Voter’s Guide: 2016 Knox County Commission Candidates

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We sent questionnaires to all the candidates in the general election for Knox County Commission. Here’s what we got back.

District 1
COVER_v2i28_Michael_CovingtonMICHAEL COVINGTON

Party: Republican
Age: 56
Family: Wife Beverly; daughter Gabrielle
How long in Knox County? 10 years
Job: Industrial consultant
Education: B.S. in Engineering, North Carolina State University (1984)
Political experience: No response

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
The need for new and effective leadership in District 1.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
(1) Working with fellow commissioners to partner with the city on incentives that allow the Knoxville Chamber of Commerce to work on attracting a supermarket to District 1. Success of this project will create jobs, raise household incomes, and help with the shortage of food sources in East Knoxville. (2) Continue to support the construction of a new coliseum and renovated civic auditorium. This too will create jobs and raise household incomes in District 1.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
We need to partner with the private development community and established residential communities around the county to thoughtfully and effectively put strategies together that will facilitate business growth. In District 1, the partnership with KCDC will foster a new era of development, with the Five Points development leading the way in providing affordable housing and spurring private investment in the surrounding area.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
For me it all starts with the relationship that exists between the county commissioner and the school board member representing the district. With a good working relationship, involvement is natural. Increasing property taxes and increasing school budgets must be thoroughly researched.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
Yes. It will be a tremendous benefit to the county and to District 1 in particular because of the jobs that’ll be created.

COVER_v2i28_Evelyn_GillEvelyn Gill

Party: Democratic
Age: No response
Family: Married
How long in Knox County? 19 years
Job: Special education teacher, Knox County School System
Education: Bachelor’s in Political Science; Master’s in Public Administration, Rutgers University; Leadership Class, Hauser Institute for Civil Society at Harvard University
Political experience: Candidate for State Senate, District 6, and County Commission, District 1

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
I am interested in making my community a better place to live.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
Blighted properties. Integrated infrastructure improvement for the 1st District along with economic investment.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
The five ways in which government can have the most positive effect are by making capital more accessible, facilitating business education, promoting entrepreneurship, simplifying the regulatory process, and supporting intellectual property innovation.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
The County Commission approves the budget for the school system. Both entities must have a professional and respectful working relationship. I support a property tax increase if monies are allocated to support teachers, technologies, and classrooms.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
I do not support the Midway business park. I support agricultural sustainability in East Knoxville and maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem for the French Broad River.

Tyrone LaMar Fine

Party: Independent
No response.

District 2
COVER_v2i28_Michele_CarringerMichele Carringer

Party: Republican
Age: 53
Family: Husband, Dr. Michael Carringer, and two adult children
How long in Knox County? Entire life
Job: Homemaker
Education: Central High School (1980); attended University of Tennessee College of Communications (1980-81)
Political experience: Knox County Commission, Seat 7B (2009-2010)

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
I was raised in a family that was always very active in the community and I was taught to seek out opportunities to help and serve others. Because of this I have had a lifelong passion for service, from being a volunteer mom with two children attending our public schools or serving on numerous civic boards and organizations. I believe that Knox County Commission provides an excellent platform from which to serve the community that I love.

During my two years on the Commission, I was able to provide assistance to numerous individuals with a variety of problems, from zoning issues to trash cleanup. I was proud that I helped push through approval for building a new Carter Elementary School and also sponsored the creation of the Knox County Insurance Committee, which has proven to be one of the most important standing committees in Knox County that has resulted in substantial savings for taxpayers.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
The two most important issues we face in Knox County are: (1) to support our schools with the resources they need to provide high-quality education for our children and grandchildren. (Notably, school funding represents over 60 percent of the Knox County budget.) (2) to maintain the kind of business climate in Knox County that encourages growth and expansion so our children have the opportunity to find good-paying jobs right here at home. To accomplish these objectives we have to maintain fiscal discipline in our county government and we have to continue to expand our tax base so that raising taxes is our last resort, not the first.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
We are already experiencing significant economic growth in our county. To build on this progress we need to continue to invest in the education and training of a skilled workforce, continue to keep taxes low and neighborhoods safe, improve our infrastructure, and encourage responsible development which respects the environment and property rights of others.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
By law, County Commission’s responsibility is to fund the schools (at least at the level of the prior year’s funding), but they are not allowed to dictate how the funds are spent, which is the job of the school board and superintendent of schools. I think this system works, but it requires that each body be held accountable by the voters. In the end, all stakeholders need to focus on what is best for our students, teachers, and parents. As stated above, my preference regarding increases in tax revenues is to increase the tax base, not marginal tax rates.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
I believe the Knox County Commission made the right decision on Dec. 21, 2015, when it voted to approve rezoning the property. This allows the county to take the next steps toward determining the best utilization of the property. However, it is imperative that the Commission maintain close scrutiny of the situation to assure that the final use of the property is consistent with the best interest of the taxpayers of Knox County.

