Loudon County has had many challenges over the previous few years due to
the pandemic. However, commission has managed the challenges very well
avoiding issuing mandates, lockdowns or restrictions. We felt the
citizens of Loudon County knew what was best for their health and the
health of their families. |
Even with the challenges of the pandemic, we were able to complete the new
17.5-million-dollar jail addition requiring no tax increases. We were able to
continue funding all county operations and services, even increasing funding to
our schools and the sheriff’s department, again with no tax increases. Work is
ongoing to restore the old courthouse after it was destroyed by fire in 2019. To
say the last four years has been challenging would be an understatement.
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The commission is currently working diligently on what could be the most
defining issues ever faced by Loudon County, over development. We are working to
find the proper balance between development and preserving the rural aspects of
the county we all love. We currently have a moratorium on
over development in
the county while we seek proper solutions. While some development is necessary
and inevitable, no one wants to see
over development like we’ve seen in our
neighboring counties. This election could be the turning point that decides if
we will remain Loudon County or just become an extension of West Knox, Farragut
or Hardin Valley. I am committed to protecting and preserving Loudon County’s
rural character and way of life.
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I do have an opponent in this election. It is soon to be retired road
superintendent and current Lenoir City councilman/LCUB board member, Eddie
Simpson. Mr. Simpson has a very long and disturbing voting record as a
councilman. He has voted for multiple property tax increases, most recently,
July 2021. He voted to implement a Rain Tax on all city residents, businesses,
schools, nonprofits and churches. He voted for a gas tax increase and a sales
tax increase. Mr. Simpson has voted to permit every mass, residential
development that wanted to locate in the city. He has voted for millions in
property tax breaks for developers while voting for major tax increases on city
residents. If elected to county commission, Mr. Simpson also plans to continue
to sit on the Lenoir City council, a major conflict of interest. As you can see, Mr. Simpson is a big fan of
higher taxes, developers, and special interest. |
There couldn’t be
two
candidates more opposite
than Mr. Simpson and myself.
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Mr. Simpson has
voted for every tax increase a city councilman could vote
for.
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I have never voted for any tax increase of any kind.
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Mr.
Simpson sponsored a resolution to raise the gas tax.
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I
sponsored a resolution to oppose a higher gas tax.
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Mr.
Simpson voted for higher sales tax.
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I
campaigned against the higher sales tax.
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Mr.
Simpson has voted for every mass development in the city.
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I am working to
control over development in the county.
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Mr.Simpson has
voted for massive property tax breaks for developers.
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I have never voted for any tax breaks for any developers.
The choice between us could not be clearer.
I have no doubt that if elected to county commision, Mr. Simpson will
bring his higher property taxes, Rain Tax and massive over development
to Loudon County just as he has in Lenoir City. We just
can't afford him.
Seeking public office should not be about power, pay scales, perks, perceived
prestige or benefits, but about serving the citizens of Loudon County to the
very best of one’s ability. If given the opportunity to serve the citizens of
the 5th District again, I promise I will continue to work harder than
anyone ever has for the people of Loudon County.
.
Having served on county commission (2002-2006 and 2014-2022) and the county
school board (2008-2012), I bring a number of qualities and qualifications to
the position unlike others. My experience in private sector business and local
government has given me a unique understanding of the position.
I’ll
be the first to admit that I am not a slick politician, and frankly I am proud
of that. I am a fiscal conservative who believes in limited government, low
taxes, and strong communities. I feel we pay taxes for services, not to have
local government dictate to us how we should conduct our lives. |
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In addition to having served in an elective office, I have been a self-employed
businessman for all my adult life. For twenty years, I worked for our families,
three generation wholesale produce business. For nearly thirty years, I have
been a self-employed, home maintenance contractor. For twenty-four years, I
voluntarily managed the county’s largest youth sports program on behalf of the
Eaton Ruritan Club. This combination of business, public, private, volunteer and
governmental service has given me a depth of experience no other candidate can
claim. In July, I retired from my maintenance work.
I now spend much of my time managing the family farm and raising
cattle and serving you as your county commissioner.
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“Government that governs least governs best” is a great motto for elected
officials to embrace.
Your Vote and Support Would Be Greatly Appreciated!
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