Below are the archived responses of all the winning candidates who responded to our Voter Guide questionnaire for the 2002 elections.
Thomas Strickland D
Why are you the best candidate to represent your Commission district?
I am a lifetime resident of the community that is committed, accountable and accessible to the district. With my experience and dedication it makes me a clear choice for the district.
How do you view the MPC's role in our community?
The Metropolitan Planning Commission is a great help to the community by controlling mixed use of land and setting rules and guidelines for the land. Without it we could possibly have a church next to a liquor establishment.
Does Knox County have an urban sprawl problem?
I feel it has a small problem, but it is being addressed by the urban growth plan and reinvesting in the downtown and inner city area.
David Collins R
Why are you the best candidate to represent your Commission district?
I believe my experience in the field of architecture and planning has prepared me to understand the complex issues surrounding development, zoning and land use decisions. I also have three children in the Knox County School System, so I am passionate about educational issues on our community. I believe my first four years of representing the citizens of the Second District on County Commission has give me great insight and understanding into the issues facing us and what role government can and should play in those issues.
How do you view the MPC's role in our community?
First and foremost, MPC should guide and help develop public policy regarding comprehensive land use planning in Knox County. The creation, or discouragement, of development opportunities through zoning policies plays a major role in the overall growth and health of our county.
Does Knox County have an urban sprawl problem?
Yes, some areas of our county, such as the I-40/75-Kingston Pike corridor in West Knox County, are dealing with substantial problems related to urban sprawl. It is my hope that the recently adopted Growth Plan for Knox County will manage the future growth of this county and promote the reurbanization for the core of Knoxville. For that to happen the citizens of our county must begin to accept a greater diversity and density of land uses in existing neighborhoods and communities.
Wanda Moody R
Why are you the best candidate to represent your Commission district?
I believe I am the best candidate because of my vast experience and knowledge of Knox County Government and its relationship to both City and State government. Also I have the time to devote to the work of the Commission. My record reflects that I am accessible; that I research issues; and that I am able to vote based on facts without regard to personalities and special interest groups.
How do you view the MPC's role in our community?
I view MPC as a vital planning organization, which has the expertise of a professional planning staff. Now that we have the direction of the Growth Plan, I believe it is imperative for the County Commission to pay greater attention to the Sector Plans as they are being developed.
Does Knox County have an urban sprawl problem?
No, I simply think we are fast becoming an urbanized county. Granted there are some parts of the county that are less densely populated, but even so there is great need for urban services; i.e. Sewer, water, transportation, police and fire protection, etc.
Ivan Harmon R
Why are you the best candidate to represent your Commission district?
With the experience on City Council, I feel the need for communications between the City and County governments. I also have an ear for listening to my people.
How do you view the MPC's role in our community?
It is a recommending body for the development of our community. They do a great job, but it is the elected officials' responsibility to make it work.
Does Knox County have an urban sprawl problem?
I don't see the problem in Knox County of urban sprawl. I do see the need of the County and City to do more communicating on growth and development.
John L. Schmid R
Why are you the best candidate to represent your Commission district?
A progressive vision for all of Knoxville and Knox County that includes job growth through economic development, accountability in government and downtown revitalization.
How do you view the MPC's role in our community?
In an advisory role.
Does Knox County have an urban sprawl problem?
Urban sprawl is in the eye of the beholder. I believe in private property rights and the freedom of people to choose where they live.
Phil B. Guthe R
Why are you the best candidate to represent your Commission district?
I'm the only candidate.
How do you view the MPC's role in our community?
Advisory with professional planners. Not visionary.
Does Knox County have an urban sprawl problem?
Yes, I'd say to a degree.
Mike Arms R
Why are you the best candidate to represent your Commission district?
I feel that I have a good track record with economic development and supporting my constituents concerns.
How do you view the MPC's role in our community?
A body of professional planners who guide/recommend our county's immediate and long-term development plans.
Does Knox County have an urban sprawl problem?
No, our problem is not urban sprawl but an abandonment of intercity living and business activity.
Mark Cawood D
Why are you the best candidate to represent your Commission district?
Being a lifelong resident of the 6th district I feel I am truly in touch with the citizens. I attend many meetings in our community monthly.
How do you view the MPC's role in our community?
The MPC is a great advisory board.
Does Knox County have an urban sprawl problem?
We try to have planned growth. This makes the most sense.
Larry Clark R
Why are you the best candidate to represent your Commission district?
I am the best candidate for the Knox County Commission because I have a record of outstanding constituent service. Many accomplishments have been achieved for the citizens of South Knoxville in my first term on County Commission. Some of these accomplishments are: two parks have been developed, support of Seven Islands Wildlife Refuge project and Meads Quarry rehabilitation in conjunction with Ijams Nature Center, an increase of 133% in miles of roads repaved in South Knox County, two new large intersection projects have been funded, and a state-of-the-art band room was constructed at South Doyle High School.
