Quick Correction
That One County Commissioner

In the previous News Herald stories on the candidates in the Lenoir City election, I've got to address a couple of the statements.

In Lenoir City mayor, Tony Aikens far ranging explanation, he took the time to say:

"regardless of the social media postings and the negativity out there from one member of the county commission"

Now to be fair, Aikens didn't actually mention my name but it's pretty safe to assume he was talking about me. So, According to Aikens, I bring negativity to the city? Really?

All I have reported on is the mayor and council's actions and votes. If that's negativity, that's all on them. I certainly didn't make them vote the way they have. I certainly didn't make them allow thousands of apartments to locate all over the city. No Mr. mayor, if anyone has caused negativity for the citizens of Lenoir City and the county, it's you and blind following council who have caused negativity.

Then there is councilwoman Jennifer Wampler.

"I have never voted to increase property taxes."

Bless her heart. I sure don't want to call her a liar because it's absolutely possible she doesn't even realize she voted for a 17% property tax increase in June 2021. But she certainly did. Aikens even had to remind her of that a few weeks ago during city council meeting when she made the same claim. On top of the property tax increase she voted for, she also voted for the Rain Tax, two sales tax increases and the gas tax increase. 

There were many other memorable statements in the interviews but these were just a couple that really stood out. Maybe the most disturbing aspect of the interviews, not a single incumbent said they planned to do anything any different if re-elected.

Repeat for the record:

I can not help how Tony Aikens, Mike Henline, Jennifer Wampler and Eddie Simpson have voted in the past. I can only report on it.

  • Voted to raise Aikens pay from $6,900 per year to over $100,000.00 per year (before Wampler was appointed)

  • Voted to pass the Rain Tax

  • Voted for two illegal annexations. (currently in litigation currently costing lots of $$$$)

  • Voted to give away city property to enhance an Aikens business deal

  • Voted for a gas tax increase

  • Voted for a sales tax increase in 2018

  • Voted for a 17% property tax increase in 2021

  • Voted for sales tax increase in 2024

  • Voted for every mass development in Lenoir City

  • Voted to pass millions of dollars in tax breaks for certain businesses and developers

  • Refuses to pay the city's portion of the 911 Emergency Communications bill

This is just a partial list.

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11/4/24