I have a real burden for Gibbs Middle school students who ride a bus 1 hour and 30 minutes each way to and from school. That is 3 hours a day and something must be done to change this.

Carter Elementary students are trying their best to learn in an environment that is growing mold and a sewer that backs up into the kitchen area. Something must also be done to change this.

I would like to encourage the legislature to change the position of School Superintendent from an appointed position to an elected one. The citizens of Knox County should have a voice about who runs the schools their children attend.

Property Taxes:

 

I understand full that property taxes fund Knox County Schools, road work, etc. The tax rate is $2.69 per hundred residential, being 25% of appraisal. Commercial property owners pay 40% of their appraisal. Knox County does their own appraisals, which I believe is a good process because it saves money. I believe that the tax freeze for people over 65 is a long needed relief for our community.

Development:

 

Knoxville is growing and their is a need for growth, but we need regulations and input from the community where the growth will take place.

Environment:

 

I would take a look at incinerators. Nashville has one which I had the opportunity to view. Standing at the site there were no smells or ashes of any kind coming from the silos. A trash to energy incinerator is a better alternative than a new landfill.