Don't Stop the Progress

Over the course of the next months I will attempt to lay out why the status quo of our county government cannot remain. Beyond the obvious scandals, which reflect the quality of the person involved and not necessarily the system itself, there needs to be a serious discussion of the direction Knox County is going. We stand at the edge of growth and success and must decide whether or not we have the courage to break through the barriers that are currently restraining us.

Knox County is the obvious economic leader in East Tennessee. Blount, Anderson, Sevier, Jefferson- all of these counties are experiencing great success in their own right, but in addition they all have an interest in having a strong Knox County. We must take the lead and reflect the direction that this entire region is going. Our government must behave (and not look like an overgrown network of “good ‘ol boys”) and reflect the intelligent and progressive population that they govern.

It is beholden of those that serve in government to want nothing more than to enable the fullest potential for all the citizens whom they serve. In Knox County, the county government does this through zoning, taxation, and licensing. I desire to see a government that follows its own charter, to stick to the duties assigned to it, and to avoid being a hindrance to the progress being made in our area.

When the New York Times writes an article that makes Knox County a laughing stock, progress is hindered. When friends, coworkers, and family members replace ousted commissioners, progress is hindered. And when the local parties care more about fighting one another and injecting national politics into our local elections, progress is hindered.

I have no agenda but to serve District 1A through keeping taxes low, making the process open, and rebuilding the faith of the citizens of Knox County in its government.

It’s time move on from the fiascos of the recent past and focus on the prosperous times we have ahead of us.