LC to vote on mayor, city council, recorder/treasurer and school board

Becca J. G. Godwin news-herald.net

Early voting in Loudon County has been strong ahead of the Nov. 5 presidential election.

As of Oct. 25, an estimated 46 percent of registered voters had already cast ballots in Loudon County. That turnout rate is the highest across all counties in the state, according to a report from the Secretary of State.

The early voting period ends on Oct. 31 In Lenoir City, its 6,502 registered voters are deciding races for mayor, city council, the recorder/ treasurer and the city school board. For those yet to vote, here’s a look at the candidates.

COUNCILMAN

The News-Herald asked each city council candidate to send in details about who they are, where they’re from and why they are running for office. These are their responses, unedited and listed alphabetically.

Trever Branson

Hello, Lenoir City! I am Trever Branson and I am excited to announce my candidacy for Lenoir City Council. I was born and raised in Lenoir City. I am running to bring a strong, conservative voice to our local government, focused on what matters most to our community. Here’s what I stand for: 1. Fiscal Responsibility: I believe in keeping taxes low and spending our hard earned money wisely. I will prioritize essential services and eliminate wasteful spending.

2. Economic Growth through Small Business Support: Small businesses are the heart of our local economy. As a small business owner myself [Note: Bug Man Branson Pest Services]; I will cut the red tape, provide support, and fight to create a business- friendly environment that encourages growth and job creation.

3. Infrastructure and Local Development: Lenoir City needs smart growth and a fresh perspective on current and future development. I will work to see that our roads, utilities, and public spaces improve with a focus on what our constituents want, ensuring that our town is prepared for the future while maintaining its small-town charm.

4. Supporting Law Enforcement: Our police are the backbone of community safety. I am committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to effectively protect our community and keep our streets safe.

5. Preserving Our Values: Our community’s values are what make Lenoir City special. I am dedicated to protecting our way of life and ensuring that our local government reflects the values we hold dear and maintains transparency in all aspects.

Join me in making Lenoir City an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Together, we can ensure a bright and prosperous future for our town. Let us work together to move Lenoir City forward! Thank you for your support!

Mike Henline, incumbent My name is Mike Henline, and I was born and raised in Lenoir City, Tennessee, my parents were Walter and Adeline Hair Henline. After graduating from Lenoir City High School in 1966, I attended the Tennessee Institute of Electronics in Knoxville.

In 1968, I began working for Geosource International, where I served as a field supervisor for 15 years. I met my wife, Kathy, in western Oklahoma, and together we worked across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with much of my career spent in the Rocky Mountains. Our two children, Charlie and Shelly, were born in Wyoming. In 1986, during Tennessee’s homecoming, we decided it was the perfect time to return to my hometown.

In 1993, I was encouraged to run for the Lenoir City School Board — an opportunity I had never considered before. I went on to serve for 13 years, including 10 years as chairman. Of the many accomplishments during my time on the school board, I take particular pride in helping establish the technology building at the high school, a project that has been an enormous success and will have a lasting impact on the community.

In 2006, I decided to run for the city council, where I have proudly served since, with a two-year gap in my tenure.

When asked why I’m running again, the answer is pretty simple: I love my hometown and want to contribute to its continued success. After working all over the country, I can confidently say that Lenoir City is one of the best places to live.

It seems our secret is out, and more and more people are moving here. The biggest challenge we face is managing that growth.

I believe it’s time to pump the brakes on new development and focus on gaining more control over how and where we build to ensure our town’s future remains as bright as its past.

In my spare time, I cherish the moments spent with my church family at both First Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist. For the past 11 years, I’ve had the privilege of organizing Lenoir City’s Cars and Coffee downtown, a gathering that brings our community together. My greatest pride and joy, however, are my four wonderful grandchildren: Carly, Addie, Will, and Ellie, who brighten my life in countless ways.

I’ve been honored to serve our community and proud of what we’ve accomplished together. As we look ahead, I humbly ask for your vote.

James R. Laney

James Laney is looking to bring a fresh perspective to and shed light on what families in Lenoir City are experiencing as a result of the current economy and actions by Lenoir City officials in recent years.

Laney has been an East Tennessean his entire life, living in Tellico Plains until moving to Lenoir City as a young adult when his parents relocated here. Laney said he moved to Loudon County in 2002 because the county had the lowest taxes in the area — “but that has changed,” Laney said.

Laney bought a house next to his parents so he could be close by when they needed him. Laney still lives in that house with his wife and children. He has worked in various construction trades, and his wife is employed in the healthcare field.

Laney is concerned that corruption has infected Lenoir City Hall and elected officials are no longer acting in the public’s best interests. “The principles are simple,” Laney stated. “Government does not control the people, the people control the government — that goes from local all the way to federal. I think that the local government has forgotten that they are supposed to represent the people.”

Laney supports term limits for elected officials, including Lenoir City Council and mayor. “Turnover is needed in government to prevent stagnation in leadership roles,” he stated.

