Keeping History Alive With Tim Killingsworth
Tim Killingsworth is up for re-election for Post 2 of Kennesaw's City Council.
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It’s a rainy afternoon in downtown Kennesaw as Councilman Tim Killingsworth talks about his work as a council member, his campaign for re-election and his passion for helping Kennesaw’s veterans. The former Marine's voice lifts as he talks about some of Kennesaw’s hometown heroes—a Pearl Harbor survivor, the first female Postmaster General and a former member of the Tuskegee Airmen.
“Veterans like to hear two words,” says Killingsworth. “Thank you.”
Keeping History Alive
“Their story needs to be told because it’s history, and if we don’t tell that story, history will slip right through our fingers,” says Killingsworth, who served as an aircraft engine mechanic in the Marine Corps for more than a decade.
Killingsworth, who has been a member of the Kennesaw City Council for the past four years and is seeking re-election, says it was Acworth Mayor Tommy Allegood who asked, “Tim, does Kennesaw do anything for Veterans Day?”
“I looked at Tommy and said, ‘No Tommy, but if I have anything to do with it, it will never happen again,'” he says.
Killingsworth says Kennesaw Mayor Mark Mathews and fellow members of the City Council embraced his passion for serving the local veteran community, allowing him to take the lead in putting together a Veterans Day luncheon. He says the city has since partnered with American Legion Post 304 in organizing the event.
The luncheon, which serves free lunch to local veterans and military service members, is now going on its third year.
Killingsworth says his efforts have also brought the Marine Corps Silent Drill Platoon to visit Kennesaw not once, but twice, and that he’s currently leading an initiative to digitally document the stories of local veterans.
Killingsworth says his own military background has helped shape who he is as a man and as a council member: “The military teaches you to fill in gaps. It teaches you to take charge when needed. On the same hand, it teaches you to follow the direction of the overall cause.”
Community Involvement
Killingsworth says he grew up as the son of a Southern Baptist minister. As a kid, he loved baseball and played sports during his junior and high school years in Alabama. He also has a passion for singing.
He worked for Coca Cola before deciding to "chase a dream and join the Marine Corps." He later worked for a recruiting firm, then ran his own recruiting service until 2009.
Killingsworth has been married for 21 years and has two daughters, Joy and Amy. He says he moved to Kennesaw in June of 1997 and that his community involvement started at the family level—coaching softball to become involved in his daughters’ lives.
“I still have girls today of mature age with children that call me ‘Coach Tim, the bubblegum coach,’” he says. “It makes you feel good when parents look at you and say thank you for being such a positive role model.”
Killingsworth also served as president of the Westover Homeowner’s Association for eight years before being elected to Kennesaw's City Council. He currently serves as liaison to the Public Works Department and to Smith-Gilbert Gardens.
He says he first realized he was doing his job correctly after helping an elderly woman who had contacted Public Works several times to look at her trashcan, which had a broken lid. Her elderly husband had a bad shoulder, and rolling the trash to the street was already a task in itself, he says.
"That day, she had a new trashcan, and she called me back just profusely thankful because someone at City Hall cared," says Killingsworth.
He describes the job of a council member as: "Being able to have somebody ask for something and getting it done—whether it be getting a trashcan fixed, to cutting back kudzu, to talking to a business about moving in the Kennesaw area."
On the Issues
If re-elected, Killingsworth says his first priorities will involve documenting the stories of local veterans "on top of what we already have moving—continuing to bring businesses to the Kennesaw area and continuing to be fiscally responsible and continuing to promote Kennesaw throughout the Kennesaw region."
"Because of the relationships the mayor and council have established countywide and even statewide, there are companies that want to move to the Kennesaw area," says Killingsworth. "That’s evident with even Home Depot wanting to open up their call center. I attribute that to the relationships that have been built."
He says the current council has made great strides in developing and growing the downtown area. He says the addition of food trucks to the area during Dinner at the Depot on Monday nights is a great addition. Plus, "the nightlife in Kennesaw is picking up with the Trackside and Trinity Creole Café. So we’re moving in the right direction," he says.
When it comes to the TSPLOST, a regional 1-cent transportation sales tax that voters will decide on next year, Killingsworth has stated that he does support it.
Killingsworth says he is in touch with the needs of the public: "The economy is paramount. From a Kennesaw perspective, they want the city to grow. They want the city to have a good name. And they want the city beautiful."
In This article
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Smith-Gilbert Gardens
2382 Pine Mountain Rd NW, Kennesaw, GA -
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Trackside Grill
2840 S Main St NW, Kennesaw, GA -
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Veterans Day Luncheon
November 11, 2011 at 12:00 pm–2:00 pm
Beretverde
3:38 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
A lot of military stuff in this article. Veterans, Marines, "Pearl Harbor Survivor" and the aircraft mechanic. Very nice... but is it taking away from the mission of a councilman? As a third generation Veteran of Foreign Wars Member, I can tell that one can wrap himself in the military flag so much. Looks like the eye may be off of the prize with this guy! I am very wary. De Oppresso Liber!
