At some point in the meeting, candidates were asked to comment about their position on over development of Loudon County. These three were more than willing to pledge their allegiance to the developers and vow to bring higher density to Loudon County.

I've tried to warn everyone about these three but there's no need to take my word on it. Read their own words.

From Eddie Simpson:

Eddie Simpson, candidate for District 5 Seat B on commission, said growth is inevitable and necessary. He said he had experience promoting growth during his years on Lenoir City Council. Loudon County has gained about $52 million in tax revenue from growth in Lenoir City, he said.

“I want to grow the tax base and I think most people want that,” he said.

Simpson said limiting all new subdivisions to just two units per acre is too restrictive. Simpson said he doesn’t want broad restrictions on PUDs, noting each development must be looked at carefully. Some higher density developments have proven quite successful and property values have risen, which creates more tax revenue, he said. News Herald
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From Mark Matlock:

Commercial developer Mark Matlock, who is running for District 6 commission, said he is very pro growth. He said he has seen lots of changes in the county, including an increase in tax-producing commercial real estate. He said the growth of commercial business requires a balance of residential development.

“We go where the rooftops are,” he said. “I can’t do what I do in a desert.”

Matlock said he would like to see the county follow a growth plan based on a structured vision.

“We’ve been running by the seat of our pants,” he said. News Herald
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From Julia Hurley:

Commissioner Julia Hurley, a Realtor running for District 2 Seat A, is on record opposing the moratorium. She said she was at the meeting to hear what homebuilders thought.

“They build here and create jobs,” Hurley said. “Their voice matters.”

Hurley also said she was concerned the moratorium led to a lawsuit against the county from a homebuilder. She said the county was now at risk of losing millions of dollars. News Herald
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Very clearly, these three plan to remove all barriers that would protect Loudon County residents from the disastrous over development that's taking place all around us, all for the sake of a small class of people who want to make money.

Sounds like Mr. Simpson is using Joe Biden math. He said Loudon County has gained about $52 million in tax revenue from growth in Lenoir City. The county's entire property tax collections is about $30 million per year. Not sure where he came up with the $52 million dollar number. But he says he knows all about budgets.

Matlock says, we follow roof tops. That translates to more residential development. Mr. Matlock could help the county and city's tax collections if he would just pay the more than $170,000.00 he owes in back taxes. (www.tnpaynebts.com) He could also save the county tax payers a lot of money if he would comply with county zoning policies, then the county could drop the lawsuit against him to make him come in compliance on his own home property.

Ms. Hurley, a "luxury realtor" has made no bones about it. She represents developers, not her constituents. You'll remember, she's the one who encouraged Cook Brothers to sue the county after they didn't get their way.

Sadly, several other candidates were in attendance and were quick to support over development. I surely hope if any of them were to get elected, they would be willing to listen to their constituents rather than developers.

Folks, you better educate yourselves about all the candidates. This election could change Loudon County in ways most of us don't want to see. Once it's gone, there's no getting it back.