Council incumbent difficult to r

Longtime local public servant Douglas “Buddy” Hines is seeking reelection to Lenoir City Council, but a review of his 2022 voting record in conjunction with missed interviews and an inability to be reached by phone raise concerns about his ability to serve.

Hines is among six men — three incumbents and three challengers — running for three open seats on council. Those elected Nov. 8 will serve four-year terms. Early voting ends Thursday.

Four candidates were profiled in the Oct. 26 edition of the News-Herald. After multiple attempts, Hines and challenger Trever Branson could not be reached.

Council has held 16 meetings this year beginning Jan. 24, including one special called meeting. According to minutes from each meeting, Hines was present at eight.

Hines, 89, missed Jan. 24, March 28, May 9, May 23, June 13, June 20, June 27 and Oct. 24. Hines’ wife, Jacque Rose Babb Hines, passed away June 17.

During the June 27 meeting and in Hines’ absence, council approved numerous motions, financial expenditures, the annual city budget and the annual budget for Lenoir City Schools.

In the eight meetings attended this year, Hines approved every item on the agenda. Hines did not make any motions or offer any second.

Hines has been observed entering council meetings and sitting in his seat with the assistance of his daughter, Loudon County Commissioner Rosemary Hines Quillen.

At the beginning of the July 25 meeting, Hines was observed to nearly fall while standing for the opening prayer and Pledge of Alliance. In recordings of council meetings archived online, Hines was assisted by members of council and can be observed being helped by Councilman Mike Henline and Vice Mayor Jennifer Wampler.

Hines has not been seen at public events with council, including a press conference announcing Tennessee Brew Works’ plans to open a brewery downtown on Sept. 13 and for a ribbon cutting for a new walking trail/dog park Friday at Lenoir City Park.

When the News-Herald reached out for contact, Hines was called Oct. 20 on the public number listed and was left a voicemail. On Oct. 21, a call connected but the reporter heard only static and after a minute ended the call.

On Oct. 22, Hines was able to reached at the number and an interview was scheduled for 3 p.m. Oct. 24. Hines did not appear for the interview.

On Oct. 25, Hines was called and the call connected but the reporter heard only static and after a minute ended the call. On Oct. 26, Hines was able to be reached at the number but would not confirm a time for interview.

Quillen was contacted Oct. 26 for help to arrange an interview time. Quillen said she would ask Hines about an interview, adding that the family is taking precautions due to COVID-19. There has been no further contact from Quillen.

Mayor Tony Aikens said Hines went through a tough time when his wife passed and was traveling back and forth with family members to visit her before her death.

Aikens said while Hines missed the Oct. 24 meeting, he has been able to make meetings and Aikens is not concerned about Hines’ health or attendance. He said Hines has been an excellent council member and that he knows Hines will continue to do so.

“He’s very capable of doing the job and (I) look forward to serving with him for the next four years,” Aikens said.