As Kingston Springs prepares for its upcoming local elections on Nov. 5, the Kingston Springs Gazette sat down with the residents who are running uncontested for the three open city commissioner seats. Keith Allgood, 46, a lifelong resident and dedicated community member, is eager to bring his insights and experience to the role.
Allgood, a certified registered nurse anesthetist at St. Thomas West, has deep roots in the community. “I’ve lived here my entire life,” he said, reflecting on his journey from Pegram Elementary to Harpeth High School, where he graduated in 1996. His long-standing ties to the area give him a unique perspective on the challenges residents face.
Despite his extensive community involvement, Allgood emphasized that this candidacy was not a lifelong ambition but rather a response to encouragement from peers. “I’ve been pushed by those around me to take this step,” he said. “I see this as an opportunity to turn my thoughts from the Planning Commission into action on the City Commission.”
With eight years of experience on the Kingston Springs Planning Commission, Allgood has gained valuable insights into community needs. “When you start talking about running for a position, people pour their hearts out,” he said. “It helps you understand what the constituents want and what they feel is important.”
Allgood acknowledged that past leaders of Kingston Springs have done well to enhance the town’s aesthetics. “We’ve done a great job beautifying Kingston Springs and making it attractive for activities like canoeing and enjoying the parks,” he said. However, he believes the time has come to shift focus towards addressing pressing infrastructure needs.
Allgood emphasized the critical need for infrastructure improvements, particularly regarding the sewer system, which has garnered significant attention in recent months. “We’ve done a great job beautifying Kingston Springs, but now it’s time to meet the essential needs,” he said. “We need to figure out how to address these issues collectively.”
“There are about 750 customers on our sewer system, and we need to ensure it functions effectively for everyone,” he said, acknowledging the challenges of serving a community where not all residents are connected to the system.
His commitment to the community extends beyond governance; Allgood has coached youth basketball in Kingston Springs for years, further solidifying his ties to local families. “I think my longevity and interest in the community help me have a good pulse on what’s going on,” he said.
Allgood also recognized the need for housing solutions, particularly for younger residents who want to return to Kingston Springs. “Finding housing is tough for those who grow up here,” he said. “We need to create opportunities for new families while addressing infrastructure needs.”
With a balanced approach to progress and preservation, Allgood aims to help Kingston Springs evolve while maintaining its unique character. “Progress is not a bad word,” he said. “We need to pay attention to our community’s needs as we move forward.”
As Kingston Springs residents prepare to welcome new leadership, Allgood’s commitment to collaboration and community well-being stands out, promising a thoughtful approach to addressing the town's challenges.
Early voting for Kingston Springs’ elections will open on Oct. 16 and run through Oct. 31. In that two week time frame, residents can vote Monday through Saturday at any of the county’s three satellite locations: Pegram City Hall; Pleasant View Baptist Church; or the David McCullough Room in Ashland City. On election day, Kingston Springs residents will vote at Harpeth High School.
Kingston Springs saw three open seats this election cycle, with Mayor Tony Gross, Vice Mayor Glenn Remick and Commissioner Carolyn Clark not seeking reelection.