October 15, 2019
By:
Lifelong DeKalb County resident, Tom Duggin, has announced his intentions to seek the Democratic nomination for the office of Property Assessor in the March 3, 2020, Democratic Primary. Duggin picked up an application from the Election Commission Office Tuesday afternoon, October 15.
A native of Dowelltown, Duggin is the son of Tommy and Dorothy Duggin. He has two sisters, Kathy Malone of Dowelltown and Lisa Crary of Denver, Colorado, and one brother, Jack Walker of Denver. He is engaged to Lisa Santiago, formerly of Bruceton, Tennessee.
A 1993 graduate of DeKalb County High School, Duggin has spent most of his professional career working in local media. He served as an on-air personality, Program and Sports Director for WJLE Radio from 1992-2009. Duggin also worked as Sports Editor for the Smithville Review from 2005-09. In 2009, he was promoted to General Manager and Editor of the Review. He later worked as Publisher and Editor for the DeKalbCounty Times newspaper before going to work for DTC Communications full time in 2012. Duggin currently serves as a Video Production and Public Relations Specialist for the local telephone cooperative, while also serving as the play-by-play voice for football and basketball telecasts on DTC Sports.
“I have always taken a great deal of pride in serving my county,” said Duggin. “When this opportunity presented itself, I spent many, many hours talking to friends, family and most importantly, God, before I made my decision. I wanted to feel that I was making a 100-percent right decision to seek this office. My goal has always been to serve the people in DeKalb County to the best of my ability. I am proud to call DeKalb County home and have done so my entire life. Regardless of the outcome of next year’s election, I will always give my heart and soul to the people of this great county.”
While having never sought a county office, Duggin is not a complete stranger to public office. He served as a city councilman for one term in the town of Dowelltown, back in the mid-2000s. He became the third generation of his family to serve in that capacity.
“I was always taught that serving your community was extremely important,” Duggin said. “Whether you are a public official or just part of your community, I’ve always believed it’s important to help, any time you can.”
“If I am elected, I plan to hit the groud running on Day One, and I want anyone who has any questions or concerns to contact me. My door and my phone will always be available to anyone who wants to talk to me.”