Cris Eaton Welsh
5:10 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
Actually, Ms Wick the city staff, Mayor and Council worked with the Cobb Chamber, the County and the State to help make this deal happen. The economic impact to our community goes far beyond tax revenue from the call center. The economic impact is in jobs for our citizens, revenue for our shops and restaurants..all of which make Kennesaw even better. It's about a bigger picture.
Kathy Scott
7:50 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
As a former board member of the Smith Gilbert Gardens, I feel it is my obligation to let Kennesaw voters know how Killingsworth responded to one of my emails:
Note that he was very unhappy getting emails from constituents.
-----Original Message-----
From: Holly Martin
Sent: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 10:58 AM
Subject: Fwd: RE: Smith-Gilbert Gardens
I am forwarding some of Tim's emails. He was pretty upset last night about getting emails from constituents. Jeff called to tell me about it.
H.
----- Original Message -----
Holly,
Is this person serious? I don't know her but she seems very aggressive, arrogant and misinformed. This needs to be corrected quickly or she'll run people off or create so much confusion within the foundation no one will want to serve. Too much drama. Public Relations? My initial impression was not a good one.
I welcome a call from you any time.
Tim
Tim Killingsworth, Councilman
City of Kennesaw
Kennesaw, GA
(678) 873-7146
Ruth Jesen
9:38 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I've had the same kind of unresponsiveness from councilmember Killingsworth.
I wasn't going to write anything, but it's not just Mrs. Scott. She's the
only one who has taken the heat from this, but she's not alone.
Kathy Scott
11:50 pm on Monday, November 7, 2011
Ms. Alberstadt, I simply posted Tim's words. What deeply concerns me is the fact that you sit on the City of Kennesaw's Ethics Commission. A member of any ethics committee is tasked with the highest level of standards and protocol and should always adhere to strict public discipline, perhaps even more than the council people that appointed you.
Eileen Alberstadt
12:43 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Ms. Scott:
You have been on your roll for the last two weeks now. Thank God it all ends tomorrow or should I say later today. I am so over you and your hatred towards Tim, Debra, Tricia and myself. Get over your losing your position with the Gardens. Its over and done with. If you don't like the way this city wants to move forward into the future, then move away or you can just "ZIP IT". Enough is Enough. Like I stated before, I am a citizen first! The Ethics Board meets twice a year and for any new business. That gives me another 363 days to be the Phoenix and rise above people like you who dwell on the past. Remember the Eagles song "Get Over it"? Move on with your life and leave the City of Kennesaw to the people who run it. Play nice or don't play at all! Quit trying to stir up a lot of tension in this Great Little City of Kennesaw. With people like you around, who needs an enemy?
Kathy Scott
1:04 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I hesitate to even respond to your comments, Ms. Alberstadt. I have no idea who Tricia is, but I assume you, Tim and Debra have been discussing me and have decided to characterize my comments about Killingsworth as sour grapes. First of all, I was a volunteer so I didn't lose my position. I thank you for allowing me to clear this up should anyone think otherwise. I resigned because Councilman Tim Killingsworth showed absolutely no interest in the Smith Gilbert Gardens, attended none of our fundraisers while I was there, nor did he come to any of our meetings. In fact, I have never even met him face to face even though I served on the executive committee and chaired both membership and fundraising. When I attempted to meet with him based on issues we had, he showed disdain for my even bothering him (see email above). If you like I'm happy to post more emails about the challenges? I think they would go a long way to clarifying my position. I hate for you to get the wrong idea. I don't need to work for free when Killingsworth has shown how he and the city see the Gardens. He never even became a member of the Smith Gilbert Gardens Foundation. Can you believe that? He's the liaison and didn't even join. Thank you for allowing me to clarify my position.
Debra Williams
7:57 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Kathy - I haven't discussed you because frankly, I'm focused on the greater good. Again, your consistently posting these letters prove one thing, and one thing only - you are more concerned about being heard and trying to convince whomever that you are right. You have gone WAY OF COURSE here. I'm sure there is more to this story than we are getting from your side, otherwise, you would still be serving. I'd rather you not be involved in the city if you're going to continue to fill the need to tear it apart. We have more viable challenges than your rants. By the way, for someone to assume they are being discussed simply shows the size of their ego. Please, you are more than welcome to talk about or discuss me because it gives someone else a break from the nastiness and I've got the thick skin to take it.
Eileen Alberstadt
8:15 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Kathy Scott:
This all needs to stop! You vented why you are so pissed at Tim. Okay, we all read your reasoning as to why....... Its over, Let all of the candidates enjoy their day! They worked hard and I am sure it will be a long day for all. Just cast your vote and be done with it. Please stop nit picking at people you don't even know. Please end this negativity toward everyone and try and have a good day! Candidates! Its your day!
Kathy Scott
1:40 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I don't plan to label you at all, Ms. Alberstadt. I wouldn't do you justice to pigeon-hole you into a label.
Gaetana Pipia
1:54 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Alright, everyone, we are all adults here. While your comments are appreciated, let's all please refrain from personal attacks and keep the conversation civil. I hate deleting comments, so consider this a warning.
