A Conservative Republican for County Commissioner

Issues

Schools
I have a passion for education and acknowledge our schools as a top priority. We now live in a global marketplace which demands an educated, skilled, and capable workforce. Communities prepared to meet the challenges of a competitive world will prosper and enjoy a high quality of life. A great public school system is the 21st century foundation for the community's workforce and the cornerstone for industrial recruitment and economic development. The school system needs to partner with government, labor, business, and industry to insure every student leaves the system ready to compete in the modern marketplace.

The commission is a partner with the school board and should provide the resources for the best education possible for the students of Knox County. The message to our teachers, principals, and school administrators: We recognize the value of the important work you do and we must do everything we can to support you.

The message to parents and students: Our children are the future of our country. The school board and county commission have the solemn responsibility to equip the graduates of the public school system with the skills they need to succeed and prosper.

Property Taxes
Property taxes are an "investment" that homeowners make in their community. Like any investment, tax payers should expect value for their money and for their investment to be managed efficiently and honestly. Return on investment is measured in the quality of our schools, public safety, roads, and public services. Tax payers should insist on the highest ethical standards of the public officials "managing" their investment and demand accountability for every cent. Property taxes need to be keep as low as possible yet provide the maximum value in terms of service. I support legislation for the Senior Property Tax Freeze for qualified seniors.

Elected officials should never forget: it's not their money, it's the tax payer's money.

Development
Successful economic development and industrial recruitment are inextricably related to low property taxes, excellence of schools, jobs and quality of life. Property taxes are kept low by expanding the tax base through business development. Increased tax revenue through business expansion allows greater funding of our schools and improved public services without burdening the homeowner with higher property taxes. Responsible development respects our neighborhoods, provides job growth opportunities and does not overtax the underlying infrastructure of roads, schools, water, or sewers. I pledge to encourage responsible economic development but never at the expense of our neighborhoods and quality of life.

Environment
East Tennessee is blessed with some of the most beautiful landscape in the United States. As stewards of these irreplaceable resources, the county government must collaborate with other government agencies as well as with private conservation groups to preserve our natural treasures. Successful management requires recognition of the economic value of nature's jewels, constant vigilance of threats to them, and smart growth planning. As citizens, we must insist on the preservation and smart utilization of a gift that makes our region unique