Update: Elizabeth Derwort submitted a more refined version of Mr. McMillan’s answers to us today. She stated: “For some reason I attached the wrong one and sent you the rough draft with spelling errors. I have attached the corrected document in hopes that you would be able to repost it. This is our error and not Mr. McMillans. We typed and sent the document for him, and failed to send the right one. I would hate for our error to negatively effect Mr. McMillan in any way. Could you please reply back or give me a call at the number listed below to let me know if this is possible?” The changes are reflected below.

Our 32nd interview has been conducted with Mike McMillan seeking your vote for Knox County Clerk.

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

My name is Mike McMillan and I live in East Knox County on land settled by my ancestors before Tennessee became a state. I have a degree in political science and a Masters in Education from The University of Tennessee Knoxville. I have taught at Gibbs High School for more than 30 years. I am a former County Commissioner dealing with more than a decade of Knox County budgets. I have seen the legislative side of local government and decided that I would like to be a part of the administrative side. Given the present circumstances in Knox County, the candidates for the office and my qualifications, it became even more apparent that citizens needed someone who had a record of trust. I also believe I am the best person to improve employee morale while offering the best services possible. I will require proof of the wheel tax exemption which is not being done at present. I am not a part of any previous administration or any present political faction.

Read the rest of this entry »

My name is Ryan Jones

Guest Blogger for Knoxify.com

Thanks to Brandon and Casey for the opportunity.

I little insight about me.

What is your name and age?

Ryan Jones with 28 years of age.

Years in Knoxville? What part of town do you live in?

28 years surviving Knoxville. I currently have just moved from the Rocky Hill area to Bluegrass.

Where do you work?

I am a boat sales manager/wakeboard proshop owner/ business planner/marketing manager/ event manager/ and a couple other things at American Boat Center in west Knoxville. Family owned and operated Since 1987.

Read the rest of this entry »

The public has spoken and decided that structure in Knox County government matters. Today, a letter was published in the News Sentinel signed by a Steering Committee to Knox County Commission with separate charter amendments attached asking them to place the amendments on the ballot and informing them that they are starting the process to certify a citizen petition drive in case they do not act.

Goal of Campaign will be to keep it simple - focus on Reform Knox County

1. Eliminate nepotism and conflicts of interest - ending the backroom politics
2. Eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse
3. Make the County Commission more responsive
4. Make the County Mayor more accountable
5. Utilize $8.9 million in County fees more effectively each year

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U.S. Navy veteran Chuck Williams answers our Knox County Commission questions. Williams is running for Knox County Commissioner 2B.

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

I am Chuck Williams Knox County Commissioner candidate for District 2B. I am happily married with a daughter Shaunni and son Chris and two beautiful grandkids. I am an Elementary Education major at the Magnolia Avenue Campus of Pellissippi State Technical Community College. I am also a substitute teacher for the Knox County Board of Education (I am mainly at Fulton High School). I am a very proud eight year veteran of the U.S. Navy. I am seeking the office of Knox County Commissioner because I feel that District 2 is the forgotten district. Our roads are in shambles, when it rains a lot of our roads are flooded due to the poor sewage systems in our area.
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The Knoxify Guys got wind today that Ryan Haynes has filed to run for State Representative in the West 14th district. Haynes is incredibly sharp so look out Knoxville for a new generation of leadership.

Ryan is a West Knoxville native who graduated from Farragut High School and the University of TN. He has worked with the United States Congress, Knox County, and is rumored to have support from the Duncan family.

The longstanding political Duncan family rarely endorses any candidate and “supposedly” he has their support. We were told that often times he has been referred to as the Duncan’s 3rd son.

A Hallerin Hill radio show regular by the name of Foster D. Arnett, Jr. is up for Knox County Clerk.

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

My name is Foster D. Arnett, Jr. and I am a life-long resident of Knoxville/Knox County. I am a graduate of Bearden High School and the University of Tennessee. I have been married to my wife Dottie for 24 years. Dottie was hired by the Knoxville Board of Education in 1983. She currently is a kindergarten teacher at Sequoyah Elementary school. I divulged the day I announced Dottie teaches in the Knox County School system. There is not a conflict of interest here because the Knox County Clerk’s Office has no control over the Board of Education, as it should be and Dottie will retire in three years. We were not able to have children so we have a Golden Retriever named Dugan and a rescued dog named Lucy. Read the rest of this entry »

Our third School Board interviewee is Laurie Alford.

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

My name is Laurie Alford and I am here to give the people in the 5th School District a Better Choice for their school board representative. I have lived in Knoxville most of my life, I attended Bearden Elementary, Bearden Jr. High, and graduated from Bearden Sr. High school. My husband Mike and I have been married for 16 years and we have one GREAT son, Patrick who attends Rocky Hill Elementary. We live in the neighborhood that I grew up in and we are very active in it, my son’s school, his activities, and our local government. I am personable and very honest and open.
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Spring Break destinations are all the rage in college. Key West, Lake Havasu and who can forget the infamous Panama City Beach, FL. But what about graduating seniors from the University of Tennessee? Nashville, Atlanta, Memphis and Washington D.C. are all good choices, or so they seem.

I’m talking about career destinations now, not keg-happy sand pits.

As pessimistic as I can be, I have always had my doubts about the influx of local businesses indulging in on-campus career center activities. One can only imagine just what opportunities await new graduates in the form of a job. Read the rest of this entry »

Up until now only one school board hopeful had stopped by. Karen Carson gladly answered our questions as she runs for Knox County School Board.

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

I am a mom, nurse, and volunteer. My husband Joe and I have lived in Knoxville since 1990. We have three children, TJ, 19, a sophomore at University of Tennessee, Doug 17, a junior at West High School, and Rebeka, 13, a seventh-grader at Farragut Middle School. I am a registered nurse who has specialized in pediatric health care. I I have worked at East Tennessee Children’s Hospital since 1990, my pediatric care experience keeps me aware of the health and education needs of children and their families. I began volunteering with PTA when TJ entered school. I have held numerous leadership positions at the school, County, and state level of the PTA. I currently serve on the board of directors of the Teacher Supply Depot, The Great Schools Partnership, and his East region director of the Tennessee School Boards Association’s Federal Relations Network. Read the rest of this entry »

Photo of this entry’s author courtesy knoxvillecycling user “Trentkc”

College football season is over. You’re broke from Christmas shopping. And there’s nothing to do in Knoxville during the winter.

Or is there?

This past Saturday marked the first race of the 2008 Knoxiecross cyclocross series, with races held at three different parks in the Knoxville area (results are available).

Highland Adventures Guide Service has managed the series in its inception several years ago.

Cyclocross, which I’ve written about on my personal Web site, can be described as:

…a style of racing using [what amount to] modified road bikes off-road usually in the fall to winter months. Races last from 30 minutes to one hour, and often require riders to dismount their bikes to negotiate hurdles and other obstacles around the course.

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