I just sent this press release. We will see which publications pick it up. Campaigning for a Principled County Commission For decades, since Junior High School, I have been participating in clubs, professional societies, and other organizations. I started my first organization in Junior High School, helped Missouri teachers form a statewide organization for German studies, created one of the first, largest computer clubs in Wichita, and generally dealt with all manner of bylaws, constitutions, operating agreements, and variations of Roberts Rules. But mainly I enjoyed working with people to our common interests and benefit, usually with some charitable activity. After my wife, Lisa, and I moved to Anderson County seven years ago, I dove into civic activities. I’ve been an officer or on the board of directors of several non-profit groups, including the semi-famous Entrepreneurs of Knoxville. Three years ago, I began to realize that I should be working for a better community, not just some better clubs. I had already been politically active, including some statewide efforts, but it was time to move beyond talking and persuasion into doing more consequential things. I guess that is a long answer to the question, “Why are you running for office?” The short answer is that good citizenship creates good government. The original exceptionalism of America, as seen by Frenchman Alexis de Tocqueville, might be summed up in this quote, “America is great because she is good. If America ceases to be good, America will cease to be great.” That basic quality of “good” depends on every one of us. So I have a duty to participate if I can. To me, the important question is, “What can Anderson County government do better?” We have a number of challenges that somehow become lawsuits threatened, lawsuits just past, lawsuits underway, and no doubt more lawsuits in our future. Our government has developed a very bad habit that is expensive to us all. This means two things. First, County Commission has also developed some bad habits. The consequences of those habits are very obvious, and no doubt indicate things aren’t that great in ways we can’t see yet. The Commission needs fresh people that are not bound in a rut of failure. Second, we need better legal advice. I don’t know if the current ouster lawsuit will solve that problem. Perhaps a good second opinion would help. But if you don’t recognize the obvious problem, you will never solve it. We live in a County that is blessed in many ways. We have the best of small city living and rural living, with the economic benefits of industry and enormous Federal facilities. We have a rich history, incredible natural recreation, and strong communities. Yet we are challenged to do better. Our government has close ties to Federal and State funding. Changing priorities on their part will require appropriate planning and response by the County. While we enjoy new industry and commercial development, we will need to assure that development is appropriate. We could do more to foster successful very small business to complement that development. Schools, emergency services, and public safety services will evolve with the help of County government. I am running for Anderson County Commission District 1, Claxton/Bull Run. I will do my best to represent my district and help people work with County government. I appreciate your support and vote in early voting or on election day, August 7.
Posted on: Tue, 29 Jul 2014 11:27:49 +0000
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