Laura K. Kildare

Party: Democratic
Age: No response
Family: Single with a mother and multiple cousins
How long in Knox County? 40+ years
Job: Special education teacher, Career Magnet Academy at Pellissippi State Community College
Education: B.S. in History, Political Science (2000); M.S. in special education (2007); Ph.D in special education (2016)
Political experience: None

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
I am running for County Commission because I want to be of service to my community. That is the main reason, but I also want to be in a position where I can actively work to ensure that all members of the district have a representative who will listen to their concerns and work to support their endeavors. As an individual who has had to work hard, I understand how important it is to have jobs where people can make a living wage. We need to recruit businesses into our county that will keep our talented people here and provide a good standard of living for the hard work provided by our workers. Knoxville and Knox County are noted for having a relatively low cost of living, but for people who are not making a living wage, it is not enough.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
First and foremost, I am a champion of public education. In order to ensure that Knoxville and Knox County continue to thrive, we have to make sure that Knox County Schools receives the funding necessary to continue growing and educating the future workers of our area.

Secondly, but closely aligned with the first issue, is the problem of gangs that has recently come to the public’s attention. This is not a new problem and affects every area of our community. Gang activity is not just a problem in the 1st District, but in every district and we, as a community, need to work to ensure that children and young people have the resources they need so that they do not feel that they have to join a gang to find the feeling of family and support they need. We have to figure out ways to provide choices. This also affects law enforcement and ensuring that the Sheriff’s Office has the resources they need to enforce the law, but also to serve and protect.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
I am in favor of development and growth as long as we look at the different angles of impact on neighborhoods, displacement of people from their homes, and the long-term benefits to the county. That being said, I also believe it is important to preserve our heritage by protecting and rehabbing, if possible, historic buildings and repurposing areas that may have been left by other businesses.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
The County Commission is charged with approving the operating budget for the county schools. Any other involvement is purely symbolic without a change in the law. As far as increasing taxes, that should be a last resort. With the stagnation of salaries for most middle class people, this is not a time to consider raising property taxes, especially if other sources of revenue could be found. The first place to look is in other programs.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
I am not an expert on the Midway business park project. I would like to know more of the particulars before commenting one way or another. I am very interested in finding out what the residents of the area want, as well as looking at how utilized other business parks in our county are.

District 4
COVER_v2i28_Hugh_NystromHugh Nystrom

Party: Republican
Age: 48
Family: Wife, Angelia, and one son
How long in Knox County? 34 years
Job: Director, Childhelp Tennessee
Education: Webb School of Knoxville (1985); B.S. in Finance, University of Tennessee (1989)
Political experience: None

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
In my job at Childhelp, I have had the opportunity to be “all in!” on serving our community for the past 10 years. The important work of protecting abused children and finding adoptive homes for children in the foster care system has shaped my view of our community and has provided insight into the importance of protecting our most vulnerable citizens. I have also been fortunate to have served our community through Leadership Knoxville, as well as service on a diverse group of boards (Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking, The Muse Children’s Museum, Knox County’s Sheriff’s Department Community Alternative to Prison Program, TN Alliance for Children and Families, Junior League Advisory Board, and the Executive Committee for the 2014 Congressional Medal of Honor Society Convention). Frankly, the time I have devoted to serving our community (and its most vulnerable citizens) has inspired me to give back even more by serving in an elected capacity, specifically representing the 4th District on our County Commission.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
Many residents in the 4th District have discussed with me the importance of communication between the school board and Knox County Commission. As our County Commissioner, I will meet frequently with my counterpart on the school board so we each have a first-hand idea of the current challenges and opportunities facing each body. I dislike surprises, and I anticipate that frequent communication will help ensure that we are each representing the views and values of the 4th District in a cohesive manner.

