Knox County Commission, law director, property assessor voter guides for 2024

Allie Feinberg, Knoxville News Sentinel

July 8, 2024 at 12:42 PM·94 min read

On Aug. 1, voters in several districts will select who will represent them on the Knox County Commission. All county voters will select a law director, property assessor and judge.

Early voting is July 12-27 and Election Day is Aug. 1.

Knox News sat down with the candidates and sent them questionnaires so they had the chance to speak directly to you, the voters.

Here are the candidates and their stances:

Knox County Commission

District 1

Charles Frazier, 69, Republican, sales executive at WJBE radio

It's clear that Knox County voters feel infrastructure isn’t keeping up with growth the county’s experiencing. Where will the necessary funds for improvements come from? (from in-person interview)

Frazier wants to explore impact fees, where developers pay a fee to make up for strain they’re adding to the infrastructure system by building. “It’s only the fair thing to do,” he said. The commission would come up with an assessment to determine how much to charge developers for building.

How will you show other commissioners and community members what a healthy District 1 does for the health of the overall county? How do you raise the profile of your district? (from in-person interview)

Frazier said District 1’s profile is already raised on the county level due to investments like the multiuse stadium in the Old City. As a commissioner, he said, he’ll be the point of contact for constituents and other levels of government. Since his district overlaps with Knoxville, he’ll point constituents toward Knoxville City Council when it comes to issues like sidewalk paving. He plans to have a working relationship with city council members to address constituent needs and concerns.

Damon Rawls, 50, Democrat, tech consultant and small business owner

What is the biggest issue facing 1st District constituents? (from in-person interview)

Rawls said the top issue facing his district is the unhoused population. He said the county commission traditionally hasn’t invested as many resources into his district because it’s entirely within city limits. He hopes to find ways on the commission to support organizations, like the Urban League, that are supporting the unhoused community. Since Knoxville and Knox County work with community organizations to support the unhoused, it’s elected officials’ job to find resources for organizations. He commended the Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability’s ability to engage unhoused people based off their identities outside of being unhoused. He used young people and the LGBTQ+ community as examples.

How will you show other commissioners and community members what a healthy District 1 does for the health of the overall county? (from in-person interview)

Rawls emphasized the importance of working with the commissioners in the districts that neighbor his. He said the two largest development areas in the county edge up to East Knoxville, so those residents from neighboring districts will likely be coming to his district to work. He hopes to have conversations with those commissioners to work on transportation infrastructure, since everyone “lives in the same area.” He said he’s talked with both District 8 candidates, and everyone knows people will move into the county. It’s just their job to “think it through.” He said while they differ on where development should go, they need to work together.

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

Knox County is at an inflection point. Young people are staying here at a higher rate, and more people are choosing to move here. Managing the balancing act between preservation and inevitable growth is one of the biggest challenges that the county commission will be addressing this year and moving forward. I support public processes and welcoming the voices of everyone to the decision-making process.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

I'm a product of East Knoxville. This community deserves a champion who understands the challenges and opportunities we are facing and will face in the years to come. As county commissioner, I will be consistently present and active in this community. Whether it's supporting small businesses, mentoring students and entrepreneurs, or giving youth opportunities outside of the classroom, I have been on the ground in this community as an advocate. I will continue that work as an on-the-ground representative.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

Knox County needs more housing, and it is a fact that growth is inevitable. One of my priorities in this campaign is fighting for housing affordability, keeping costs low for working families in our community.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

District 1 is one of the most dense and developed districts in the county. Our biggest challenge is with housing affordability rather than growth, particularly ensuring that the people who live here can afford to stay here without displacement. Working families have been priced out of neighborhoods due to rising housing costs, and the challenge of increasing supply in already-dense neighborhoods is one that is being addressed through the city's efforts to add missing middle housing types into core neighborhoods surrounding downtown. I believe that the county can play a bigger role in expanding affordable housing options not just beyond city limits.

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

I am a firm believer that the county can do more with the city, particularly relating to issues such as schools and housing. We share these challenges and often share resources to address those challenges. The more we work collectively with our shared goals in mind, the better.

Working with Knox County Schools?

I will collaborate with our school board representative, the Rev. John Butler, in the fight to make Knox County Schools the best in the state. Our children's education is the foundation of our community's future. As county commissioner, I'll be a staunch advocate for our local schools. I will work closely with the school board to ensure our students have access to the best education possible. Let's invest in our schools, teachers and students to secure a brighter future for our community.

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

County commission is one branch of our local government, and we're all elected directly by the people. It's our job to hold other parts of government accountable. If I have questions about a decision or actions out of the sheriff's office or from the mayor's administration, I won't be afraid to ask them. It's our job to find answers and do what's right on behalf of the people we represent.

Does the county need to change its tax structure to keep up with infrastructure improvements, such as roads and school buildings, and meet salary demands for teachers, police and county workers? If so, how? If not, how do you think the county can pay for those demands? (from candidate questionnaire)

I believe first and foremost that we must dig into the budget for fat that can be cut out before considering a change in the tax structure. It's a fact that taxes haven't been raised in a few generations, and our schools and infrastructure are far behind where they should be. I would be open to any ideas and proposals to meet the needs of our community, particularly by investing fully in our future generations through quality public education.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

Accessibility, transparency and humility. Governing is about public service. I'm running to represent over 55,000 Knox County residents and be their voice on the county commission. My approach to governing will be rooted in that idea that we elect leaders who are meant to put us above all else - not personal agendas or political games. I'm eager to continue to advocate for my community in this new role and stay true to my beliefs.

District 2

Courtney Durrett, incumbent, 43, Democrat, external affairs manager at Comcast

Since your district is entirely in Knoxville city limits, how do it relevant in county-level conversations? (from in-person interview)

Durrett said it’s important to have good relationships with city institutions since they do preside over aspects like zoning. She also stressed the impact county government has on schools, libraries, senior centers, the EmPATH Unit and more, and said it is her job to be a liaison. The county can do business in city limits, she said, using her facilitation of Axle Logistics moving into her district as an example. “Even though services come from the city, there’s a lot of county things happening within District 2,” she said.

You’re in a political minority on the commission as a Democrat. How do you still deliver for constituents among Republican colleagues? (from in-person interview)

Durrett said if she wants to get anything done, she needs four votes. She approaches the commission knowing everyone has the same goal in mind even if they disagree. Even though commissioners have their party bases, her record on commission speaks for itself, she said.

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

Growth is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents. While growth brings jobs, tax revenue, etc., it also brings growing pains including a lack of housing, an increase of prices on existing housing and a strain on infrastructure. I would support a combination of policies to address our severe housing shortage and the rising cost of housing:

Increase housing supply – Encourage and streamline the approval process for new housing developments, especially those that incorporate mixed development.
Zoning reforms – Implement zoning changes that allow for more diverse and higher-density housing options and proactive infrastructure improvements (much like Advance Knox and missing middle initiatives).
Affordable housing incentives – Provide incentives for developers to include affordable housing units in their projects including property tax incentives such as TIFs and PILOTs.
Public-private partnerships – Collaborate with private sector partners to invest in affordable housing projects.
Supportive services – Provide support services for individuals facing homelessness to help them transition into stable housing.
Infrastructure investment – invest more in infrastructure through partnerships with the state and developments as they happen.

Implementing a mix of these policies, tailored to the specific needs of the community, can contribute to alleviating housing shortages and promoting affordability.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

A county commissioner can most effectively represent constituents by staying informed on local issues such as zoning changes, road closures and community-specific policies and by engaging in regular communication with the affected communities. A county commissioner should advocate for policies that align with constituents needs’ and concerns and collaborates with other officials to assist in achieving policy changes.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

I will consider factors like sustainable development, community input, infrastructure needs, environmental impact and long-term planning when making decisions about addressing growth. Balancing economic, social and environmental aspects is crucial for responsible and inclusive development (see above). I will ensure the new Growth Policy Plan and Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan that County Commission just passed are both followed when addressing growth decisions.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

Challenges growth presents to my district and Knox County include increased traffic congestion, strain on infrastructure, potential environmental impact, rising housing costs and demands on public services. My district (District 2) is entirely within city limits. Since there is limited available land for new development within the city limits, it is important to consider creative zoning policies to create more attainable housing. Challenges related to county growth include preserving green space while keeping pace with the demand for housing. Balancing development with the preservation of community character and addressing these challenges requires thoughtful planning and engagement with stakeholders.

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

As mentioned in the previous response, my district (Commission District 2) is entirely within Knoxville city limits. Therefore, it is imperative that I have open communication with city officials so I can quickly and thoroughly address any constituent or neighborhood issues. Fortunately, my previous employment with the city has afforded me the opportunity to have established relationships with Knoxville officials, including the mayor, councilmembers and department officials, creating an open line of communication.

Working with Knox County Schools?

County commission is under a consent decree with Knox County Schools, which means we have to approve any fiscal policy that is put on the commission agenda. However, it is incredibly important that there is a working relationship between the school system and commission. Anything regarding a new school will have outside impacts on the community and the county, especially regarding infrastructure. For example, building a new school may require new county roads which, in turn, will be maintained by the county. Conversely, approving a new development in an area with few schools could cause overcrowding and then the need for rezoning or a new building. Ensuring proper communication between KCS and commission is a must.

