Some Call Flag Proposal Waste of Money

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Rendering of what I-40 would look like with two huge U.S. flags at the Mt. Juliet exit. (NewsChannel5)

MT. JULIET, Tenn.- A proposal by city leaders in Mt. Juliet may make drivers want to salute as they pass by. The city proposes putting up gigantic flags along Interstate 40. They want to be more patriotic and some people think the flags would give the city some identity.

The flags would go on each side of the interstate. Located 20 miles east of Nashville, Mt. Juliet is known for its sudden meteoric rise in stature. The city's population has doubled in six years. Taxes are low because it's one of the few places left in Tennessee without a local property tax, but city manager Randy Robertson thinks the up and coming city should be known for more than big growth and low taxes.

"I would like to reinforce what I think this city, this state, this nation is about," said Robertson.

Robertson is a former lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. He and other city leaders want to erect huge American flags next to Interstate 40 approaching Mt. Juliet.

The flags would measure 35 by 50 feet, and the poles would rise 150 feet above the ground. The flag would be illuminated at night.

"Absolutely no offense intended, but it's not about large restaurant signs or a hotel or whatever. It's about the United States, it's about Mt. Juliet - and that's what I'd like to reinforce to people, and have them think for a few minutes," said Robertson.

Most people like the idea of being more patriotic, but some city residents are not thrilled at the notion of spending taxpayer dollars on the project.

"With money being tight, the economy the way it is, we need more tax money for this and that - it just seems like a waste of money," said Wilson County resident Bill Denton.

The estimated cost is around $60,000.

"If I have my way about it, you won't [use] a dime of taxpayer money, but we might and that would be okay, too. I think there's a fine threshold," said Denton.

City manager Randy Robertson said he got the idea on a trip to Princeton, Illinois. He said he could see that city's large flags for two to three miles before he reached the town.

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