Secondly, a vital business community is key to our community’s continued success. I will work hard to be sure that Knox County continues to be a great place to own a business and grow jobs for our community.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
Be pro-growth so we can bring new quality employers to our community. Be proactive in helping our existing employers grow and add additional jobs.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
I would prefer for the Knox County school board to handle all management issues related to Knox County Schools. Knox County Commission’s role is to appropriate the budget for Knox County Schools. I would like to keep County Commission limited to that capacity. By meeting frequently with my counterpart on the school board, my goal will be to avoid any surprises when budget time comes.

At this time, our state senators and state representatives are reviewing a current Basic Education Program funding model. My hope is that changes to the formula, or an increase in state funding for schools, will result in additional funds for the Knox County School System. Increased funding at the state level combined with local growth in tax revenue should increase our funding for schools. This combination of revenue growth should prevent the immediate need for a tax increase.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
I support the Midway business park 100 percent. The Midway business park’s location and amenities will be a driver of new jobs in our community for the next 20 years. The reliable TVA power station and connection to KUB waste system will be major selling points for future employers. The plans also include extensive areas of preserved natural land and wildlife corridors that will be enjoyed by both people and wildlife. Additionally, the Employment Center Zoning that has been proposed for the park will provide specific permitted uses and standards for the property.

To ensure the Midway business park is a win-win, I would advocate for Knox County to invest in the natural amenities that are in the nearby community. The Seven Islands State Birding Park and the French Broad River are beautiful. Our county should plan to promote these areas for tourism. There will be new growth and development in the area immediately surrounding the Midway exit. However, with proper planning, we can keep the natural character of the overall area. We have the Urban Wilderness adjacent to downtown Knoxville. I think we can do it on a similar scale in the Midway Community.

Marleen Kay Davis

Party: Democratic
Age: 62
Family: Married with two grown sons
How long in Knox County? 22 years
Job: ACSA Distinguished Professor, College of Architecture and Design at the University of Tennessee
Education: Masters in Architecture, Harvard University (1979); Bachelors in Architecture, Cornell University (1976)
Political experience: None

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
Since I arrived in Knoxville in 1994 I have been involved in planning issues related to the downtown. I’m interested in continuing the success of the downtown at the level of the county with its many neighborhoods and districts. Additionally, I feel a sense of public service in giving back to Knoxville.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
As a career educator and as an architect I am passionately interested in education and in our natural and built environment–our parks, greenways, neighborhoods, commercial districts, and the infrastructure that makes this work.

Education: We have an elected school board and they will soon be searching for a new superintendent of schools. I am excited to be part of this new chapter and I am committed to increasing a cooperative spirit between the Commission and school board. Beyond the basic K-12 school system, we can advance education through imaginative programming in our libraries, parks, senior centers, and partnerships with others. As the business environment changes, job training can help people of all ages acquire new skills. Everyone, from toddlers to seniors, needs access to the arts, music, and sports activities. The concept of “community schools” can transform a school into a genuine neighborhood center, with programs and opportunities beyond the basic school day.

Neighborhoods: Knox County’s population will be growing in the next decades and we need to accommodate much of that growth with diverse residential choices in neighborhoods, not with more sprawl. In addition, we have to invest in infrastructure that will support this inevitable population growth. We want to enjoy our many safe parks, greenways, and neighborhoods.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
While the economic climate in Knox County is positive, we want to assure continued business energy in decisions that benefit employers and employees alike. Educational opportunities, neighborhoods, parks, and a diversity of cultural activities all contribute to a high quality of life in Knoxville, which also helps us to recruit and retain businesses.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
We have an elected school board, and they will soon be searching for a new superintendent of schools. I am excited to be part of this new chapter and I am committed to working in a cooperative way with the Commission and school board.

