County Commission Interview: Charles Connatser

Charles Connatser was kind enough to reply to our questions in a timely fashion. He is running for Knox County Commissioner in District 6 for Seat A. Here is what he had to say about our questions.

1. Introduce yourself to Knoxville, who are you, and why are you running?

First. I’m Charles Connatser and I’m running for County Commissioner of the 6th Dis. Seat A. I’m from Ball Camp at 9501 Middlebrook Pike. Our family has lived there for over 60 years. I went to Ball Camp and Karns High, graduating in 72. Joined U.S Army in 72 (101st Abn. Div. paratrooper) got out in 75. Went to welding school on the GI bill, graduated and joined the Plumbers and Steamfitters in 76. After 10 yrs. decided I wanted to start my own trucking co. Try being a indepedent trucker for 10 yrs. If you want to hear some stories we’ll talk some time. That was the most valuable business exp. that a person could ever get, believe me. Anyway after 10 yrs. of that I was ready to jump back into the pipewelding ditches with both feet. Ten yrs. later here we are as Business Manager of the very same Local Union I started in back in 76. I’ve been Business Manager for almost 6 yrs. I’ve learned alot about people and decisions involving them in this job. I think this job gives me the knowledge and exp. to handle the commissioners job. Although it’s on a larger scale. We work with a budget of close to 350 to 375k. It’s responsible for close to 18million in wages for our members, that’s not counting benefits. I’m active in state and local building trades. I’m the Vice-President of the TN. Pipe Trades, Vice-President of the Knoxville Building and Construction Trades Council, Mechanical Allied Crafts Delegate for the state of TN. Also a staff sgt. in the Tn. State Guard My platform is simple. You see what you have up there now. If you like it, keep it. But if you don’t like it, that’s what I’m here for. To give you a voice in our local govt. A choice so to speak. You always hear about the Mayor’s people and the sheriffs people but where’s the peoples people? I want to be the person that helps get the voice of the people back where it belongs; In our County Commission and local govt. for the citizens of Knox County and of Dist. 6.

2. We think it’s better knowing what not to do rather than having an extensive plan. What areas or interests would benefit Knox County not to venture into?

The current path that the County commission is on, as far as how its been handling the people’s business.

3. What 5 things could you not live without?

Well one would have to be not knowing what the County Commission is going to do next with our money without our imput. Last, but not least I have no family in the Knoxville political circles which is something I’m beginning to be very proud of. Thank you for your request of my information.