Anders, Smith set for chair vote

Knox County Commissioner Brad Anders said he more than likely will run for the board’s chairmanship, a decision that will pit him against current board Vice Chairman R. Larry Smith.

“I think I fully intend to put my name in the hat on Sept. 3,”he said Monday morning during a small public meeting with three other commissioners.

For the past few weeks, local politicos have been trying to figure out who – if anyone – would challenge Smith, who announced his intentions for the seat some time ago.

Current  Chairman Tony Norman, who doesn't want another shot at the title, said the board will decide on Sept. 3.

Last year, Anders, who has served as vice chairman, narrowly lost to Norman. A candidate will need six votes from the 11-member board to win. However, Commissioner Richard Briggs, a surgeon, will be on a medical trip and won’t attend the meeting.

Commissioners Mike Brown, Ed Shouse and Mike Hammond attended the Monday meeting. Brown and Shouse expressed public support for Anders. Hammond didn’t say which way he leaned.

The commission chairman runs the meetings, sets the monthly agenda and oversees the board's three-member staff. The position also works closely with the county's law department, mayor, school superintendent and the chairperson for the Knox County Board of Education.