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

The county executive and legislative branches are completely separate, much like the national and state levels of government. Each branch operates independently of the other without the need for approval from the other branch except with approving policy and items with fiscal impacts. The mayor has the ability to veto ordinances approved by the commission, but the commission has the ability to override his veto. That said, it remains incredibly important to have working relationships with the executive branch as this branch of government provides the majority of services to the community.

As Knox County continues to grow at a rapid pace, demands on infrastructure improvements will escalate. Knox County corrections and patrol officers received a drastic increase in salary last year. It is now state law that by 2026, the starting salary for Tennessee teachers will be $50,000. We are growing at an exponential rate. This money has to come from somewhere. In order to maintain and enhance our community’s well-being, a tax structure change may be necessary to keep pace, if there is no other way to provide the funding necessary to meet these needs. Making a tax increase a ballot initiative would best gauge the community’s point of view regarding the issue. If it were to fail, the county may be forced to increase the sales tax, though the revenue would be dependent upon tourism and stability of the economy. This, too, would have to be a ballot initiative.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

Citizen Centric – Prioritizing the well-being and satisfaction of residents by seeking input, responding to their needs and designing policies that focus on improving the overall quality of life. The goal is to create a government that is accountable and closely aligned with the interests and aspirations of the people it serves.
Inclusivity – Actively seeking input from diverse voices, ensuring representation of various demographics and creating policies that consider the needs of all community members. It promotes a sense of belonging, equity, and fairness, fostering an environment where decisions reflect the perspectives of the entire population rather than a select few.
Accountability – Emphasizes responsibility, transparency and ensuring the interest of the community is at the heart of decision-making. A strong commitment to accountability builds trust between the government and its constituents, fostering a sense of reliability and confidence in the decision-making process and actions of public officials.

Ethan Grantham, 34, independent, Knoxville Police Department detective

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

Housing issues are urgent and need to be addressed immediately. Shelter is a fundamental need. It ranks third for survival after air and water. The present county development plans waste our natural resources in the name of housing development. These short-sighted plans won't lead to long-term good outcomes.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

Spend time talking with people in the district. Study the issues. Show up for commission meetings.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

I see growth as developing the resources in our county for the current residents. Increasing the population count isn’t one of my objectives. Ecologically sound development is my vision.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

The key challenge is understanding that population increase may not be desirable growth. (Gaining weight is growth, but it's not as desirable as growing taller.) My district is a resource for the county: We have centennial families, farms and forests. These resources have taken hundreds of years to develop. It is short sighted to bulldoze them just to build a few “project houses.” A plan finds ways to grow, not avenues for mindless destruction.

What role should commissioners play in working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges? (from candidate questionnaire)

The city offers additional services that are a convenience to the city residents and the city residents pay for these services with city taxes. County residents have chosen to “do it themselves” for these services. City residents also use county services. Elections, schools, libraries, parks, roads etc. are services managed by the county. My district includes sections of the city. I plan to collaborate with the city council member for the good of our constituents.

What role should commissioners play in working with Knox County Schools? (from candidate questionnaire)

The school board is elected to provide an education that supports a democratic society. The commission tries to find a way to pay for public education.

What role should commissioners play in exercising legislative oversight of the county's executive branch? (from candidate questionnaire)

The county commission makes the county laws. The commission approves the budget. The executive branch implements the law and adheres to the budget. The mayor needs to focus on administration.

Yes. The county's “growth” has led to development of lackluster infrastructure that is not supported by sufficient increase in tax revenue to pay for it. The county taxes property. This is a wealth tax. But other forms of wealth aren't taxed. These wealthy people use the county services and need to pay their fair share.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

I believe in the government of the people by the people and for the people. My constituents have the last word, even if I don't one hundred percent agree.

Debbie Phillips, 65, Republican, Realtor

What is the most important issue in your district? (from in-person interview)

Phillips said people in her district are most concerned with the homeless population. She said the city and county need to figure out a plan, and the first step of that is to bring a mental healthcare facility to Knox County. She also suggested a program to help unhoused community members find employment.

You mentioned taking a deeper look at the city budget and cutting unnecessary expenditures. What are those expenditures and how would you reprioritize spending? (from in-person interview)

Phillips said she knows more about the city budget than the county’s, but wants to look at which organizations the county’s money goes to and what the benefits of those allocations are. She’s opposed to raising property taxes but wants to be sure there’s funds to maintain a competitive police department and fire department.

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

Several issues are facing Knox County residents. Most residents are concerned with the county’s growth and development plan. Residents are concerned about the already impacted roads and traffic. As a commissioner, I would be looking at any and all zoning requests to see how it would impact an area.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

The most effective way to represent constituents is to communicate. Listen and be aware of the desires and needs for your district and put forth your best to resolve issues. Attend neighborhood meetings, attend community functions and be involved. This allows the elected officials to know the desires and needs of their constituents and attempts to make each district a desirable part of Knox County.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

When addressing growth, we must address the desires and concerns from the existing homes it affects, not the developers. We need to be sure we protect single family areas when making decisions about addressing development, such as multihousing in the middle of single-family neighborhood. We do not need to put the cart before the horse and need to be focusing on road infrastructure, traffic impact and how a development will impact the area schools.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

My district consists within the city limits of Knoxville. I have developed the knowledge of zonings, etc., since we adopted Recode in 2019. We face the infrastructure and traffic issues as well as the crowding of schools. As far as rezoning requests in the city of Knoxville, that is voted on my City Council and not county commission.

With the new Growth Plan the county has now adopted, I am well aware of what we commissioners will be facing during our term. I certainly understand we must have development, but we also must maintain our farmlands and be sure we have the infrastructure to handle the impact of the new development. We cannot put the cart before the horse!

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

The drug use, homelessness and crime within the city limits need to be addressed. As my role of commissioner, I will work with both KPD and KCSO to reduce the crime and drug issues. I will work with city officials to address the issues of homelessness and options.

Working with Knox County Schools?

Knox County Schools receive a big portion of our tax dollars. The budget needs to be reviewed to see where the money is going. The responsibility to accountability needs to be a demand. As a commissioner with a degree in accounting, I will be demanding accountability to where they are spending our tax dollars.

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

Dig deep into the budget to know where the over a billion-dollar budget is being spent. We need to spend more wisely and again hold people to accountability.

School buildings and teacher pay needs to be funded from the large sum of tax dollars the school system is receiving and they need to be able to spend more wisely. Reviewing the budget and hold people to accountability.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

My core philosophies that guide my approach is to represent our constituents and interact with them. Be the voice for the tax paying resident. Work with law enforcement to resolve some of the drug and crime Knox County is experiencing. Use my accounting background to review budgets to see where and how our tax dollars are being spent and demand accountability. Spend wisely.

District 4

Garrett Holt, 30, Republican, broker at Oliver Smith Realty and Development Company

What do you feel like the Knox County Commission’s role is in providing emergency services, like ambulances and fire protection, is to constituents? (from in-person interview)

Holt said that since the county contracts its ambulance services through a third party, the third party must be held accountable. As of now, service is below the standards set by the county commission, and they must put regulations in place to ensure quality service, he said. When the county’s contract with the provider starts to run out, Holt said it's important to have tough conversations early on to prevent commissioners from having to make a hasty decision about ambulance services against a deadline.

It's clear that Knox County residents feel infrastructure isn’t keeping up with growth the county’s experiencing. Where will the necessary funds for improvements come from? (from in-person interview)

Holt said since state roads Kingston Pike and Northshore Drive run through his district, it's important to be a strong advocate with state lawmakers. He also said the county must do strong audits to prioritize where existing funds are being spent. He said a tax increase is the last resort, but it could be a conversation in years to come due to inflation and the need to provide services to constituents at a time when services cost more money.

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

Without a doubt, growth is the number one issue that Knox County residents face today. Since I started going door to door last September, that is the issue that I hear most from constituents. The secret has gotten out about Knoxville, and more people are moving to our community than ever before.

To effectively address it, I believe that Knox County needs to switch from a reactive mindset to a more proactive form of governance. That begins with planning for the demands of the future through a comprehensive growth plan between Knox County, the city of Knoxville and the town of Farragut. With a plan in place, we need to get ahead of the growth and ensure that we do our core service functions to the best of our ability. That involves making strategic investments in our roads and infrastructure, recruiting and retaining high-quality talent for both Knox County Schools and the Knox County Sheriff’s department, and implementing zoning regulations that help us craft the Knox County of tomorrow while still preserving the charm of our community.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

Listen and learn. Our job, above everything else, is to serve as a voice for those that we represent. To do that effectively, you must talk with and listen to your constituents. Since starting my campaign in February of 2023, I’ve been to nearly 13,000 households across the 4th District to do just that. Often, I think issues at the neighborhood level get drowned out, and I have made it a point to compile a list of these. I’ve heard where we may need more speed bumps, better stormwater management, road paving, sidewalks, additional police protection, and the list goes on and on.