Raising taxes for any priority in the county is a tactic of last resort when there is no willingness to make strategic cuts or raise funds in other ways. The county must balance its budget with many competing priorities. We should also anticipate expanding the tax base with quality development and jobs.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
A Midway development has already been approved by the County Commission in 2015 as a way to expand the county’s tax base and as a way to attract quality jobs to Knoxville. Midway should not be another highway interchange with fast food, gas stations, motels, and an isolated business park. Public input, the understanding of best practices nationwide, and a careful planning process could make Midway an example of high-quality development.

District 5
COVER_v2i28_John_SchoonmakerJohn Schoonmaker

Party: Republican
Age: 61
Family: Married to Heather for 37 years; daughter Laura; and son Justin
How long in Knox County? 30 years in the 5th District
Job: Owner, Schoonmaker Sales
Education: Hillsborough Community College (1980)
Political experience: Current Knox County Commissioner for the 5th District

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
In January 2015, I was appointed to the Knox County Commission to represent the 5th District as a replacement for Dr. Richard Briggs. I consider it an honor and privilege to represent the citizens of the 5th District and want to continue to serve our community.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
We have an incredible need for the Safety Center. Let’s stop talking about it and get going on building it. The roads in our neighborhoods and commercial zones are only going to get worse. We need to allocate more dollars to the road repair budget. Then we need to address safety issues like Northshore Drive with TDOT.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
We need to continue to promote our community to attract new jobs and new business opportunities, like Lifetime Products. Once we attract them, we need to keep them.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
The County Commission should serve in an advisory capacity, as the school board is responsible for making all school decisions. The County Commission should continue to work on improving communication with all school board members. Eventually we will have to have a tax increase. When that happens, the increase should include dollars for schools, roads, libraries, parks, and law enforcement. It should be a one-time tax increase to cover county expenses for the next 10 years.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
I voted for the Midway Business Park. It is unfortunate that we have recently lost new companies with good jobs to surrounding counties because of not enough available space.

Sheri Ridgeway

Party: Democratic

No response.

District 6
COVER_v2i28_Brad_AndersBrad Anders

Party: Republican
Age: 43
Family: Wife, Jennifer, and one daughter
How long in Knox County? 32 years
Job: Lieutenant, Knoxville Police Department
Education: Holston High School (1991); B.S. in Organizational Management, Tusculum College (2007)
Political experience: Elected to County Commission for a partial term and then reelected in 2010

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
I had been observing local government for some time and had grown tired of the way Knox County was moving. I have been on Commission since 2008 and served in leadership for four years. I feel we are now viewed as much more professional and have made progress in several areas. I would like to continue to represent our district as we continue to grow and prosper.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
I think the two most important issues we face are school budget and infrastructure needs. I have been addressing capital needs in our district and have been successful in getting several projects either started or in the queue that will make our area much safer. We have constructed a sidewalk on Steele Road, placed traffic circles in high-accident intersections on Bob Gray, funded Karns Valley extension and Schaad Road extension.

The schools continue to be a work in progress. As the school board chooses a new leader, the focus will need to be on setting a course of success in the classroom. We need to prepare our students to be successful no matter what career path they choose. We will continue to make sure more money is focused on classroom instruction.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
I have been very active with the Knoxville Chamber, participating in the economic development process to recruit and grow businesses. I have also worked with local businesses, helping them navigate county government in order to get their businesses started.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
I think a commissioner should have a good working relationship with the school board and a good understanding of school programs. I do not think a commissioner should be over-reaching in handling board matters to the point he or she is focusing on day-to-day operations of the schools. That is the role of the school board.

I am not opposed to raising the budget of the school board. We have increased the schools’ budget almost $80 million since I came into office. If we have to raise taxes, I do not favor only raising them for education. We must have a plan to meet the needs of all the departments and hopefully sustain us like the last increase in 1999.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
I did support Midway and I think it will pay benefits in the future for job growth in the east part of the county. Being as engaged as I am with economic development, I have seen the effects of being land-deficient, and the negative impact it has making the short lists for relocating or expanding companies.

