Why So Angry?

It appears the Lenoir City, incumbent candidates and their surrogates and family members, are really upset with me right now. I've read some of the social media posts they've made and heard some of the things they've been saying. I really don't get it. The only thing I've done this entire election cycle is report on their votes and actions as Lenoir City elected officials.  Why would it make them so mad that I report their votes and actions if they're proud of the things they've done? I haven't encouraged anyone to vote against the incumbents, nor have I encouraged anyone to vote for their challengers.

In contrast, back in 2022, when I had my last election, mayor Aikens, encouraged, supported and backed councilman Eddie Simpson, in his run to defeat me. Councilwoman, Jennifer Wampler, at a city council meeting, encouraged the council members to "get out and beat the bushes" to help Eddie Simpson defeat me. Wampler even came to the polls, on election day, and carried a Simpson sign asking people to vote for him. Councilman, Mike Henline, was onboard with Wampler. I didn't get mad and talk trash about all of them. I just ran my campaign and depended on my voting record to speak for me. In the end, even with Aikens, Wampler and Henline's backing and support, the voters rejected Mr. Simpson, in a big margin.

I certainly haven't asked county commissioners to "beat the bushes" to defeat Aikens, Henline, Wampler or Simpson. I haven't been at the polls carrying sings for their challengers.

What does it say about any elected official that are so ashamed of their voting record that they get mad if someone reports it? But when you look at their voting record, it's not hard to see why they wouldn't want people to know about it.

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

  • 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 developments

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

This is just a partial list.

Nothing will ever change in Lenoir City until something changes in Lenoir City.

BACK
10/21/24