Beyond listening, I think continually learning is incredibly important to be an effective county commissioner. You need leaders who are willing to go the extra mile and immerse themselves in the issues that our community is addressing. Anyone can sit in the seat, but it takes a dedicated public servant to work when no one is looking to make sure that they are showing up to the job as prepared as possible.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

We must be proactive about the growth that Knox County is experiencing. What do we want Knox County to look like as a community 15, 20 and 30 years from now? That’s the question that we need to ask ourselves. With that in mind, we need to be making investments and decisions now that will set Knox County up for success down the road.

First and foremost, we need to have sufficient infrastructure in place that can accommodate our community’s needs both now and 15 years down the line. That involves analyzing where we need to improve our current infrastructure, as well as which highly primed growth areas need additional investment. With infrastructure in place, we then must consider the capacity of our educational and safety systems in relation. There is a complex interaction between all of these core components of county government that need to be analyzed at a granular, neighborhood by neighborhood basis.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

I believe that traffic and sufficient infrastructure are the major challenges that growth brings to the 4th District, as well as Knox County as a whole. Our major corridors in the 4th District, such as Ebenezer, Northshore and Kingston Pike, are becoming more and more congested every day. If Knoxvillians wanted to live in Nashville, they’d move there. Most people like our comfortable way of life here. I plan to work with both the mayor and the state legislature to ensure serious investment in infrastructure to lessen the burden of traffic on our residents here in Knox County.

From an infrastructure perspective, we are falling behind and need to get ahead. We only pave a fraction of the roads that we need each year, and we have several schools that have dated facilities and are falling into obsolescence. We can’t continue to sit idle and do the same thing that we always have and except that we will be ready for the demands Knox County will face 10-15 years from now. We have to begin making investments in our core functions now so that we are well prepared when the time comes.

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

Working with Knox County Schools?

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

As a Knox County commissioner, we only have direct jurisdiction in certain areas, but we must be community leaders and advocates when it comes to working with the city of Knoxville, Knox County Schools and the county’s executive branch. There is so much overlap between all of these governing bodies, and at the end of the day, the goal is to make Knoxville and Knox County the best place we can for those who live here. If we operate in silos, then we are missing the point of how local governance is meant to work. I already have relationships with a lot of the individuals in each of these bodies, and those relationships are something that I plan to continue to nourish as time goes on.

Due to inflationary pressures and our growing population, the financial demands of Knox County are continuing to grow. You don’t pay the same for a gallon of gas or a cup of coffee as you did five years ago, and unfortunately Knox County is feeling these same pains.

To pay for these growing demands, I believe we need to follow a tiered approach. Although we already run a lean government, there are always areas that we can look to curb spending. After cuts have been exhausted, we then have to look to grow our tax base. The majority of the sales tax in Knox County goes to the city of Knoxville due to finger annexation. Knox County should continue to recruit new businesses outside of the city to grow our sales tax revenues. Special tax assessments on new development should be considered on a case by case basis to directly fund adjoining infrastructure. Ultimately, my goal is to keep Knox County one of the least taxed communities of its size through supporting fiscally conservative policy.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

Governing to me is about public service first, not politics. It is about listening to the needs of your constituents and being a voice for those needs. It is about working together to build a better Knoxville not only for those who live here now, but also those who will come after us.

Shane Jackson, 48, Demorat, community banker

You’re running in one of the more competitive districts in the county. How will you convince voters you’re the right option? (from in-person interview)

Jackson said he’s vastly different from his opponent. He touted his prior experience in elected office in Athens, Tennessee, and experience rehabilitating banks in his professional life. He compared the election process to private employers’ hiring practices. If he was applying for a four-year long job, the hiring manager would go through candidates’ qualifications and choose the most qualified person. Jackson said that’s him.

What do you feel like the Knox County Commission’s role is in providing emergency services, like ambulances and fire protection, is to constituents? (from in-person interview)

Jackson said the county needs to figure out what first class emergency services look like. He told Knox News he did a ride-along in an ambulance and saw problems in the system beyond the control of commission. As a commissioner, he hopes to be a part of bringing all stakeholders in the community together to find “a complex solution to a complex problem.” He suggested working with the Haslam College of Business to find a solution to the county’s ailing system, emphasizing that healthcare is a business. He said there’s opportunity to fix the problem, commission just needs to facilitate productive conversations.

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

As commissioner for the 4th District, I will be focused on the issue of protecting and fully funding our public schools and keeping our students and teachers safe. I plan to work closely with my Board of Education colleagues and Knox County Schools administrators to ensure we properly and fully fund our schools, delivering teachers and students the resources they need to be the best in Tennessee. Additionally, I will unequivocally oppose any efforts to introduce publicly funded private school voucher programs to Knox County. As a proud KCS parent, I strongly believe public dollars should only go to public schools. Relatedly, as a parent who’s received the dreaded lockdown alerts on several occasions, I will work tirelessly to ensure our public school communities are safe for students, teachers and administrators. We need to ensure the trained law enforcement professionals who protect our schools are strategically deployed and properly compensated for the critical work they do to keep those communities safe. Finally, I am relieved and gratified that KCS will not be pursuing a policy permitting teachers to carry concealed weapons on school grounds. Guns in classrooms do not keep our kids safe - teachers are there to teach.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

Any elected official must begin by listening. When elected, I plan to hold regular community meetings, information sessions, less formal neighborhood gatherings, and to significantly increase the level of communication - in every possible medium - between the residents of the 4th District and their county commissioner. I look forward to reviving the practice of active community dialogue so the voices of this district are heard loud and clear in county government.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

Growth is a “good problem” to have - but only if that growth is carefully managed and adequately planned for. I’m cautiously optimistic that Advance Knox will bear fruit as all of its various components (Growth Policy Plan; Comprehensive Land Use & Transportation Plan; Uniform Development Ordinance) are implemented. It is not perfect and will not please everyone, but I believe its intended goal - better, smarter planning for the growth we know is here and only increasing - will spur diverse housing at all price points, protect rural communities and ease strain on infrastructure. Advance Knox was also the product of listening to all key voices in this critical discussion, accounting for differences and reaching compromise - a community-based philosophy of governing I will fully embrace on commission. However, that doesn't excuse the fact that Knox County had not updated the aforementioned policies in a generation - that is unwise, unacceptable, and can only result in the type of sprawl and chaos we’ve seen in other expanding metro areas. We must use this process as a baseline for how we pursue smart, comprehensive growth policy and continuously build toward a more cohesive, affordable and sustainable future for Knox County.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

Achieving balance and forging compromise between competing interests will be my priorities as we continue the discussion around growth both in the county and the 4th District. Growth is positive and essential. Nearly half of all U.S. counties are experiencing population stagnation or decline - that’s thankfully not a problem for us. But growth can also be a strain - on roads, traffic, schools, critical infrastructure, affordability, and even public safety. Even with the recent adoption of the County Growth Policy Plan, we still have to begin the Uniform Development Ordinance process, which will update our zoning codes and maps. When elected, I'll listen carefully to my constituents and take into account all perspectives on this critical zoning issue in order to ensure the process is smart, balanced and sustainable. We must promote mixed use development with more density, such as town centers, along walkable population corridors with existing transportation and other critical infrastructure. And we must, of course, protect our existing neighborhoods and more rural communities throughout the county from sprawl and unfettered, unsustainable development. Threading this needle will not be easy, but leadership means adhering to my core principles of fairness and compassion and occasionally making difficult decisions.

What role should commissioners play in working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges? (from candidate questionnaire)

Knox County simply cannot deliver results for its residents, especially in districts like the Fourth, without consistent, constructive collaboration with our city partners. From public schools, to zoning, to public safety and emergency services - we have the common goal of improving our constituents’ lives and we have to have a mutually respectful and beneficial working relationship. I’ve worked hard during the course of this campaign to forge meaningful ties with Mayor Kincannon’s administration, City Council members and city officials, and will continue to nurture those vital relationships when elected.

What role should commissioners play in working with Knox County Schools? (from candidate questionnaire)

Protecting and fully funding our public schools and paying our teachers fairly for the critical work they do are two of my top priorities. County commission is also charged with the task of approving and appropriating KCS funding. Therefore, it is fundamental to my job as a commissioner to have strong working relationships with KCS administrators and my counterparts on the Board of Education. For example, I’ve been meeting regularly with (and learning a great deal from) our 4th District BOE representative, Katherine Bike, in order to better grasp our educational landscape, determine how the commission can help meet current challenges, and make Knox County Schools the best in the state.

What role should commissioners play in exercising legislative oversight of the county's executive branch? (from candidate questionnaire)

County commission’s most important function is as the appropriating body of the county - it controls the purse strings and must approve an annual budget (presented by the mayor). The budget includes funding for all county departments, including Knox County Schools and the Knox County Sheriff’s Office. The county commission is, by design, tasked with providing the oversight necessary for those departments to function properly and with accountability, to ensure the most efficient, responsive and effective county government possible. If commissioners don’t embrace this critical role in determining how our public dollars are being spent, we are neglecting one of our most fundamental responsibilities and allowing county agencies and departments, including the mayor’s office, to operate without any checks and balances. I’m confident that is not how 4th District and Knox County residents believe their government should function.