COVER_v2i28_Donna_LucasDonna G. Lucas

Party: Democratic
Age: 69
Family: Daughter, son-in-law, and two grandchildren
How long in Knox County?  Since August 2012
Job: Retired
Education: Certification in X-ray technology, Rex Hospital (1966); Certification in Ultrasonics, Bowman Gray School of Medicine at Wake Forest University (1976)
Political experience: No response

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
I have always been interested in the political arena, starting with the Watergate scandal in the ‘70s. It was very disheartening to see what government is capable of doing in the hands of participants who are lacking integrity in the process. I have been a follower since that investigation, participating as my former professional field allowed, time-wise. When I arrived in Knoxville, I noticed, all too often, there was only a single name for most positions on the ballot. There was a name, and right beside that name was an “R” for the Republican Party. There were no Democrats, Independents, or other entries on the ballot to provide a choice for our constituency in the 6th District of Knox County. I find this to be unacceptable in a Democratic process.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
My main issue, to start, is providing a choice for our voters, pure and simple! My other issues are revising term limits, neighborhood safety as in providing passage of the proposed updates to our E-911 system, and working with Sheriff Jones on implementing the Safety Center for our county. Also of interest is fully funding the school system.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
Our district is fast growing at present, and we must work together in the community to provide adequate conditions for infrastructure, growth plans, zoning, etc. to maintain a balance moving forward.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
I believe the County Commission should act as a supporter of the Knox County school board as they are the professionals in their positions. County Commission should provide funding for the schools as they deem necessary. I think a property tax increase should be implemented as improvements must be funded.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
No response.

District 8
Dave Wright

Party: Republican
Age: 70
Family: Married more than 50 years. One son and 12-year-old granddaughter
How long in Knox County?  Born and raised in Gibbs
Job: Retired supervisor for AT&T
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, University of Tennessee (1987); Gibbs High School (1963)
Political experience: Knox County Commissioner for District 8 since 2008

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
The reason to run again was to make sure we continue on some of the things that I’ve looked at, like the continuing of the process that’s in place as far as education goes. I want to make sure the development of Midway Road is followed up on, as it has been discussed and made it through the Commission about a year ago. I want to make sure that Gibbs Middle School says on track. And then we need to get a little deeper into infrastructure like roads and business parks and jobs and things like that.

I’m stealing an idea here, but Brad Anders pointed out that on Sept. 1, when Commission is reorganized, that if I’m reelected and Brad is reelected, there will be no one else on County Commission with more than two years experience. I view it to be important that both Brad and I be reelected for the sole purpose of organizational knowledge if nothing else, to make sure Knox County stays on track.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
To continue to make sure Knox County stays on budget and stays in budget. The other would be as it relates to transportation, roads and part of that is whenever you go to the Transportation Planning Organization. It’s not just roads but trails and bike lanes and then what it would be like for public transportation like mass transit. That we continue to stay on the path of getting roads rebuilt and resurfaced where required, to pay attention to crash data and safety.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
We need to make sure the world knows that Knox County is a great place to live, and that there’s an educated workforce here that can focus on being a part of doing business. If that happens we’ll have good developmental growth.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
We’ve got to stay within cash flow and stay within the existing revenue streams for the foreseeable future. I do not think the Commission plays much of a part in things like curriculum. There are lots of things even the Knox County Board of Education doesn’t play a part in. It’s given to us by the state. The state Department of Education tells how many hours and this is the test we’re going to use and they send about two-thirds of the money, so they are sort of driving the ship. I believe that the questions for commissioners should be how much money is going where. I think it’s an appropriate question to ask where you are spending your money so it’s public information and citizens can fuss at the Board of Education if they don’t like where it’s being spent. The one other thing County Commission can be involved in is brick-and-mortar, where a school will be located or matters of real estate. Those can be addressed in conjunction with the Board of Education, and all of these things are really Board of Education issues.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
I’m the one that made the motion that it be rezoned, so I support it. I did have four or five conditions, but the Midway business park was done in the dead of night and was a disservice to some of the people in the east county. But here 10 years later the majority of questions have involved waste water treatment, which will not precipitate on the French Broad. KUB now has the capacity to take the waste water from this site, up over the ridge a couple thousand feet, and then it will go into their existing network near Carter High School and be treated on the Holston. Another issue is what it’s going to look like. Is it going to look like what’s out west and is what’s out west going to be good enough to be out east? It’s not going to be a truck stop. There has to be a pay scale and there’s a lot of stuff that rides with this now that makes it acceptable to the majority of people. If we can create good jobs there that would be great, but if we can’t we need to divest it. They’ve got the answers I think and it looks like Midway Road is something that’s going to be done.

