State Representative Charles Sargent Receives President’s Partnership Award

TCWPA President Joe Smyth presented State Representative Charles Sargent the President’s Partnership Award at TCWPA’s annual members meeting on May 14^th in Franklin.   The award recognizes an individual in public service who advances the cause of Civil War battlefield preservation on both the local and statewide levels.

Representative Sargent helped secure funding to restore historic landscape in the heart of the Battle of Franklin which resulted in the demolition of a gymnasium adjacent to the Carter House and reclamation of the Carter House property. He was also instrumental in securing $50,000 in state funds to help restore the Masonic Lodge in Franklin with its rich Civil War history.

While citizens of Franklin have benefitted immensely from Mr. Sargent’s commitment to historic preservation, the State of Tennessee will also benefit from his ongoing support and effectiveness in securing recurring funds from the growth in the Real Estate Property Transfer Tax. These funds will be allocated to the Tennessee Civil War preservation fund and to the Tennessee Historical Commission for the purchase of historic properties in Tennessee.

Representative Sargent may best be known for his role as Chairman of the House Finance, Ways, and Means Committee where he has demonstrated leadership in developing sound fiscal policy. His influence in the legislature has also brought about the formation of a group of House and Senate members who, in collaborative fashion, have given priority to historic preservation in Tennessee. President Joe Smyth said, “His tireless efforts and support has moved preservation to a new level of commitment, energy, and enthusiasm, and make him a perfect recipient of the President’s Partnership Award.”