Laney did not have political aspirations prior to running for City Council, but he wasn’t willing to sit on the sidelines for another four years of mismanagement. “My drive behind running for council is simple,” Laney explained.

“Everybody said they couldn’t wait to vote for somebody else, but nobody seemed to be stepping up, so I did.”

Laney wants to learn how City officials have been spending taxpayers’ money and make sure that elected leaders have not taken advantage of their authority for personal gain. “I have a strong sense of justice,” he said, “and I don’t think that a position of public service should be used for self-enrichment of any kind. I just wanted to help people because everybody wanted change it seemed, but they told me they were afraid to step up. I’m not easy to intimidate.”

Robin McNabb

Attorney Robin McNabb is running for one of three open seats on the Lenoir City Council.

McNabb operates her own law firm in Farragut, focusing on real estate and business law. She has assisted clients with starting new businesses, buying and selling companies, employment issues, construction disputes, and a wide variety of contract matters. McNabb also has extensive knowledge of real estate issues, having represented landlords, commercial tenants, developers, homeowners’ associations, banks, and individual property owners. McNabb feels that her experiences in real estate and business law will provide valuable perspective as a member of City Council.

Prior to attending the UT College of Law, McNabb worked for a newspaper in Unicoi County, Tennessee, after obtaining a degree in communications from ETSU. McNabb credits her time as a reporter with improving her listening and communication skills. She said that being a journalist also gave her a unique perspective into how local government operates and the importance of transparency by elected officials.

McNabb said she is seeking a seat on City Council because she feels that elected officials have approved too many high-density developments without adequately expanding the City’s infrastructure. McNabb points to worsening traffic congestion and rapidly increasing school enrollment as two issues the City should have considered prior to approving the new developments. Utility systems and emergency services are also affected, she pointed out.

McNabb suggests pausing high-density development until the City deals with the changes brought on by the thousands of new units already approved by City Council, some of which have just started construction.

In addition, McNabb also proposes amending the City’s Charter to provide for term limits and shortened terms for elected officials.

She supports reducing the terms of the mayor and City Council to two years each.

McNabb also wants City voters to enact eight-year term limits for the mayor and City Council; those positions currently have no term limits.

McNabb believes this will prevent “career politicians” in the City and bring fresh perspectives into local government.

Eddie Simpson, incumbent My name is Eddie Simpson running for re-election to Lenoir City Council. I was born and raised in Lenoir City.

I have been on Council since 1999.

My main goal has always been to keep Lenoir City prosperous with low taxes. (I have been the Chairman on the budget committee, working hard to balance the budget annually). I have listened to our citizens and have an “open” door policy. I enjoy being our citizen’s “voice.”

We as a council have accomplished a lot through the years and I would like 4 more years to finish items that are in the works. I would appreciate your vote, and I promise to work hard for you. I am only a phone call away if needed!

Jennifer L. Wampler, incumbent My family and I have proudly called Lenoir City our home for the past 50 years. [Note: Wampler was born in Tucson, AZ at the Air Force base where her father was stationed. She then spent seven years in Waynesboro, GA, where her father was Mayor and involved with Civil Rights and the desegregation of public schools.] I was appointed to the city council in 2016 after the passing of my husband, Harry Wampler. Since then, I have been elected twice and have served as vice mayor on two occasions. I would be grateful for the chance to serve again. Here are a few highlights of my record:

■ I have never voted to increase property taxes.

■ I oppose the current, unnecessary County Commission tax hike.

■ I supported a moratorium that halts the construction of multifamily complexes.

■ I will continue advocating for the completion of State Highway 321 completion/ improvements to address the traffic flow issues caused by Interstates 40 and 75.

■ I am a proud supporter of Lenoir City Schools.

■ I will keep supporting the Lenoir Police and the Lenoir City Fire Department.

I am dedicated to serving the city I love, all the time, not just every four years to ask for a vote. I have dedicated myself to the betterment of business and families of our beautiful city. I am not one for sitting around complaining but putting in the work.

RECORDER/TREASURER

James W. Wilburn III, incumbent

I was born and reared in Loudon County and have been here all my life, except for the 4 years I attended East Tennessee State University, where I earned a B.S. Degree in Environmen-tal Health.

After graduation in 1972, I returned to my hometown to work at the family business, Wilburn Hardware. I eventually attained the position of President, and after 30+ years working in the family business, I decided to retire and pursue other endeavors. I am married and have 3 children and 5 grandchildren.

My wife Phyllis was a teacher in the Lenoir City school system for 26 years.

I want to thank the voters for allowing me to serve three 4 year terms since 2011, and I am once again asking for your vote of confidence to allow me to continue the excellence in serving the citizens of Lenoir City.

SCHOOL BOARD

In a primary this past August, voters selected Republican Party nominees Rick L Chadwick, Mitch Ledbetter and Tammy Powell to be on the general election ballot for the Lenoir City Board of Education.

MAYOR