Donald M. Wiser

Party: Democratic
Age: 69
Family: No response
How long in Knox County? Entire life
Job: Retired homicide investigator, Knoxville Police Department; retired counselor, Tennessee Department of Children’s Services
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, East Tennessee State University (1978); Master’s Degree, University of Tennessee-Knoxville; 40 hours post-graduate, UTK; Two years, Nashville School of Law; Currently pursuing Master’s and Ph.D in Counseling, UTK
Political experience: None

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
I want to bring proper representation back to Knox County Commission. I want to work hard to improve the road infrastructure through representation and by enforcing the federal and state constitutions, and the Knox County Charter—unlike the current 8th District incumbent.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
Improving road infrastructure in the 8th District is paramount. Currently—because of the absentee-representation of the current, term-limited incumbent—while the people of Gibbs are glad to get their own middle school, no thought or discussion occurred as to how to safely provide access to the new school currently under construction.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
Fomenting mutual respect between business and economic development between the economy and neighborhoods; maintaining safety and improving road infrastructure will allow businesses to grow and thereby improve 8th District residents’ access to good-paying jobs; quiet neighborhoods, and safe schools in our community. None of these are mutually exclusive in open dialogue.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
The Board of Education and their employee, the superintendent, need to have their focus on serving who has elected them, not bickering about what the state and County Charter dictate as the purview of the Board of Education. I believe in properly funding schools, if needs outstrip resources, I would gladly open up dialog with the Board of Education and the residents to best address any budget shortfalls. I have long been concerned with the disparity between the way boys sports are funded when girls sports are left to their own devices to fund their sports.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
No, I do not. I support and respect the will of the people of that community and it is my understanding that those who live and have lived for a long time in that area [do not] want or feel the need to drastically increase traffic and permanently alter the rural milieu of that community when there remains such a great deal of available industrial space in other, nearby business and industrial parks.

District 9
COVER_v2i28_Carson_Dailey.Carson Dailey

Party: Republican
Age: 56
Family: Wife Tammy, son Jeremy, daughter-in-law Elizabeth, and granddaughter Victoria
How long in Knox County? Over 50 years in the Bonny Kate community
Job: Account Manager, Applied Industrial Technologies (38 years)
Education: Pellissippi Community College; various business classes
Political experience: Knox County Board of Zoning Appeals (Nov. 2008-present); Knox County Blighted Properties Commission (Nov. 2008-present); Knox County Ethics Committee (Nov. 2008-Oct. 2010); office holder in the South Knox Republican Party

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
I love South Knoxville and will keep working to improve neighborhoods and commercial growth. Quality growth working with everyone in South Knoxville.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
Conservative steward of our tax dollars. Keeping taxes low while increasing our tax base. Economic growth to reduce the debt for Knox County of around $600 million.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
Economic growth to create jobs with quality pay in Knox County. Anytime commercial or industrial growth comes to Knox County, jobs created will generate more tax revenue and lower tax rates. This will help take care of the city/county infrastructure.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
County Commission can only approve the school budget that is presented. This is state law. The Knox County school budget has been fully funded by the Commission and the mayor. With growth in our private-sector jobs, tax revenue will increase and the school budget will be funded through growth.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
Yes. Midway business park will bring high-paying jobs to Knox County. Quality private partners will only increase Knox County as one of the area’s economic leaders.

COVER_v2i28_James_Brandon_HamiltonJames “Brandon” Hamilton

Party: Democratic
Age: 26
Family: Single
How long in Knox County? 15 years (11 years in the middle were spent in neighboring Union County)
Job: Financial Foundations Specialist (insurance agent), Sitel
Education: Union County High School (2008); A.A., Pellissippi State Community College (2013); B.A. in political science, University of Tennessee (Expected Fall 2016)
Political experience: KCDP 9th District Representative (2015-present); campaign consultant, Leland Price for Criminal Court Judge (2014)

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
I’ve always been interested in politics. Dad was always talking politics growing up. I volunteered as a kid for the Union County Democrats in middle and high school.