Debra Williams
8:04 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Gaetana, thank you for this. I'm not sure if it's possible with the way the site is set up but you could have a delay in the posting until it's reviewed to avoid nasty postings from showing up. The personal attacks take away from the news being presented and doesn't allow one to make their own decisions without it being tainted. I encourage people to read and then do some personal research should they have questions. The Patch is providing a great service to our citizens and I for one appreciate that.
Eileen Alberstadt
8:26 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Gaetana: I speak for a lot of the citizens including myself along with friends and neighbors. We all appreciate everything that you do and once the elections are over, I am sure that everyone can put aside their tensions and be able to rest and relax. People all have feelings of belief and trust for their own candidates. Whatever the outcome, we must all still move forward to better our community. Again Gaetana we than you for a job well done.
Joe Bozeman
5:34 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
I want to thank Tim for the good job he has done as a councilman and thank you Eileen for joining in to defend him from these brutal personal attacts. I will be working on one of my families houses directly across the street from the city hall today. We are getting it ready for a new start up business in downtown Kennesaw. I believe this new business fits right in with the downtown development plan. All of you, please stop by and chat with me today, I would love to share the plans for this new venture. This property is not hard to find, Mark, Tim, and Chris have signs in the yard.
Joe Bozeman
Eileen Alberstadt
7:16 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Looking forward to it Joe! Whatever I can do to help you and my community!
Debra Williams
7:59 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Mr. Bozeman. I look forward to meeting you and thank you for being a part of building downtown Kennesaw.
Joe Bozeman
10:26 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Well, the campaigning is over, and it's time for the voters to decide. I would like everyone to know that I did not support 2 of the 3 candidates that I am supporting now in the last elections. I did not support Chris or Mark and they both know this. However; because of Marks, Chris's, and Tim's performance in leading Kennesaw, they have my support now. No matter who wins today, they will get my full cooperation after the election. Please cast your votes today and let the chips fall where they may.
Now, let me add a bit of humor to the discussion. I love Kennesaw and want to see it grow in the right direction. General Sherman burned our town to the ground in 1864. Ben Robertson and I also burned quite a bit of it in 1954. Back then Kennesaw was very rural, where the city hall is today sat the jail and our sand lot baseball park. We would dam up the spring to use as our swimming hole. Where the Ben Robertson Community Center is today was a sage brush field and there grew our favorite commodity, a dreaded drug called rabbit tobacco. If you don't know what rabbit tobacco is, its a plant that grows wild in open fields. You can chew it, smoke it, and I guess you can sniff it. Ben and I were great consumers of this plant, and one day we were smoking it in the sage brush field. One of us dropped a match and about 5 acres of city property was burned. We had to go before the mayor for this terrible crime and were sentenced to community service. I will continue with another post
Joe Bozeman
10:45 am on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Ben and I served our sentence by helping my Grandfather clean the Methodist Church for a month. Ben and I were also entrepreneurs. When there were prisoners in the Kennesaw jail, we would charge the prisoners $1.00 to bring them a pack of cigarets. We had quite a bit of profit in this because we would slip them out the back door of my Dad's store. I am sitting on the back porch of my old home place as I type this, thinking what a wonderful place Kennesaw was to grow up in. Let's all work together to keep it a wonderful place. Looking out over the landscape today, I see very little of what I saw as a boy. Ben passed away a few years back and where we played has mostly been developed, and I don't feel so good anymore. Precious Memories, how they linger.
Joe Bozeman
Eileen Alberstadt
1:04 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Joe:
That is so interesting. I really have no knowledge of Kennesaw except the story of the General. You should write a book! I find your life very interesting. I met you one time in the old Whistle Stop and you showed me your properties and gave me history of your family. Coming from the north, you are one unique person and I would like to read your stories.
Joe Bozeman
3:53 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Eileen,
Thank you. I am like most boys who grew up in a small Southern town. We had everything but money. I was related to most of the people in town. Ben Robertson was my next door neighbor, my best friend, and one of the few boys in town who was not a cousin. We were inseparable until we left for college. He went to Georgia Tech and I went to North Georgia College. Things were never the same after that, we simply drifted apart. We became closer about a year before he died. Our plan was to start a Kennesaw History Center. I will attain that dream for us some day. I have been at the old home place all of today. It used to be very quite here. Not anymore, sirens, police cars, and fire trucks constantly roll by. The only sound that reminds me of my youth is the trains, and they are no longer the same, the moan of the steam whistle has been replaced by the annoying sound of the diesel horn. Where I used to could see all the way to the cemetery is now blocked by a magnificent city hall. I hope and pray that whoever wins the elections today will keep this town and nice as it was when I was growing up. I realize these comments are off the subject, but I wanted to share this today.
Kennesawly yours,
Joe (Jody) Bozeman
Eileen Alberstadt
11:56 pm on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Just got home from 3 Victory parties for the WINNERS in the City of Kennesaw Election. Congrats to Mayor Mark Mathews, City Councilwoman Cris Eaton Welsh and City Councilman Tim Killingsworth. You 3 are what makes this City one Incredible town to live in. Lets keep moving forward with Full Steam Ahead! I am here for the ride.