Another Executive branch hopeful. L.B. Steele is running for Knox County Trustee.

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

I worked for the Knoxville Police Dept. for 13 years. I was elected to the Knoxville City Council for 4 years. I have retired from the Tennessee Department of Revenue after 20 years. I am a graduate of Walters State Community College and Carson Newman College. I have 20 years experience collecting delinquent taxes that was due the State of Tennessee. I have a good record as being a good supervisor at the Police Dept. and with the Tennessee Dept of Revenue. I fill that with my education and my life experience is a great asset for me to bring the trust back to the trustees office. I’m a very hard worker, I did not go back to school until I had a family and worked full time.

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Hi. I’m Patrick Beeson.

And I’m a new guest blogger for Knoxify.

(Thanks for the invitation Casey!)

It’s always difficult writing about yourself, especially as an introduction on a blog, so I’m going to switch to question and answer mode:

What is your name and age?

Patrick Beeson. And I’m 27 years old.

How long have you been in Knoxville? What part of town do you live in?

My fiance, Lindsay Durango, and I moved to Knoxville in late February of 2007. We currently reside in the Cedar Bluff area.

Though I’ve never lived in Knoxville before now, I did grow up in Bristol, which is about a two-hour drive to the north east corner of the state.

Y’all might have heard about the Bristol Motor Speedway… Read the rest of this entry »

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

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

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. Read the rest of this entry »

Kathy Bryant sent her answers in to us as she pursues County Commission Seat A in District 6.

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

My name is Kathy Bryant and I am running for County Commission District 6 Seat A. I entered this race in response to events of almost a year ago Jan.’07. As I watched and read about County Commission’s appointments and the brokering that placed individuals in office, I was greatly saddened. In the 21st century, citizens should be inspired by those in office not disillusioned. I offer my district a fresh perspective. One that comes from my experience raising 2 children, being involved in the public schools through PTA, working for Tennessee’s Early Intervention System, a state agency that educates and supports families whose children, birth to 3, have developmental delays, and being actively involved in the political arena at the state level for many years through the East TN Council for Children and Youth as President and Legislative Chair. I have never run for public office, but I am confident my enthusiasm and desire to serve the people of District 6 will allow me to be a good and faithful servant. I feel all citizens should feel a sense of pride as they exercise this important “right to vote” they have been given. Read the rest of this entry »

From the Legislative branch to the Executive branch we go with Amy Henley-Vandergriff who is running for Knox County Clerk.

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

My name is Amy Henley-Vandergriff and I am running for Knox County Clerk in the upcoming democratic primary. I am running because I believe I can make a positive impact on the way the citizens of Knox County view government.

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Indya Kincannon has broken our run of Commissioner hopefuls with her candidacy for Knox County School Board. Mrs. Kincannon is seeking the 2nd District seat.

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

My name is Indya Kincannon and I’m running for re-election to the Knox County Board of Education, representing the 2nd District, which includes North Knoxville and Fountain City.

I’m 36 years old, have been married 12 years and have two daughters, one dog and a hamster. We moved here almost 7 years ago when my husband accepted a job as a UT professor. We’ve been really happy here in Knoxville.

I was born and raised in Virginia and attended public schools there. I earned a B.A. in History from Haverford College, worked for several years, and then was fortunate to earn a full scholarship to attend graduate school at Princeton, where I earned a Masters Degree in Public Affairs. Read the rest of this entry »

Unfortunately, you won’t get to see Mike Brown’s mugshot but don’t let that stop you from reading his concise answers. Mr. Brown is running for Knox County Commissioner, Seat 9A.

UPDATE: Mike provided us with a head shot.

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

My name is Mike Brown and I am running for the County Commission, Seat 9-A. I am running because I think it is time for fresh faces and fresh ideas. Also it is time to restore some integrity to our elected County official positions. I have a background in insurance and financial planning, plus having been active for the past 36 years in my own community issues and service. I have served on the MPC, former Charter Commission, Greater Knoxville Beautification Board, and an active member in the Seymour/South Knoxville Chamber of Commerce where I am a current board member. I am sensitive to the concerns of this district and am approachable by the people.

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Elaine Davis was kind enough to be “Knoxified”. She is running for Knox County Commissioner, Seat 4A.

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

My name is Elaine Davis. I am a working wife and mother of three and I am running for Knox County Commission, District 4, Seat A. I am running to bring a fresh perspective and an objective voice to our government. I have no political, business, or familial ties to Knox County government. I will be an independent voice for those who are not being heard in county government. Moreover, I am running to restore trust and integrity to the office of commission. The decision that our officials were term-limited, refused to give up their seats, sued to remain in office thereby violating their oath to uphold the charter, and then appointing friends and family as replacements all culminated in my mind to reaffirm for me that decisions for our community were being made based upon electability and not the concerns of the voters. Read the rest of this entry »

William Daniels is next up and from what we can tell he enjoyed being “Knoxified”. Mr. Daniels is running for Knox County Commissioner in District 4 Seat A.

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

Hello Knox County,

I’m William Daniels a 47 year-old father of two girls, Madison 9 and EmmaLee 7 (they attend Rocky Hill Elementary School). I’ve been married to my beautiful wife Becky for 20 years this April.

We all are well aware of the raw emotions that have been created by the Sunshine Law violations of the Knox County Commission. This has created an unfortunate situation, but I believe we can be better for these developments. Read the rest of this entry »

Our quest to learn more about the County Commission candidates continues on with Evelyn Gill. She is running for County Commissioner in District 1 Seat A.

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

My name is Evelyn Gill, I am running for County commissioner, District 1 Seat A

The upcoming elections presents an extraordinary opportunity for the citizens of Knox County VOTE for CHANGE and NEW LEADERSHIP.

I want to be the representive for this District. My qualifications include 13+ years of civic and community experience. I have a Masters in Public Administration from Rutgers University and a Bachelors in Political Science from Tougaloo College. I am currently in my fourth year as a Special Education Teacher with Knox County Schools. Read the rest of this entry »