My family—my whole family pretty much, including myself, my father, aunt, and cousin—moved to Lakemoor Hills on Alcoa Highway in South Knoxville in early 2014. I hit the ground running. I was already very active in Knox County Democratic politics when I lived in Bearden.

Knox County Democratic party chair Cameron Brooks has been working tirelessly to build up local Democrats. I thought about it for a long while. No one wanted to run in the district. It ultimately came down to this: “Why shouldn’t I?” I’m young, I’m energetic, I know how campaigns work, and I feel very supported by my family, campaign cabinet, and local Democrats. I understand the importance of truly balancing vying interests and there needs to be an alternative to Knox County GOP candidates. I’m willing to step up to the plate and offer a different perspective.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
South Knoxville is an incredible place, but it could be better! South Knox County’s historical structures could be revitalized to offer space to small business, artists spaces, and lofts. Chapman Highway could stand a few cafes, and it needs an unbroken sidewalk down both sides. There’s a lot going on there with the relocation of Regal, the Urban Wilderness, and waterfront development. I’d like to kindle that flame and see good jobs come south of the river. I’d like the waterfront to look sparkling and inviting from Volunteer Landing.

Official politics have become a little stale in the county. The Commission has been reamed for ignoring the voters who elected them. That’s unacceptable. I would serve the interests of Knox County’s hard-working people. I wouldn’t shut them out. Again, it’s about little ‘d’ democracy: giving folks an option.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
Basic infrastructure has to be kept in good repair and periodically improved for the businesses fixed along them to thrive. You’ve also got to be careful to attract the best businesses for residents to work and shop at.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
I think transparency and dialogue are paramount. Knox County’s students aren’t served if there isn’t good communication between the school board and Commission. Allocations for classroom resources are very different, for example, from approvals for administrative payroll increases

I think a very minimal property tax hike—like an additional $80 for every $100,000 in assessed value—would make all the difference in the world for Knox County Schools. I’d want to see an exception carved out for the poor, seniors, handicapped individuals, etc.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
I do, but there’s a caveat: It has to be agreeable to nearby residents. There is a lot of opposition right now. The people around Midway don’t want it.

COVER_v2i28_Tom_PierceTom Pierce

Party: Independent
Age: 30
Family: Wife and daughter
How long in Knox County? 30 years
Job: Transportation specialist
Education: Berean Christian Academy (2003); BCT & AIT Certification from Fort Sill, Oklahoma (2007); Commandant’s List at WLC in Kuwait (2010)
Political experience: None

What stoked your interest in running for this political office?
Moral decline in Tennessee and global desecration of western civilization and the traditional Christian culture.

What are the two most important issues for you and how will you address them if elected?
Tradition and identity. Mohammedans have an entire region of the earth that they are established and from which they can propagate, populate, and expand their culture. Jews have an entire country from which they can do the same and so do every other religion and peoples except the white Christian. Appalachia is one of the last bastions, demographically speaking, of western civilization. We must act rapidly to preserve our identity and traditions of Appalachia and Christendom. Starting from the grassroots, we must act rapidly to secure our region as a place that traditional Christian and Appalachian identity can thrive and dominate so that we too may survive as a people.

In two sentences, describe your approach to business and development growth in the county:
Businesses and developments that are not contradictory to ancient Christian morality should prosper and receive tax breaks, etc. Any business or development that promotes anti-Christ or anti-Western ideals (i.e. pornography stores, strip clubs, churches that perform homosexual weddings, abortion clinics) or is highly unpopular with the majority of the local, native-born population must be closed, outlawed, and erased from our soil.

What degree of involvement in decisions involving public schools do you think is appropriate for the County Commission? What is your position on approving increased public budgets if that entails some property tax increase?
Decisions regarding curriculum and practices in our public schools falls squarely within the realm of the duly elected County Commission. I would never support increasing property taxes, which are unlawful and opposed to the principles of “private property,” to fund public education. By making hard cuts and responsible adjustments we can raise monies for public school budgets.

Do you support the Midway business park? Why or why not?
No, simply because it is highly unpopular with the local people who would be affected the most by it.

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