This statement is wrong. Commissioner Morrison was appointed in December 2022. He has only voted for one budget since taking office as did all the rest of the commission in attendance. So either Fugate just accidently got his information wrong, which doesn't say much for his research ability or he intentionally got it wrong which doesn't say much for him either. Either way, it's wrong. Mr. Fugate has continued pushing his false narrative on his website, Facebook page and now in a third mailer.

As to the increase to the Lenoir City tax rate, that has changed every budget cycle for many years as the county pays off debt. Currently, the Lenoir City property tax rate is still thirteen cents lower than the county rate.

Last month, Lenoir City mayor, Tony Aikens, in an official city council meeting, tried to make a big deal of a non issue relative to county budgeting. Then the issue shows up as a headline in the News Herald then on the Fugate campaign material. Coincidence or coordination? You can decide.

Aikens nor Fugate either one have mentioned the city's continued property tax increases, the Rain Tax or the proposed sales tax increase.

Two years ago, Aikens put everything he had into trying to get his three hand picked candidates elected to county commission. He lost badly. Looks like he's trying again this time. Aikens has been calling and twisting arms trying to make people vote for Fugate. It didn't work two years ago and hopefully it won't work this time. Aikens desperately wants control of county commission.

The county does not need anymore Aikens influence on county commission.

Vote Joe Morrison Loudon County Commission District 5, Seat (A).