Over the next several years, Knox County’s growing debt burden, accumulated over decades, is likely to pose a significant challenge to our overall fiscal health. As a commissioner, my background in small business and community banking will bring much needed real world financial experience to all of our discussions and deliberations around Knox County’s finances and budgeting processes. We must have clear eyed, experienced leaders to look at our obligations and revenue projections, properly scrutinize the dollars we appropriate and maximize efficiencies wherever possible. We also have to ensure we have the appropriate resources to create sustainable, livable conditions in the County as well as properly compensating our county workforce so the women and men who serve us can afford to live here. I will be focusing on two essential priorities in this discussion: promoting dynamic economic growth to expand our county’s tax base and leveraging my financial experience to bring efficiency and accountability to the county’s spending and budgeting processes.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

I’ve been involved in public service all my life - from Scouts, to Rotary Club, to coaching youth sports, to serving in the Army National Guard. I was taught that serving my community is one way I can give something back for the incredible life I’ve been afforded. Now I want to bring that spirit of service to Knox County Commission and the residents of the 4th District, who’ve been underrepresented on the commission these last few years. In addition to commitment to service, when elected, I promise to bring integrity, professionalism, humility, and civility to county commission. I promise to listen, remain true to my core values of compassion, inclusion and respect, and to lead with kindness.

District 5

S. Arthur Moore, 40, Democrat, neurologist

How are you going to sway voters in a district that typically votes Republican? (from in-person interview)

Moore said if he wants to be elected, he'll have to bridge the gap between Republicans and Democrats. He said he's a very moderate Democrat and that will show through conversations with voters. "My goal is not to appeal to the extremes of either party," he said. Like many in the 5th District, he's cautious about development but believes it's necessary to keep funding what makes Knox County Knox County.

What do you feel like the Knox County Commission’s role is in providing emergency services, like ambulances and fire protection, is to constituents? (from in-person interview)

Moore knows through his professional experience that time is vital when a patient needs care. The response times of the county's ambulance providers currently don't cut it, he said. The county is paying a lot for ambulance services, and he wants to see that money go to EMS personnel rather than the provider's corporation. He said the commission must hold providers accountable while also acknowledging delays in service are not just the fault of the ambulance provider. It's a multifaceted issue.

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

The largest challenge facing Knox County residents is growth. The city and county have seen explosive growth over the last few years, and it is likely that this growth will continue. As my family likes to say, the secret is out. I was in Nashville when it was on the precipice of this growth, and the lack of planning meant that the increased population quickly overcame the city’s infrastructure. As a county, we must respond to this growth in a thoughtful manner. We must consider where these new residents will live while respecting what makes Knox County special. We need to carefully plan for the infrastructure to support this additional housing while avoiding adding to our already congested streets and highways. We must be prepared to provide additional resources to our schools. Even in the setting of this expected growth, we will need to decide how to best preserve the character of the Knox County we all love – the proximity of urban, suburban and rural environments, the character of the established neighborhoods.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

The most effective way to represent constituents is to listen first. My office will have an ongoing open dialogue that starts and ends with the families of Knox County. Far too often, those in the county are unaware of what is happening, especially when it directly impacts their lives. I would involve my constituents in an ongoing discussion with scheduled articles and open forums where we could discuss important issues and where they can bring up ideas of their own. The best ideas come from collaboration with differing points of view. In addition, a county commissioner must remember that they represent all in their district, not just those who agree with them. Some of the best solutions to the problems we all face may come from surprising sources, so a county commissioner must be open to new ideas or challenges to their own thoughts.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

The expected growth in the coming years is the largest challenge facing Knox County and it should be faced head on. Voter’s decisions this year will determine the future of Knox County for decades. When I lived in Nashville, the local government chose to ignore the beginnings of growth. This led to a tremor of problems including housing shortages, increasing traffic and a loss of a sense of community. With proper planning, innovation and preparation, as well as a sense of preservation, we can avoid the same problems that plagued other cities. Learning from others’ mistakes is a principle that will guide my own decision-making regarding growth. We will need to find ways to accommodate all those who wish to call our wonderful county home. However, the character that makes Knox County special must be preserved. While we encourage development of certain areas, we should also safeguard our rural neighborhoods, our walking trails and our parks. These competing needs must be balanced, and we must develop a cooperative solution for all Knox County.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

The greatest challenges that face my district as well as the county are challenges of housing and infrastructure. We cannot simply ignore the incoming tide of people who have learned what we already knew – that Knox County is the perfect place to live, work and raise a family. Where we are going to house these individuals becomes a crucial question as we are already experiencing a dramatic rise in housing costs. These costs are beginning to push long-time residents out of the market and are preventing our teachers, police officers, nurses and others from finding a reasonable place to live. How can Knox County continue to recruit young professionals to our community if they cannot afford to live here? At the same time, we need to preserve what makes Knox County such a special place to live. Though it’s often hard to describe what makes a place special, I would argue that our greenways, parks and rural community add a charm to Knox County that is uniquely ours and is worth preserving. Balancing these demands – housing and preservation – in the face of our increasing population will define the next decade of both District 5 and Knox County.

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

Knox County commissioners should work closely and collaboratively with their Knoxville city counterparts to address shared challenges. While the county and city sometimes face separate challenges, there is significant overlap and decisions made in one area will impact the other. For example, both the city and county face challenges of a growing populace. If the city and county are of different minds on how to address these challenges and arrive at opposite courses of action, we may miss out on the benefits of either decision. We must foster a close working relationship and a sense of cooperation between Knox County and the city of Knoxville.

Working with Knox County Schools?

There should be a reciprocal relationship between the Knox County commissioners and Knox County Schools with open dialogue and communication. Given that the commission determines the final funding amount for Knox County Schools but not how the funding will be spent, it is important to know what Knox County Schools consider to be the top budgetary priorities as well as the state of schools to determine the appropriate level of funding. This becomes particularly important given the increased growth of Knox County and the increasing demands a growing population will place on our excellent schools.

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

Legislative oversight of the executive branch is one of the most important functions of the Knox County commission. While the executive branch has considerable influence, the commissioners, in their capacity as representatives of individual districts, should ensure that the executive branch does not act in isolation, but rather serves the entire electorate. Unilateral action by the executive branch should be discouraged and the commission should not simply act as a rubber stamp for executive branch policies. Rather, only those policies that benefit the district one serves should be supported.

At the moment, I do not believe the county needs to change its tax structure. Our current residents and the businesses that call Knox County home do not need to shelter more of the financial burden. Knox County is expected to experience considerable growth over the next decade. While this brings with it considerable challenges to our housing market and existing infrastructure, this also allows considerable expansion of the existing tax bases to support our growing needs. A growing population also becomes attractive to business and industry, allowing a greater pool of talent from which to pull. It is my belief that, if managed appropriately, the growth of the population and business sector will allow us to continue to fund our necessary infrastructure projects without placing the financial burden on current families or businesses.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

Moderation, cooperation and innovation will guide my approach to governing. Over the past several years, the voice of moderation has been lost in politics, leaving only the most vocal extremes. However, I know most people do not fall into extremes. To effectively govern, we must be willing to listen to both sides of an argument and accept good ideas from a variety of sources. The best solutions for a community typically involve compromise. The challenges Knox County faces cannot be solved by ignoring either half of the populace. In addition, novel challenges require novel and innovative solutions. As a physician, I am often tasked with solving problems for my patients, and I have found that sometimes the best solution is one not previously considered. I look forward to applying these lessons to serving my community and my county.

Angela Russell, 59, Republican, accountant

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

The biggest issue facing Knox County is reckless development that ignores our current infrastructure (underlying support system) and is disconnected from infrastructure improvement plans. This poor development planning has resulted in the population growing at a much faster pace than the infrastructure can adequately support. This has led to longer commutes and unsafe roads; overcrowded schools hindering education; longer response times for fire, police, and ambulances; an overburdened health care system; and environmental effects. This poor planning has resulted in a much-reduced quality of life. Continued poor planning could result in more deaths due to these safety concerns.

There are some other major issues facing our area. The looming Knox County debt, which needs to be paid. The homelessness crisis needs to be addressed with mental health and substance abuse care but also by removing criminal vagrants from our streets. Crime and safety are issues and need to be addressed by supporting law enforcement and prioritizing school safety. Illegal immigration needs to be addressed as it is part of what is causing the national housing crisis. Quality education is needed that will prepare our youth to be future productive and contributing members of our society.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

I will represent the needs of the 5th District residents and Knox County when they conflict with special interests. This includes zoning, appointments to boards and commissions, and the budget. As a CPA, I will use my experience and knowledge to thoroughly review Knox County's over one-billion-dollar budget. I also feel that a county commissioner should listen to the residents that they represent and help keep those residents informed about issues facing our community.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

We need to focus on infrastructure to address our current needs and conduct better planning for future growth. We need to look at the financial aspects of each development and focus on growth that will pay for and sustain itself. The current citizens should not be expected to subsidize bad growth. I will be elected to represent the current residents and not some hypothetical residents, who might live here 15 years from now. The next step after the approval of the Growth Plan and Comprehensive Land Use and Transportation Plan is the Unified Development Ordinance. This process needs to be well monitored to ensure the zoning codes focus on appropriate development types that are financially sustainable.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

Unsafe roads resulting in traffic fatalities. Overcrowded schools with portable buildings resulting in adverse learning conditions. Slow response times of safety services such as fire, police and ambulance services resulting in loss of property and life. Overburdened health care system resulting in lack of care, poor medical outcomes and loss of life.

