Age 83 years) 
: Address
: Location
: City/Town
: County/Shire
: State/Province
: Country
: Not Set
= Link to Google Maps