Next up, Jim Smelcher who seeks Seat B in Dis­trict 4.

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

Jim Smelcher My name is Jim Smelcher and I am run­ning for County Com­mis­sioner Dis­trict 4, Seat B. I am run­ning for this office because I believe I have the pas­sion and the drive to make a dif­fer­ence in our com­mu­nity. I have served as an edu­ca­tor, coach and small busi­ness owner while resid­ing in Knoxville for the past 30+ years. I came from a hum­ble back­ground in Lake City, TN and was offered a foot­ball schol­ar­ship and oppor­tu­nity to attend the Uni­ver­sity of Ten­nessee. From there I grew to love the com­mu­nity and the peo­ple. I have faith in what the peo­ple of Knox County can accom­plish as a group and I would like to give back to the cit­i­zens who have so gra­ciously given to me on many dif­fer­ent lev­els. I offer my time, ser­vice and proven lead­er­ship ability.

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?

This posi­tion should embrace hon­esty and account­abil­ity for Knox County. These posi­tions should not be taken lightly as they have been in the past. The gov­ern­ment has lacked integrity in this regard. I believe the peo­ple are ready for a change in their elected offi­cials. What takes place now is how you use your vote. Your vote is your power.

3. What 5 things could you not live without?

1) My church and faith
2) My fam­ily
3) A spe­cial friend
4) Sports
5) Ice Cream