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

We should always strive for cooperation. Cooperation is good if the results are beneficial to all residents of Knox County. However, the Knox County Commission's job is to first and foremost represent the needs of the Knox County residents.

Working with Knox County Schools?

Knox County Schools’ budget represents about 2/3 of our over one-billion-dollar budget. KCS has seen significant budget increases in recent years while enrollment has not increased at the same pace. We need more proactive cooperation on the front end of budgeting before it is presented to the county commission. I support a value for money audit, or what some refer to as a forensic audit, of KCS's budget. The residents deserve to know what they are paying for and what results they are getting from those expenditures. We need to ensure that our teachers and students are not being shorted due to unnecessary expenses.

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

The separation of the executive and legislative branches is a vital function of the checks and balances of government. While we should always strive for a good working relationship, it is important that the county commission represents the residents and is not a rubber stamp to the executive branch.

Before the uncontrolled and unmanaged development, Knox County had a better balance of infrastructure and existing population. Due to reckless development, our current tax system is struggling to address needed infrastructure. Knox County should have been requiring more of the additional infrastructure cost from the developers who are creating the impact. Since current residents should not be subsidizing developers, I advocate for a state law change to allow impact fees. Until impact fees are allowed, I support cost sharing for infrastructure with developers. I would also suggest that we work with the state and federal government in an effort to have them contribute to our infrastructure improvement needs.

I'm a fiscal conservative, who believes in spending money wisely and demanding results. I believe in government transparency in the budget and in all aspects of government. I do not advocate for raising the property tax rate. We need improved management of the tax dollars we currently collect. I believe the tax structure should only be changed with ballot approval of the Knox County citizens.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

I'm a Christian that supports family and freedom. I am a native East Tennessean who has lived in the 5th District for over 30 years. This area is my past, my present, and my grown children are here, so it is my future. This is my home, and it matters to me, and I am willing to work and fight for our way of life.

District 6

Daniel Greene, 36, Democrat, branch manager at ORNL federal credit union

Since you’re running against an incumbent, how will you sway voters, especially those who don’t normally vote for Democrats? (from in-person interview)

Greene said he understands the dire challenges of Knox County’s future and won’t settle for the status quo. He wants to be proactive and take action to get ahead of issues instead of reacting after they’re already occurring. He knows he could be in a minority on commission but wants to find balance in how commission works, and his business approach will help do that. He said his beliefs aren’t based strongly on partisan principles, rather, on what is and isn’t working in Tennessee.

It's clear that Knox Countians feel infrastructure isn’t keeping up with growth the county’s experiencing. Where will the necessary funds for improvements come from? (from in-person interview)

Greene said the county does not have enough money to complete infrastructure projects citizens have been promised. County officials will have to be transparent and communicative to highlight the financial challenges they’re facing. He wants to find a way to raise revenue that won’t hurt constituents since inflation is high. “The next few years, we’re going to have a difficult discussion on when things are going to be raised and how they’re going to be raised,” he said. He knows talking about raising taxes is uncomfortable and hopes his balance approach will sway voters. The current government has gone to an extreme of allowing people to build as fast as possible, and he wants to find a middle ground.

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

Obviously, growth. The prior makeup of the county commission has taken drastic measures in the last four years. Focus on building to keep prices down and encourage rezonings where possible to pack houses in. Knox County has a horrible track record of being reactive and not proactive. We need a balanced approach that focuses on infrastructure improvement and smart development. Both can and should go hand in hand not one drastic way or another. This will change a lot of the direction of the Knox County government. If overnight we started taking a balanced approach that means that we will need to find the money to start developing infrastructure at a faster pace. As of 2024, all of the county’s money is accounted for. Improvements to roads and other infrastructure is on a 3 to 7-year plan.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

Listen, keep an open mind, make yourself as available as possible for your constituents. Take that communication and engage the other commissioners on your area’s plight. For me this is just a no brainer for being a public servant.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

-Balance, not compromise, is key. We need to balance the need for developing infrastructure with the growth we are having. We have to accept that we cannot always accommodate everyone wanting to move here.

-Committing to the Advance Knox initiative and allowing adjustments to take place 5,10,15 years down the road as the need calls for it.

-A true reality-based business approach to government. Current and past administrations tout that they run government like a business. Knox County would be a pretty crappy business if that was true. We can't afford much else in 2024, we can't keep our fresh college graduates in our community, roads are horrible, can’t keep good teachers in the county, our sheriff had to threaten to sue to get fair market pay for his department. Seems pretty dysfunctional and lacking in reality to me.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

As of right now, that is growing residential development in District 6. Specifically Karns, Hardin Valley and parts of Solway. As Advance Knox is implemented this will become less of an issue and focus can change on what the county’s next big issue is.

The county’s issue is revenue for needed improvements. We don't have it. This is the Broken Knox County Approach. We have built so much that the current property tax rate (from 1999) can't keep up. Sales tax is about to hit its peak mark. For a long time we have touted that we are a highly efficient government and don't need to raise taxes. Since we didn’t take a balanced approach and kept to the extreme of “no new taxes” we are about to be in a rough situation.

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

Several districts, including District 6, have Knoxville city limits within its borders. We need to each establish strong working relationships with the city council members that represent the same voters within our districts. Establish work sessions between council and commission. We are different legislative bodies working towards the same goals.

Working with Knox County Schools?

First and foremost our teachers should be paid more, period. We need to work with the Board of Education on a more one on one basis to find what resources we need to improve our schools. Then find a way to make it happen.

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

Honestly, we just need a slate of new commissioners with new outlooks. The tools are there to vote down, scrutinize and push when something doesn't seem right for our individual communities. We just have to use them.

Yes, this is something I am running on. The Broken Knox County Approach: Build as much as you can as fast as you can with the lack of ability to invest in the infrastructure the area needs to accommodate the growth.

Working in the banking and business fields, I can give a good road map on what needs to be accomplished in a balanced and proactive way.

We cannot raise current property or sales taxes while inflation is high. Costs are too high for our current residents as it is while prices are out of control. We need to reassess at the start of 2025.
As inflation is high, we need to look at unique ways to tax tourism in our county. Raise the lodge/hotel tax or further tax short term rentals. We have to look into other options and get unique.
As inflation cools and prices come down we need to reassess property taxes. We haven't raised property taxes since 1999 and the U.S. dollar has lost 46% of its value since then. Packing in houses doesn’t matter if each house doesn't bring enough to the table.
Take a balanced approach moving forward to assess the reality of what we need in revenue and how we can keep money in Knox Countians’ pockets.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

This can easily be summed up with the word balance. The need to balance the reality of our current economic situation with a focus on the future. Knox County has been reactive in the past and not forward thinking. So much so we like to hug one extreme approach to the other. It's time to truly look at Knox County as a business. A business for the citizens that live here with a product that citizens can appreciate, a government that actually works.

Terry Hill, incumbent, 73, Republican, retired social worker

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

A major issue facing Knox County residents is our unprecedented growth in population these past 10 years. This influx has strained our housing, schools and infrastructure. My major focus when elected in 2020 as your District 6 commissioner was to update our over 20-year-old growth plan which was clearly not meeting the needs of planned growth in Knox County.

This issue has hit District 6 dramatically. We are the fast growing district in population and housing in Knox County.

We cannot change what has happened in recent years, but we can take hold of our future. Advance Knox, a plan for our county’s growth, roads, infrastructure and recreation is a destination for Knox County’s future development. I hope your choice to elect me to represent you this next term will allow me the privilege of implementing what my first term goals and initiative produced.

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

As your commission chairwoman I have worked directly with Knoxville city’s vice mayor to join commissioners and council members in support of a regional long-term care mental health facility. Collectively our governing bodies have contributed to the Behavioral Health Urgent Care Facility, the Emergency Psychiatry Assessment Treatment and Healing Unit and Joint Homeless Care Coordination Services.

Working with Knox County Schools?

My passion for our schools and our kids speaks in my service. After retiring from Knox County Schools, I was honored to be elected to serve our students and families as your District 6 school board representative and school board chairwoman. I recognize it is the commission’s role to appropriate funding for our schools, and the school board’s role to determine how to allocate the funding.

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

Commission’s legislative oversight of the executive branch includes budget and charter. Commissioners ultimately are responsible for all money spent by executive branch. Commission has authority to make changes in the Knox County charter that might impact the executive branch. Any legal issues involving our executive branch would be handled by our judicial branch and the Knox County law director.

