League of Women Voters of Blount County 2006 Candidate Survey

Name Robby Kirkland Phone 865-984-9373, 765-1211

Candidate for County Commission, District 4 Seat C

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.

High School Graduate

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

Eight years on the Blount County School Board Also Chairman

Four years on the Blount County Commission

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

AAU, Maryville Little League

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

None

5. Name three leadership skills that you practice.

1. Researching topics

2. Clear communications

3. Studying government laws

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

My knowledge of the rural communities and their leaders. The love of the land in farming. Parent of a kindergarten child.

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. Budgeting

2. Leadership

3. Knowledge of the community

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

1. Education

2. Growth

3. Taxes

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

Work within the committee structure for a conservative approach to all three.

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

We, as responsible citizens of this county, need to make everyone comfortable. Programs implemented over the past several years are a start, but as leaders we need to see that they are continued and expanded.

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

As County Commissioners we have no hiring duties. It is our responsibility to implement policies of equal access to our job pool and point them out when they are not being followed.

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

The number one industry in the county revolves around construction. While everyone seems to want to limit and control home construction, it is a very healthy part of our economy. We should also try not to interfere with personal property rights. We need solid planning ideas based on infrastructure that already exists. The tail shouldn’t wag the dog. Parks and green space should consist of more than bicycle trails and ball fields.

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

Cleaner industry has been the norm the last twenty years in this county. Our major problem is the automobile and steam plants. As the tourism industry increases our problems seem to increase. Maybe cleaner fuels and better scrubbers at Kingston would help.

E.. Identifying and resolving conflicts of interest of public officials

Voters do a much better job of identifying these conflicts at the polls.

F.. The consolidation of:

1. city and county schools

2. city and county government

3. or a feasibility study on consolidation

I would support a study to point out the savings, both for the city and county taxpayer.

G.. Health care

As commissioner I have supported all expansions of Blount Memorial Hospital for the past four years. My wife ia an emergency room nurse. I think this gives me a good perspective of the local industry.

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

1. How can you communicate effectively with your constituents?

Attending local community meetings, PTA, visiting local gathering places. Returning and encouraging all phone calls.

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

I think the study was very broad and depending too much on the implementation of the City of Maryville.

3. How do you propose to fund infrastructure growth and improvements?
1. A wheel tax
2. An adequate facilities tax
3. Other____________________________________________

Through growth, the way it is being done now. Blount County has spent 130 million dollars on education in the last ten years. Our school facilities are the finest in this state. Our roads are maintained and resurfaced on a regular basis. Our law enforcement under Sheriff Berrong is second to none. We have all seen the fine library. It is admired and visited by every mid-sized county in the state. Our industrial parks are a model of a modern community. All this has been done with modest tax increases and a growing economy.

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

By seeing that our nonprofit organizations that serve them continue to be funded. Hold taxes down. Provide them with a safe environment.

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

I would not stop the elected office holders from still engaging their own attorneys.

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

Blount County will continue to be a wonderful place to live.