The most recent campaign finance report shows that Knoxville developer, David Fiser, gave Mr. Simpson $1,600.00, the maximum allowed by law. Wonder why an out of town developer would want to give Simpson so much money? I think I know.

Back in 2020, Mr. Fiser applied to the county to have some property in Loudon County rezoned from residential to heavy commercial. The property in question was located on Hickory Creek Road just behind the Avalon community. Not surprisingly, residents of Avalon were opposed to the rezone and contacted me with their concerns. Long story short, even though the rezone request was approved by the Planning Commission, when Mr. Fiser's rezone request came to county commission, it was denied at the recommendation of myself and my fellow fifth district commissioner, Harold Duff. I guess Mr. Fiser holds a grudge. Read the Minutes Of The Commission Meeting & Planning Commission.

I guess the idea is, if Eddie Simpson gets elected to county commission, Fiser will get his rezone?

A close relative of local developer, who I know as a friend, chunked in another $500.00. Wonder what his interest is? Lenoir City's city attorney, Gregory Harrison, gave $500.00. City attorney giving city councilman money? Nothing to see here.

Former banker, Ed Bell, gave $500.00 to the cause. Those of you that are long time readers of my website, will remember Mr. Bell as one of the leaders of the group that worked so hard to bring liquor stores to Lenoir City. Read The Story Liquor And Liars

A company called Roland Digital Media made an "in kind" donation to Simpson of $300.00. The donation was for "signs/ yard large". You might remember the Roland Digital Media name from the past. They are the ones who were allowed to erect the digital billboard at Hwy 321 and Hwy. 11 in violation of city zoning regulations. Eddie Simpson voted for it. Payback maybe? Read the story. Something Strange

Even one of my former commission opponents, donated $300.00.

Finally, 32nd District State Representative, Kent Calfee, handed over $500.00 to Simpson. Why in the world would Calfee be taking sides in a county commission primary race? I mean, I live in his district, Simpson does not. Well it might because I ran a story about him when he pulled a giant flip flop on the liquor store legislation in Tellico Village. Read The Story Calfee Values. Guess I won't be voting for Calfee anymore. I might even donate to his challenger.

By most assumptions, Eddie Simpson is a fairly wealthy man and could easily fund his own campaign. Why would he even be taking money from anyone? Favors, influence? Is this how Lenoir City politics work?

Over my years in office and managing my website, I've made some pretty powerful enemies. Makes no difference to me. I will always vote for what I believe is right and report things that some don't like regardless of the political fallout. Also, I've made it a practice, over my time in office, not to take campaign contributions from anyone. I've always felt, if I lose a campaign, I've lost my money and no one else's. If I win a campaign, I'm not beholding to anyone or owe no one any favors.

When you look at Eddie Simpson's long city council voting record, it's painfully obvious he's in the pocket of developers.

Do we really want that on county commission?