Funding for Knox County government is achieved primarily through property tax and sales tax revenue. I have supported and achieved yearly salary increases for our school employees and county employees in addition to double digit raises for our sheriff’s officers. Utility infrastructure is keeping pace with growth and District 6 is now getting new playground and recreational amenities. School infrastructure capital improvement is adequate and new business development is beyond projected growth. Our road development is behind the growth curve. A major change during my tenure now includes developer contribution to road improvements in their build area. We, the community, appreciate our low tax burden and I would not support a property tax increase given our current positioning for needs in Knox County.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

The people of Knox County are my full-time job. I have dedicated myself to listen to my constituents. My personal contact information has always been available. If you call or text me, I do answer. If you email or invite me, I will respond. I will help if I can or connect you with the person who can. I will continue to be honest and up front in my assessment of your request, even if you might not like my answer. Thank you for the privilege to serve, I ask your vote to continue to represent you.

District 8

Charles Chandler, 85, Democrat, farmer

What’s the biggest issue facing District 8? (from in-person interview)

Chandler said people in district want to make sure people with disadvantages are taken care of and are concerned about roads and development. He said he hopes to direct commission to encourage development and affordable housing where there’s already infrastructure. He’s supportive of communities with cultural centers in the middle and agriculture on the outsides. He said Advance Knox allows for too much development in areas that should remain agriculture and that the commission is too lenient with granting variances. He suggested more long-term plans to match the pace of ecology.

How can the commission deliver necessary infrastructure improvements to areas in District 8 that need them? (from in-person interview)

Chandler said the commission needs to take a comprehensive approach to designing villages that work. He said the commission is wasting tax dollars by putting “band-aids” on problems instead of thinking long-term and fixing them.

Adam Thompson, 43, Republican, farmer

What is the biggest issue facing the 8th District? (from in-person interview)

Thompson said the biggest issue voters are talking about hasn’t changed just because he won the primary. People are still concerned about growth and development, he said, even more so now that Advance Knox has passed. He’s looking forward to the unified development ordinance process to add more protections against hasty growth to areas in his district.

How do you plan on advocating for your constituents when it comes to potential development? (from in-person interview)

Thompson called his district the “poster child” for harmful development. He said it’s problematic because the infrastructure in the 8th District can’t support high-density development. Lower-density homes don’t bring in as much property tax dollars, but the cost of density outweighs the benefit. He said people are making money off Knox County, and Knox County is footing the bill. If he’s elected, Thompson said he’ll block problematic developments.

District 9

Stacey Bryan Smith, 55, independent, radio frequency engineer

What are some of the issues that are the most important in your district? (from in-person interview)

Smith said people in his district don’t feel listened to, specifically when it comes to zoning and development. They’re in agreement that Knox County needs people to move in, but “we can’t have four, five or six homes per acre." As an environmentalist, he believes in keeping spaces green and protecting rural areas. He said he got involved in county politics through zoning meetings and has seen politicians around the country ignore constituents and be loyal to private corporations.

Smith wants constituents to think of themselves as investors rather than taxpayers. “We invest in our schools, our roads and everything like that,” he said. He wants to take a tough look at where Knox County is spending its money and he’s concerned not enough is going toward schools and child care. County dollars should go toward things everyone needs to live and function, not programs and causes that benefit just a few.

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

The largest problem facing south Knoxville is overzealous policies from politicians forcing their own beliefs on a community that does believe in growth. We do not believe in super subdivision and high "taxation." We recognize the return on investment is not there. We believe in having enough land per acre to be self-sufficient, community- and environment-based.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

My main focus as commissioner would be putting the power back in the people’s hands. Letting them know what is going on behind the curtain of decisions and allowing their voice to be heard and not pushing an agenda from the mayor's office. Also to save the environment from overbuilding homes on small tracts of land and displacing the animals in our area. We are to live with the environment, not destroy it for housing profits.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

Each part of Knox County has its own identity. District 9 does not have the infrastructure currently to accommodate all the new housing that the former commissioner has approved in line with the mayor’s persistence. I would identify areas of need and improve the infrastructure first to where future growth can be attained while controlling the destruction of the environment. Also, the people of District 9 want the ability to approve or disapprove of what is being built in our area. Currently, this is not the case; everything appears be profit based decisions and not community and environmental decisions.

What is the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

The biggest challenge is housing and everything that goes with large growth. The 3 main back roads to avoid traffic jams on Chapman Highway, John Sevier and the construction on Alcoa Highway is our back road system. And these roads are basically wagon roads that curve around creeks and people's property. The answer from the politicians is always we need to raise the "taxes" to pay for the infrastructure. Well first, South Knoxville was ignored for many years with our roads and drainage issues but now the same people want us to upgrade the infrastructure immediately, not a few places over a period of time. Again, the county investors, the middle class, will need to pay for the short-term growth plan and the mistakes and decisions of commissioners and mayors. All the homes built in the last five years, currently being built, have already caused traffic jams and this community cannot handle current traffic congestion at the local dump. The inflation and increased land "taxes" is one of my biggest concerns because people are struggling currently and are having a tough time trying to pay their mortgage or rent, there is no more raising "taxes" for infrastructure. I have a plan for "A Better Way" for our community and state and that is to change the system back to the people.

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

It is imperative to work with the city of Knoxville since the district is broken up between city and county. There is zero way to make housing affordable with this current culture of profits over people and politicians choosing corporations instead of for the people by the people.

Working with Knox County Schools?

Since there is not an endless budget for schools we need to think out of the box and do things a little differently than how things were done in the past. Since we are not to be taxpayers in this country but investors, I would rather invest in children and have them enrolled in preschools for 3-, 4- and 5-year-olds so they can have a jump start on education and to ensure they have daily healthy meals. Besides, the cost of day care is through the roof. Kids, 16-, 17- & 18-year-olds have the education they need at their fingertips unlike any generation before. They can do homeschool programs to enroll in online courses and study anything they choose. I would rather invest in children up to a certain age then it is up the students and the parents to ensure they are reaching their potential.

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

The commissioners role is very limited in this area. All decisions can be overruled by the mayor if they so choose. I would take the steps that are within the executive branch that would give the people the power in decisions in the area and topic that they desire.

Does the county need to change its tax structure to keep up with infrastructure improvements, such as roads and school buildings, and meet salary demands for teachers, police and county workers? If so, how? If not, how do you think the county can pay for those demands? (from candidate questionnaire)

We are not taxpayers in this country, we are investors. We invest in what is good for each citizen of Knox County, not just one group over another. The budget itself needs to be reviewed as one would do in their own finances.

Example, we are building a splash pad in Knox County paid by "taxes." Not all will be going to this splash pad. If it is needed, someone with land and in capitalist society should build a water pad and charge for admission. The investors of Knox County should not have to pay for this to be built nor the upkeep. Same example in building any baseball, football or basketball arena, they should never be built with city or county funding.

Also, as citizens we need to be more self-sufficient, which means we take care of one another if one has the means to do so. If we treat one another with respect as neighbors and fellow drivers, not speeding, running red lights are the simplest things as a society we can do for one another, then the investment in judges, lawyers, court system and police officers would drop considerably.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

For the people by the people. We are not taxpayers but investors. We invest in our needs for all citizens not our wants.

Andy Fox, 56, Republican, attorney

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

Based upon my observation of the concerns of District 9 citizens, with whom I have been meeting through door knocking and other avenues, high density development is the biggest issue. There appears to be a push to develop a greater density of housing as a knee jerk reaction to immediately address inflation, high interest rates and a temporary housing supply problem. Right now, the price to purchase a home or rent a dwelling in Knox County does reflect a housing supply problem, likely as a consequence of terrible decisions made by political leaders at all levels of government in response to the COVID pandemic, as well as an interest in moving to Knox County by people living in other states.

Current Knox County citizens, however, should not have to undergo radical, permanently transformative changes to Knox County to address a temporary problem that will work itself out through the market. As a commissioner, I would use my office to stop this knee-jerk reaction, and instead work to maintain the character of Knox County and bring infrastructure in line with our current needs.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

As county commissioner, I plan on setting aside some Saturdays, to give constituents a chance to meet with me, in the district, and discuss current issues. Each of the district-based Knox County commissioners now represents about 50,000 people. Compare that ratio of citizens to representatives with Grainger County, for example, which has 15 county commissioners for 23,527 people – one commissioner for every 1,568 people. Knox County is too big for a county commissioner to effectively represent constituents at that ratio. During my campaign, I have heard complaints about accessibility. It would be hard for any one person to be accessible to even 5,000 people on a regular basis, much less 50,000. The commissioners need help with constituent service.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

My first principle is that ordinances, regulations and policies of Knox County must be centered around the enjoyment and safety of those who are currently living here and working hard, raising their children, and paying the taxes that keep Knox County operating. Accommodating illegal immigrants, criminal vagrants or subsidizing those who are looking to move here should not be a higher priority than current citizens.

