League of Women Voters of Blount County 2006 Candidate Survey

 

Name       Gary Farmer                                Phone       865-983-4778

 

Candidate for   Blount County Commission  District 4 Seat A

 

Please write your answers in the space provided or use a separate sheet, and return your survey in the enclosed stamped envelope. It is very important that you write legibly. Please consider e-mailing your completed survey by requesting an electronic survey at rderycke@bellsouth.net     

The League of Women Voters will acknowledge receipt of your completed survey.

 

I. Qualifications and experience:

  1. Please list your diplomas and degrees, along with the areas of study.

 

Walland High School

Hiwassee College, A.A., Business Administration

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, B.S., Accounting

 

  1. What relevant experience do you have, including previous public offices held?

 

I am seeking re-election to this commission seat.  My background allows me to examine and understand the financial reports that we must deal with.  My experience has also made me an excellent listener.

 

  1. Please list local service and civic groups in which you have participated, including when and for how long.

 

Smoky Mountain Visitors Bureau, 3 years

Blount County Planning Commission, 2 years

 

  1. Please indicate any business activities that could constitute a conflict of interest in the event you are elected.

 

 

 

 

  1. Name three leadership skills that you practice.

1.   Honesty

2.   Service to others with integrity

3.  Ability to accept change

 

F.   What unique qualities, besides the above leadership skills, do you have to contribute to this office? 

 

I will listen to those with differing ideas and honestly try to weigh all the options.

 

 

II. Questions about your understanding of the office you are seeking:

  1. What do you see as the three most important functions of this office?

1.    Establishing the county budget

2.   Setting of the county tax rate (property)

3.  County legislation

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What would you identify as the three most important issues facing Blount County in the future?

                1.   Education

               2.   Infrastructure

               3.   Growth

 

  1. What can you do in this office to impact these three most important issues?

 

The amount of finance going to education and infrastructure is set by the commission each year when the budget is established.  Growth must be properly planned and handled accordingly.

 

 

 

 

III. Positions on specific issues of importance in Blount County:   Use a separate sheet to respond.

A.                 Means for insuring the fair and respectful treatment of all Blount County citizens, regardless of race, gender, religion or ethnic background, given recent concerns about racism and bigotry in our county

 

My best way of insuring fair and respectful treatment of all is by my own actions.  I have not nor do I ever expect to be termed as a racist or a bigot.  All are created equal.

 

B.                 Promotion of greater diversity in our hired and appointed government officials and employees

 

Look at qualifications, not name, race, or religion.

 

C.                 Reconciling the potentially competing interests of growth/development and adequate infrastructure in our county, including the application of the Hunter Growth Strategy

 

The county must rely on smart growth.  Many of the strategies brought forward by the Hunter Study are desirable, but each must be weighed by cost versus benefit.

 

D.                 The environmental impact of development and/or non-attainment status with the EPA

 

The non-attainment status with the EPA should be coming off in the near future.  Also, it should be noted that the county’s non-attainment status has very little to do with development in the county.  This came about because of sensors at higher elevations in the National Park.  Many of the pollutants there came from as far away as Arkansas, Mississippi, and Alabama.

 

E.                  Identifying and resolving conflicts of interest of public officials

 

The voters in the county have the best opportunity in resolving conflicts of interest.  If a true conflict of interest has been concealed, and it is uncovered, the official should definitely resign.

 

 

F.                  The consolidation of:

1.       city and county schools

 

Consolidation of Maryville, Alcoa, and Blount County schools should definitely save money.  Each system has deep roots and pride in their history.  As this is a viable concept, a feasibility study would be a must.  I do not think at the present time, the systems would favor such a consolidation.

 

 

 

 

2. city and county government

 

This is not as viable an option as the schools, as you are dealing with many more players:  Maryville, Alcoa, Rockford, Townsend, Louisville, and Friendsville.

 

3. or a feasibility study on consolidation

 

                     A feasibility study would be good, but when it is complete the citizens of each still should               have a voice.

 

G.                 Health care

 

We are attempting to pick up some of the slack by expanding the county Health Department.

 

 

IV.  Questions for CANDIDATES FOR COUNTY COMMISSION:   Use a separate sheet to answer these questions.

 

  1. How can you communicate effectively with your constituents?

 

The best way to communicate is always face to face.  I spend a great amount of time out in the district.  My telephone number is listed and I answer it as much as possible.  When I do not answer the telephone I do have an answering machine and I do return calls.  I do have an email address, but this seems the least personal.

 

  1. Which recommendations of the Hunter Growth Strategy do you support, and why?

 

I am in favor of most all of the recommendations of the Hunter Study, but we must first determine gain versus cost before you can justify support.

 

  1. How do you propose to fund infrastructure growth and improvements?
    1. A wheel tax

 

A $10 wheel tax referendum is already on the ballot for this year with the proceeds going to the Highway Department.

 

    1. An adequate facilities tax

 

The County Commission requested permission through a private act from the state almost one and a half years ago.  We are currently awaiting this option.  If this is okayed by the state it will return for a local vote.  I am in favor of development aiding in adequate infrastructure.

 

    1. Other____________________________________________

 

  1. How can the county address the needs of the senior population?

 

The county assists seniors with the Senior Center, Library, and other minor concerns.  It would be great if we could assist with reduction of their taxes (property), but it should be noted that someone would have to pick up the reduction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  1. What is your position on hiring a county law director vs. the current practice of retaining an attorney for the Mayor?

 

I would like to see a law director established.  Whether it is a hired position or elected must be determined.  The only drawback I could see is the monetary amount.

 

 

  1. Concisely describe your vision for Blount County’s future.

 

Blount County is my home and I intend for it to remain my home.  The county will grow with smart growth and remain a desired destination for all who cross the county line.