Scott Emge chimes in as the first Register of Deeds hopeful to answer our questions.
1. Introduce yourself to Knoxville, who are you, and why are you running?
I am not a politician and have no connections with any county officials, developers, or special interest groups. I’m 45 years old, married, a 1981 graduate of Halls High School, and I attended the University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State. I majored in Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and I am a small business owner; a residential painting contractor. I’m running because of the train wreck that our government has become at the hands of career politicians who feel they are entitled to spend our money as they see fit. I feel it’s past time to have honest citizens in office that work for the people of the county, not the politicians or special interests.
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?
Well, I can give you my opinion although it may have little bearing on my race. I feel that Knox County shouldn’t give funding to new industrial park construction if we have these same types of developments already available, sitting unused. I also don’t feel that developers should be given TIF funding to build in areas that are thriving already, i.e. the Lowes development to be built in the Halls area.
3. What 5 things could you not live without?
My religious faith,
My Wife,
My family and friends,
My two Pomerianians (they are like children to my wife and me),
My computer
Although not part of your list of questions…
I believe that the time for maintaining the status quo in any of the elected offices of Knox County Government is over. New ideas are vital for the Register of Deeds office and one that I would initiate as soon as possible is to make the property records of Knox County Citizens available to them for viewing on the web free of charge. This would allow county residents to access property records easily from their home without the inconvenience of driving downtown and searching for parking. I’d also like to open a satellite office, possibly in the existing county space at Knoxville Center Mall, where parking is convenient and abundant. This would provide easier access for everyone, especially our Senior Citizens.