My second principle is that we want to avoid decisions that would result in Knox County transforming from a Republican-controlled county to a Democrat-controlled county. Democrats do not have a good record of effectively running local governments for larger communities. Large, higher density communities that are controlled by Democrats are plagued with homelessness and higher crime, and treat citizens as criminals when they try to protect themselves. Democrat-controlled communities top the lists of the worst run places, such as Los Angeles, New York City, Detroit, Seattle and Chicago. Decisions made by Knox County leaders now can control its future. I want to be one of those leaders, to be in a position to steer Knox County’s in a better direction.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

Knox County District 9 needs investment in infrastructure to catch up to the aggressive development that has been taking place recently. For example, many of our south Knox County schools are already at capacity now, but there are multiple residential construction projects underway, such as the one on John Sevier Highway. Another example would be addressing intersections such as Highland View Drive and Chapman Highway, which may need traffic studies for the possibility of light installations, due to higher density building that has taken place.

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

Commissioners should use their influence and power over some countywide government institutions, like the authority over the health apparatus, to counteract the tendency of Knoxville leaders to enact reckless policies. For example, during the COVID pandemic, Knox County imposed a draconian lockdown of many types of businesses and churches. These authoritarian measures were not “scientific” and did little or nothing to stop or curtail the pandemic, indeed there is little that can be done to keep an airborne virus pandemic from spreading. There are studies concluding that lockdowns did little to stop COVID, yet had devastating effects on economies and created numerous social ills. Interestingly, public health officials, including D.A. Henderson, the man largely responsible for eradicating smallpox in the world, conducted a study in 2006, which concluded that lockdowns were not prudent.

Had I been on county commission, I would have worked to counteract or supersede Knoxville’s actions, because only the county has purview over health matters. I would have sought the termination of Dr. Martha Buchanan, who was part of the problem. I worked early to stop the madness of imprudent government responses to COVID, filing a lawsuit against the state in April 2020.

Working with Knox County Schools?

People should be treated as individuals, not as collective members of a race or class, and no one should be advantaged or disadvantaged based upon their skin color. Commissioners should use the power of the purse to make sure that Knox County Schools are educating our children based upon our traditional local community standards and expectations, not based upon political-minority special interests like those pushing neo-Marxist critical race theory and other counterproductive radical theories such as multiple genders, gender fluidity and transgenderism. The people that want these radical ideologies to be taught to all children can move somewhere else. School should be for teaching information, not indoctrinating children with radical theories.

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

Commissioners should use the power of the purse to ensure that the county’s conservative character is retained. I am concerned about the mayor's continued advocacy for the current Advance Knox initiative.

No, except I would look at a residential development privilege tax or impact fee, which could be passed on to new house purchasers. Current Knox County homeowners and renters are subsidizing the roads, schools and utilities infrastructure for new county residents. Current state law does not allow these types of impact fees. The Tennessee General Assembly needs to change the law, so that current residents do not have to pay for the infrastructure of future residents.

I intend to look closely at the current expenditures to cut out local pork. For example, Knox County citizens should not be subsidizing the operations of nonessential third-party organizations.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

-Government officials take an oath to uphold the Tennessee and United States constitutions, which includes the acknowledgment by both constitutions that citizens are endowed with certain rights by God, not merely granted rights by government.

-Government has boundaries

-Government must keep its promises

-Government should be small

-Ordinances, regulations, and policies of Knox County must be centered around the enjoyment and safety of those who are currently living here and working hard, raising their children, and paying the taxes that keep Knox County operating.

Matthew Park, 34, Democrat, business technology consultant

What is the biggest concern facing the 9th District? (from in-person interview)

Park said people are concerned about the reliability of EMS services in Knox County, which he feels equipped to handle because of his professional experience in that field. He said it’s commissioners’ responsibility to hold the ambulance provider accountable to their contract and to find ways to alleviate pressure on the system. It’s not just about ambulances, he said. He’s been exploring ways to work with the city to help people who are unhoused and rely on ambulances for routine care. He hopes to be a champion for healthcare on the commission, and drive conversation towards issues that matter.

How do you approach conversations about growth and zoning with people who are uncomfortable with development? (from in-person interview)

Park said he wants to push people to be “pro planning.” It’s ok to disagree with plans, he said, but there needs to be conversation about how to improve things rather than lamentation on past decisions. He said on commission, he plans to stick to what Advance Knox and the unified development ordinances say.

What is the biggest issue facing Knox County residents and how would you address it as a commissioner? (from candidate questionnaire)

Affordable housing continues to be an issue that affects all residents of Knox County. I would explore programs that we can implement such as down payment assistance, community land trusts and other investment programs that help residents of Knox County become homeowners. Home ownership is critical to the path out of poverty and we must work to make owning a home easier for Knox County residents.

What are specific actions a county commissioner can take to most effectively represent constituents? (from candidate questionnaire)

Commissioners are responsible for being involved in the community and taking back the thoughts and needs of their constituency to commission. They are also responsible for keeping residents informed of the work of county government. As commissioner, I would remain present and involved in our South Knoxville community in order to ensure residents are both represented and informed. I have always been a person that was present and working in my community and I will continue to be involved and present.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. What principles will you apply to decision-making about addressing growth? (from candidate questionnaire)

The key to growth in Knox County is developing a plan that works for our residents, and following that plan as a commissioner. Plans are developed with public input and should be important documents for the working of county government. When changes to the plan are needed, it is the responsibility of the commissioner to keep residents well informed and to represent them in the process.

What are the key challenges growth presents to your district specifically? To the county? (from candidate questionnaire)

Growth represents challenges and opportunities around roads, utility infrastructure, public transportation, schools, public safety and public health. In District 9, the growth continues to strain an already burdened transportation and EMS system. We need to make key investments in infrastructure while encouraging development along corridors where infrastructure already exists. I have prioritized protecting farms and green spaces in Knox County and will continue to push for growth in the core city. I will advocate for programs that help farmers make ends meet so we can help farms stay farms and preserve our rural areas.

What role should commissioners play in the following: (from candidate questionnaire)

Working with the city of Knoxville to address shared challenges?

The city of Knoxville has created many successful programs and services that could be expanded to county residents. I would look to collaborate with the city and contract with them when appropriate to ensure that all Knox County residents, in and out of the city, have the opportunity to grow and develop themselves and their families.

Working with Knox County Schools?

Our public schools are critical to the long term success of our community. Improving as a society comes from educating all our children first. I would be a strong supporter of our public schools, public libraries, and the teachers and staff that make them possible.

Exercising legislative oversight of the county’s executive branch?

It is critically important that each county commissioner develop a working relationship with the mayor's office. I would work to collaborate on our shared agendas. I would also be a strong voice for transparent government and the thoughtful spending of each dollar of taxpayer money.

It is critical that our county has a transparent budget that meets the needs of Knox County. That means paying our teachers and first responders well, supporting improvements in infrastructure such as roads and public transportation, and ensuring our public schools have the funds they need to give best in class education to our students. The burden of a tax increase to everyday people is real, that's why I'd look to cut waste from the budget first. The next county commission will be faced with overcoming Knox County’s mounting debt crisis and I look forward to taking a fiscally responsible approach to a solution.

What are the core philosophies that guide your approach to governing? (from candidate questionnaire)

Civility is important to our government. I respect the views of every resident of Knox County, no matter how they might differ from my own. Civility is not a call for politeness, it is a call for creating a forum of robust debate where we can be good representatives and leaders for all of Knox County. I will lead with a combination of data, learning, public input, and staff guidance. Together we can keep Knox County beautiful and make sure it works for everyone.

Knox County property assessor

Phil Ballard, 70, Republican, former property assessor

How would you improve the office if elected? (from in-person interview)

Ballard stressed the importance of having up to date, efficient technology in the office. He said he wants to evaluate whether the data computing system the office currently uses is the best option for the county or not. He touted his own experience having served as property assessor in previous years and said he’ll bring experienced employees to the office. He also said he wants to keep current employees in the office.

So much of your job is behind the scenes. How do you connect with constituents and be a part of the community? (from in-person interview)

First off, Ballard said, he’s already been elected property assessor twice. So people know they can trust him. Then, it’s about meeting people face-to-face where they’re at. He said it’s important to be proactive, like going to spots like churches and HOAs with frequently asked questions prepared. That way, he can spend less time answering broad questions and more time talking about individual situations.

What is the biggest issue facing the property assessor’s office and how would you address it? (from candidate questionnaire)

The biggest issue for the property assessor's office is the rapidly changing housing market and the influx of new people. It is projected by the Advance Knox consulting team that we will have a net increase of around 77,000 new residents by 2045 and this will have a huge impact on the housing market. One of the most pressing reasons to be concerned about that is potential changes by the state legislature that will be introduced in early 2024. The Tennessee Comptroller is planning to propose to change statewide reappraisal cycles for Knoxville and the other big three counties to either a one-year or two-year reappraisal cycle. This will create a major change in the timeline of the appraisal process. No candidate other than me has the type of experience or training to handle that kind of change. The property assessor's office will have to utilize all the assets at our disposal to keep up, including training the staff and implementing better technology to create a skilled and professional team.

