Great kickoff to my campaign on March 21, 2013. Thanks to all that came out!

When I ran for office four years ago, I made you promises, and now it is time to gauge progress.

First and foremost, I promised to be an ADVOCATE for the First District. I have fought to expand City Services and to promote the spending of tax dollars in the First District. This includes Fire and Police, Codes Enforcement, Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and Special Events. During these past few years I have made your concerns my priority. I have listened to you, and I’ve made sure that your thoughts, ideas and concerns were heard and acknowledged by the appropriate departments to resolve any issues you have had. When the JFG sign went down, I fought to make sure this icon was returned to its rightful home in South Knoxville. I have taken every opportunity to promote us as a vibrant part of Knoxville and as a great place to live, work, and play.

We, as a city and a country, have suffered during these hard economic times; however, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT has always been at the forefront of my thoughts and efforts. It would have been easy to just say that the economy was too big a problem to deal with at the local level – to resign ourselves to the notion that we just cannot do anything about it, but that approach is unacceptable. Instead, I have always made sure to keep my finger on the pulse of our local economy with the hope to enhance it in any way I could. By visiting businesses throughout the First District and listening to their concerns, I’ve worked diligently to help accommodate their needs when it was in my ability to do so.

When the Henley Bridge closed, I had the idea to launch a website promoting our businesses during the closure. I have also worked hard to revive the Urban Wilderness Arts and Trade District Association. This is an active and dynamic association comprised of business owners in South Knoxville who trade ideas and work together to promote South Knoxville and its businesses.

One way to gauge the health of a city is by examining the QUALITY OF LIFE of its residents. Over the past few years, I have improved our recreational resources for our young people, seniors and others. Early in my tenure, I learned of the multi-use trail system being developed in South Knoxville. Since then, I have been and will continue to be an ardent supporter of this trail system as a way of branding South Knoxville as Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness.

I have said many times that SAFETY is paramount to any healthy city. Because of this belief, I have supported funding for both Fire and Police Departments so that they are equipped with the most advanced equipment and training facilities. I worked with the Administration to open the fire station on Chapman Highway; the only new fire station to open in 24 years. I have also supported stricter codes enforcement to help eliminate blight in South Knoxville and Fort Sanders.

When reelected, I will continue down this same path with the same vigor. I pledge to you that I will continue to be as ACCESSIBLE as I have been.

I believe that strong neighborhoods are the backbone of a strong city. Because of this, I will continue to support all my neighborhoods by remaining accessible and by attending your meetings and responding to your phone calls and emails.

Lastly, it has been an honor to serve in various LEADERSHIP roles since my election. I was elected as Chair of the Beer Board and Vice Mayor of the City of Knoxville.

I hope I have proven my ability to work hard and to follow through with the promises I made to you from the beginning. I respect and value my constituents, and I have always made your interests and concerns my top priority. I will also continue to fight for our share and to do everything I can to make the First District and our City as good as it can possibly be.

I will appreciate your vote and support.

Your Councilman,