Here’s a snapshot of the discussion:
Getting back into
politics.
I served in local and state government for a number of
years, but I’ve been out – this is the fifth year – but I’ve been watching and
I have kind of a yearning to get back involved. I’m passionate about helping
the community
On previous political
experience.
Well, the things I did in Nashville were all locally
relevant. Education – I was on the state and local government committee for 22
years and chairman of the local government committee. All local issues that you
read about – they all start in Nashville – so I’m very familiar with local
governmental issues.
Then I finished up my career in Nashville as the chairman of
the budget committee. That was of course good experience because you can’t run
a government without a good budget.
On whether he has a
specific platform.
I would say it’s two things. I am from the district . . .
(and) I know the district very well. Two, the City of Knoxville is humming
along at a really nice pace. Things are going good at Market Square,
development, jobs, everything is going well here. What I say is that I’m not
here to break the mold. What I want to do is build on the good things that we’re
already doing – make it better, take it to the next level.
On specific changes.
I think like all residents there’s some things you would
tweak. Broadway – you can’t talk about it or all the north Knoxville arteries
without talking about the traffic congestion. At some point, we’ve got to address
that . . . . I want to talk to the residents and here what they have to say and
take their views to the council as well.
On a tax increase.
I don’t think we need that in the present situation. Like I
said, the city is well managed. They’re doing the things they need to do. I
think you have to look at things as they develop but there’s no reason to raise
taxes in the present based on what I’m seeing.
On development in the
district.
I’m like everyone else. Know that if you drive to Turkey
Creek you see a lot more choices of stores and restaurants than you do on this
side of town, and I think the people over here deserve the same opportunities.
Of course if the businesses are willing to come, we need to do everything we
can to make Knoxville hospitable for businesses, so that we can grow the
economy. I think downtown is a perfect example. Look at Market Square. You can’t
get in a restaurant without a reservation sometimes. The movie theater was a
big hit. We need to spread out from downtown and make the Broadway corridor,
the Chapman High way corridor, Knoxville Center and all of Knoxville great.
On whether he will
face criticism for holding public office for a long time
Well, I won the elections, I didn’t lose them, so I think
there was some level of support from the people in the community. And I hope
people will recognize that experience might be valuable I this coming period.
And I’m offering myself to the voters and hopefully they will see it and elect
me to the council.
On moving from a
state-held elected office to the local level.
I don’t see the City Council as a demotion as any stretch –
it’s important, it touches the residents of Knoxville in a big way. There were
times in the state House delegation . .
. I was the only one who had an all-city district so I have a real
understanding and appreciation for what the city does for the residents. There’s
an opening here and I think experience might be helpful for this present time.
On being a Democrat.
When you go to Nashville you pick a party . . . . The City Council
elections have historically been absolutely non-partisan and people don’t talk
about it that much. It’s about the people – it’s about the neighborhoods, it’s
about the community. I can serve and represent Republicans Democrats and
independents.
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