Mike Sparks, State Representative, 49th District

Running for: State Representative 49th District

Conservative Values Rooted Deep In The Community

My late father Sam Sparks was stationed at Sewart Air Force base, thus I was born at the old base hospital, now Smyrna Airport, and raised in Smyrna Tennessee. My wife Felicia and I have been married for 21 years and have 2 sons, Preston, 20, and Payton, 18.

Serving Smyrna and Rutherford County as a Commissioner for District 11 and serving on the Smyrna Municipal Planning Committee for over 8 years is fulfilling in many ways. As I watch many of our country's problems from a falling dollar, jobs moving overseas, rising fuel and energy prices, declining moral values that cost you in higher taxes and expenses like more prisons, police officers and social services, countless layoffs, sky rocketing foreclosures, deadbeat parents, an epidemic drug problem, gang problems and other social ills, I feel led to speak out on various issues.

The good thing about getting older is that you realize your father was right after all. He talked to me about staying out of debt and your word is your bond. Our country has strayed away from that philosophy. Everyone seems to blame the country's problems on Washington politicians. However, many times state and local government and its decisions, or lack there of, impact our lives more so than the federal government. In Luke 12:48 it states "To whom much is given, much is also required." Many times I've watched our leaders, who have served for several years, never speaking out on issues and only looking for new ways to increase taxes, fees or bureaucracy.

On the weekends I love to spend time with my wife, work, make church visits and read. I am passionate about teaching kids to make good choices in life, classic cars, improving efficiencies and services in county government and avoiding waste. I believe government should be run like a business. What upsets me the most is people who whine about everything and do nothing about it. More people should get involved in the process and voice their opinion. Just ask yourself, "Will the next generation be better off than ours?

"Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.”
--Teddy Roosevelt.

As a county commissioner, I’ve been at the forefront of holding government spending accountable and voting against more taxes. As State Representative of the 49th District, I will be a consistent conservative leader. You can count on me to defend conservative Christian values, question every dollar spent, and hold down taxes. We need to reshape and reform government to meet the needs of a new economy. As a small businessman, you can count on me to be a different kind of legislator.

A Successful Businessman

Started Hardbodies Fitness Center in Smyrna, Smyrna's 1st Fitness Center at the age of 21
Owned and operated Sparks Jet Ski Rentals in the 90s
Small Business owner of MidTnAUTOS.com Tennessee’s 1st “Dot Com” Car Company
Owner of The Vanity Zone Hair Salon
Past owner of Spoolies Hair Salon
Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce
National Federation of Independent Business (9 year member)
Co-Host of "The Smyrna Show," on WGNS 1450.

A Community Leader

Smyrna Rotary Club
Past Member of La Vergne Rotary Club
Heart of Tennessee Chapter of American Red Cross past board member
Nissan Community Activities past board member
Sponsorship Chairman of Smyrna Rotary Club’s Wings of Freedom Fish Fry
Reed To Succeed Volunteer
Smyrna Rotary Club’s Public Relations Committee member
Gideon’s International Member
Motlow College Advisory Committee

Rutherford County Commission & Smyrna Planning Commission

Rutherford County Commissioner (2002-2010)
County Commission Committees: Health & Education, Public Safety, Public Works, Purchasing, Property Management, & member of Rutherford County Revenue Task Force.
Implemented the Idea for the Goodwill Drop off sites at County Convenience Centers
Originated the Idea for Alternative Revenue Task Force-Charged with looking for alternatives to Revenue other than property tax increase
Helped to Raise over $300,000 for Rutherford County Charities with Smyrna Rotary Club
Smyrna Planning Commission

Awards & Recognition

Two time winner of the Ruthies Awards for Favorite Pre-Owned Auto Dealership
MidTnAUTOS.com has been featured nationwide in the Business Journal in 2006 as Tennessee's 1dt "Dotcom" auto dealership.
Featured on the front cover of Used Car News as Tennessee's 1st "Dotcom" Car dealership.
Won the Tennessee power-lifting contest at 19 years of age and winning over twenty 1st place contest and almost breaking the Tn State record in 1988.
Won award while employed at Whirlpool Corporation for innovative ideas which improved efficiency.
My business has been featured on the Dave Ramsey Show, where Dave Ramsey has stated he continues to hear that Mike Sparks is the Man for Car Deals.
Featured in the New book by Career Coach and Dave Ramsey best friend Dan Miller called "No More Mondays"