How do you view the MPC's role in our community?
The Metropolitan Planning Commission works collaboratively with the citizens of Knox County to determine a vision for the growth and development of our community. This group also has the responsibility of insuring that growth and development occurs in accordance with the rules and regulations that have been adopted by the Knox County Government.
Does Knox County have an urban sprawl problem?
On some areas of Knox County there appears to be some problems with urban sprawl. These areas can be identified by loss of green space, increased, traffic, numerous strip commercial developments, and an increasing number of low-density residential and commercial developments.
Mike Ragsdale R
What is your position on long-term planning and growth for development in Knox County?
I am convinced that too often we view planning and growth as conflicting terms when both are actually essential to our success. We need a strong economic results program that creates new, better jobs and this should be accomplished in a logical, well-planned manner.
What are your goals for the first year in office?
Our goal is to have the best economic results program in the southeastern United States, to make certain that each Knox County school is a great school, to have quality programs for senior citizens and to support and encourage new ideas that make government better everyday.
What steps do you think should be taken to improve Knox County's economic position?
We need to economic results a top priority of county government. Knox County needs an outstanding program to create new, better jobs for our citizens. We will focus our efforts on bringing new business here as well as working with our existing businesses to help the stay and prosper. The development of new high tech jobs and the promotion of tourism will be other important priorities.
Tim Hutchison R
Do you foresee a need for a new Justice Center in Downtown Knoxville?
The need for a new maximum-security jail has existed prior to my taking office in 1990. When the downtown jail opened in 1979, was built for 215 inmates. However, 277 inmates were housed there on the first day it opened. Three independent studies conducted by two Knox County Executives have all shown the need for a new jail. The latest plan, which was recommended by Knox County Executive Tom Schumpert, was defeated. Right now, arrestee bookings are up almost 20% over last year. The bottom line is that we either make more room or continue the current practice of letting criminals back on the street.
How could the efficiency of the Sheriff's Department be improved upon?
It can be approved upon through well-planned, well-designed facilities. The most expensive one we operate is the linear style jail in the City County Building, which was not designed to eliminate employee positions. An intake center was also not designed for the jail in the City County Building. We are still operating a facility that was designed in the 60's and built in the 70's. The greatest efficiency we have gained is through technology solutions rather than staff based solutions. An example is at the Knox County Detention Facility on Maloneyville Road where remote security programs, rather than staff positions, monitor and control inmate movement.
What technologies do you feel the department would benefit from using?
We have been in the forefront with many law enforcement technologies. We were the first in the area with true mobile data, computerized crime mapping, the Automated Fingerprinting Identification System, a bomb robot and we were one of the first sheriff's offices in the nation on the World Wide Web.
Dan Murphy
I believe that the most important issues facing the schools include:
School funding is the most important issue. Specifically, we need to develop financial management strategies that will generate funds to increase teacher salaries and bring more resources to the classroom. In addition, the Board must improve relations with the County Commission by communicating constructively with each other on a regular basis and, when possible, working together on projects of mutual interest. We must also continue to develop a strategic vision for our schools that reflects our community's strengths and values.
My immediate goals for the first year in office will be:
During the first year, I would like to work to refine our school system's strategic vision, begin efforts to improve our financial management and establish a constructive, working relationship with the County Commission.
Please rank your priorities in the following areas as to how any increase in the percentage of funding to the school system should be utilized:
1 - Increased pay for teachers
2 - Textbooks and supplies
3 - Maintenance of existing buildings
4 - Computers and other technologies
Chuck James
I believe that the most important issues facing the schools include:
Getting the County Commission and the School Board to start working together toward the goal of helping our children receive the best education our school system can provide for them.
My immediate goals for the first year in office will be:
I want to help provide the leadership it takes to get our School Board and the County Commission to start working together and to stop the lawsuits between these two bodies that are wasting money we should be using to improve our children's schools.
Please rank your priorities in the following areas as to how any increase in the percentage of funding to the school system should be utilized:
1 - Increased pay for teachers
2 - Textbooks and supplies
3 - Computers and other technologies
4 - Maintenance of existing buildings
Diane Dozier
I believe that the most important issues facing the schools include:
Adequate Funding
Retention of quality teachers
My immediate goals for the first year in office will be:
Discuss with each principal in District7 their school's needs and their concerns regarding Knox County Schools. Meet with the 4 County Commissioners who serve District 7 to discuss our concerns regarding Knox County Schools. Form a "Parent/Student Discussion Group" 7 with representatives from each school in District 7.
Please rank your priorities in the following areas as to how any increase in the percentage of funding to the school system should be utilized:
1 - Buildings
2 - Increased pay for teachers
3 - Classroom (textbooks, supplies, computers, other technologies).