What are specific actions the assessor and his or her staff members can take for property owners? (from candidate questionnaire)

For property owners in general, the property assessor is charged with discovering, listing, classifying and valuing all the property subject to taxation in our jurisdiction of Knox County. They must prepare many types of rolls/reports/indexes, maintain the property tax maps, tax rolls, and report the assessments to the local and state boards of equalization. The biggest role is collecting data for the four-year reappraisal period and entering it into the Computer Assisted Mass Appraisal system to analyze the data in trying to ensure fairness to the property owners.

For individual property owners, the property assessor's office responsibility is to make sure their specific appraisal is accurate and fair, with a transparent process for assessing the property using the best technology and highly trained staff. The assessor and staff members should be accessible and available to answer questions as well provide documentation and justification for assessments. In addition, the assessor's office provides information about the appeals process if the property owner has a concern about their appraisal. The assessor and the staff should act as an advocate and ambassador to help resolve whatever a situation has arisen.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. Will the assessor’s office be able to keep up with the volume of work? (from candidate questionnaire)

In order to prepare for the projected growth as well as potential cycle changes, one of my first steps when elected would be to review, update and improve the office's technology. Providing modern tools to employees is necessary to ensure accuracy and efficiency in every phase of the reappraisal process. I have a proven track record in staying ahead of the technology curve. I created the first property assessment website for Knox County, which is still used extensively. I oversaw the conversion of 330,000 paper files to the computer system. We introduced laptops so we could do field appraisals on site with dramatic positive results. Many more technological advances were accomplished during my two terms in office.

I believe I am the only candidate to offer the leadership, training, educational qualities, technology and experience to make this an award-winning office again. I have handled that type of volume before and can do it again.

What role should the property assessor play in working with other county departments and elected officials? (from candidate questionnaire)

The property assessor's office plays a very important role in the county because it is the vehicle through which a large portion of the county's revenue is generated. It is important that the assessor's office maintain excellent communications with elected officials to provide them with the financial information they need to make decisions. The property assessor should foster an environment of teamwork with county departments and elected officials because we are all on Knox County's team. No one function is greater than another and each role is vital in providing the service our citizens deserve and should expect. I have always had an excellent relationship with fellow elected officials and am very familiar with the roles and responsibilities of county departments. I anticipate continuing these relationships.

Drew Harper, 32, Democrat, property manager and developer at Newberry Group

How will you improve the office if elected? (from in-person interview)

Harper said the office runs well from a “technical” standpoint, meaning it runs efficiently. However, its digital presence is an area where things could be improved. Making the office more accessible via Facebook and email will be a top priority for Harper if elected. He said being more accessible will also help the public understand what the office does and the role it plays in people’s lives.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. Will the assessor’s office be able to keep up with the volume of work? (from in-person interview)

Harper said he’s not concerned about handling an increased workload since he knows additional funding will come to support it. The state requires the county to fund the office so it can have one employee for every 4,500 parcels, he said. So if 9,000 parcels are added, the county must provide funding to add two new employees. Harper said adapting to change is going to be important and wants to ensure the office is ready to adapt to changes. If elected, Harper said he has no plans to fire or eliminate any existing staff. He plans on working with them to help them adapt to changes and get them up to speed on any technological updates he makes.

What is the biggest issue facing the property assessor’s office and how would you address it? (from candidate questionnaire)

Technological development. The current assessor’s office has made official public statements from the private Facebook accounts of employees. That’s unacceptable. As assessor, I’ll modernize communication with social media accounts, video messaging, and an up-to-date website in order to create a more accessible and responsive assessor’s office.

What are specific actions the assessor and his or her staff members can take for property owners? (from candidate questionnaire)

Property owners deserve to be well-informed about what the assessor’s office actually does. Many people were confused during the last countywide assessment, and we can improve this by communicating ahead of time via email, video explainers and social media posts. We will engage Knox County residents and make sure the right information is in their hands, creating a proactive office, rather than a reactive one.

Knox County is projected to experience dramatic growth in the next 15 years. Will the assessor’s office be able to keep up with the volume of work? (from candidate questionnaire)

The state constitution ensures that the assessor’s office is staffed with at least one deputy assessor for every 4,500 parcels of property in the county. So regardless of growth, we will have the resources to be adequately staffed and share responsibilities. That said, with an emphasis on improving technology and efficiency in the office, we will be able to accomplish more with less, making sure that the office functions well for all current and future residents of Knox County.

What role should the property assessor play in working with other county departments and elected officials? (from candidate questionnaire)

As assessor of property, I will work with the county mayor and county commission to make sure that the office has the resources that it needs to function well, eliminating waste from the budget wherever possible. I’ll also maintain a good relationship with the register of deeds as our offices will work closely together. As a former counselor, I am able to find common ground and work well with all kinds of people. I look forward to bringing a relationship-based approach to leadership to the assessor’s office.

Knox County law director

David Buuck, incumbent, 77, Republican, Knox County law director

How does your personal experience practicing the law inform how you would serve in this role? (from candidate questionnaire)

I've been in the law director’s office for a total of 12 years. I was a chief law director for eight years and for the past four years I've been your duly elected law director. It is upon this experience that I draw in serving the role as the Knox County law director.

What should voters know about the law director’s office? (from candidate questionnaire)

The law director’s office is charged under the charter with all legal affairs and litigation involving Knox County, including, but not limited to, advising county commission, the school board and the mayor on all legal matters.

What goes into your decision-making on when to fight lawsuits on behalf of taxpayers versus when to settle them? (from candidate questionnaire)

We investigate the allegations. It is impossible to give you a simplistic answer. Every situation has its own discrete facts and personages. These are all weighed and discussed and evaluated among our team of attorneys. The bottom line is the measurement of the risk and determine what is in the best interest of the taxpayers of Knox County.

Jackson Fenner, 46, Democrat, private practice attorney

How does your personal experience practicing the law inform how you would serve in this role? (from candidate questionnaire)

In 12 years of private practice, I have learned to manage an extensive and diverse caseload efficiently. Making tough decisions on the daily is a continuous task. I know how to deal with frustrating circumstances and to put clients in the best position to achieve best possible results. I am never afraid to try a case, but I also know when a case should settle. I have helped members of the public my entire career. Working closely with members of our community, I am more in touch with the reality of the people of Knox County are facing.

What should voters know about the law director’s office? (from candidate questionnaire)

The law director’s office works for and with the most crucial departments within our community. We represent and advise the Knox County school board, the sheriff's office, county commission and the health department. Any legal challenge the county faces goes to the office.

What goes into your decision-making on when to fight lawsuits on behalf of taxpayers versus when to settle them? (from candidate questionnaire)

It is always the client’s decision regarding whether or not a case should settle. It is the lawyer’s job to advise the client so that they fully understand what their options are, and the strengths and weaknesses of their position. I will always make sure that the decision makers of the county know the pros and cons of a settlement versus a trial so that we can best serve the people of Knox County together.

Criminal Court Judge Division II Sixth Judicial District

Hector Sanchez, incumbent, 40, Republican, criminal court judge

Why are you perusing a second term as judge? (from in-person interview)

Sanchez was appointed to serve the remainder of former Judge Kyle Hixon's term in 2022, so the 2024 election will be his first. He told Knox News he feels lucky no one petitioned to run against him and that he's reassured by recent Knoxville Bar Association poll results that say community lawyers are satisfied with his service the past two years.

What do you like about being judge? (from in-person interview)

Sanchez said there's a lot to like, but he knows he's done his job when he sees someone who's gone through the justice system rejoin society.

Do you feel like your personal background informs how you serve as judge? (from in-person interview)

Sanchez grew up in public housing, which gives him a different view of some of the defendants he works with.

"I've seen some of that and the environment I grew up in so I can appreciate when people do go the wrong way ... perhaps more than someone who hasn't been through that circumstance."

What are you excited about for your second term? (from in-person interview)

Sanchez said he may end up taking over the Knox County Veterans Treatment Court during his next term. He has filled in for the sitting judge before, and thinks he could improve the court because participants are receptive to having a judge that's a veteran.

Why do you want to continue to serve as a judge in Knox County? (from candidate questionnaire)

Being appointed to the criminal court bench has been the highlight of my legal career. I've been serving as the Division II Criminal Court judge for eighteen months at this point and I feel as though I’ve truly found my calling. We've tried over 30 cases to a jury and disposed of hundreds of cases short of trial. I want to continue to serve in this capacity because I'm equipped to deal with the daily challenges while focusing on the ultimate goal of promoting justice. Although this job presents tough decisions and a lot of work, the rewarding aspect far outweighs some of the hard tasks. Nothing is more gratifying than helping an individual get over active addiction or other motivators for committing criminal activity. Watching somebody restore themselves back into a productive and positive member of society and our community is extremely rewarding. However, accountability and victim’s rights are equally important to me. While we have achieved a lot in the short time I have been a judge, a lot of work remains. Therefore, I want to continue to serve the citizens of Knox County in my current role and am humbled to be unopposed in the election.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Knox County Commission, law director, property assessor voter guide

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Knox County Commission, law director, property assessor voter guides for 2024

Knox County Commission

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District 9

Knox County property assessor

Knox County law director

Criminal Court Judge Division II Sixth Judicial District

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