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Kyle Phillips

675-8554

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About Kyle....

Occupation/ Work: Business Analyst

 I am a business analyst for Whirlpool Corporation.  I previously worked in marketing for John Deere at their Loudon facility.  I hold a marketing degree and an MBA both from the University of Tennessee.

 Three Reasons to Vote for Kyle.....

1. Honesty and integrity
   

2. A good ability to listen combined with a solid understanding of the role of government.
   

3. Ability to manage a budget and eliminate waste

Kyle's Thoughts On......

Knox County Schools:

Education is the single biggest component of the Knox County budget which puts it at the top of any list of issues. An educated and involved electorate is fundamental to our form of government and our very way of life, but that doesn't mean it should become a black hole for our tax dollars.  Money is not the answer to all problems.

 An often contentious relationship between the commission and the school board is one of the biggest obstacles to improving our schools.  When one governing body makes all the decisions and another controls the purse strings, good communication is imperative.  Unfortunately that is rarely the case.

On the other side, involvement by parents, families, and communities with our children’s education is the biggest opportunity and possibly the most untapped.  We need to be willing to at least discuss new approaches to education.  We need to make sure we use the best possible processes for hiring and evaluating faculty and staff.  I know federal and state laws tie our hands on a great many issues but we can’t let that become an excuse for sticking to the status quo and throwing in good money after bad with no changes in results.

Property Taxes:

Property taxes are a necessary evil.  However, I believe there is a great deal of wasteful spending in Knox County.  If we keep the government focused on only those things which government should provide I believe we can hold taxes steady if not actually reduce them.

Development:

Development is one of those areas that government more often than not shouldn’t be involved in.  Development is not the role of government and should reside in the private sector not the public.  If a developer, builder, or financial institution does not see enough potential in a project to provide all the funding then why would we risk our tax dollars.  If the potential is there then why not leave it in the private sector, especially when that’s where all the reward will go. 

The counter argument is that development brings jobs and expands the tax base, which is true, but that will happen regardless of where the initial financing comes from.  Knox County sits in a prime location and there has been no shortage of businesses willing to locate here.

The one facet of development that county government needs to do well is municipal planning and zoning.  The interests of residents, the county as a whole, developers, builders, and businesses have to be balanced to achieve the best result for all.  The recent need for a new High School in west Knox County is a prime example of what can happen when those interests are not properly balanced and a well conceived growth plan is not devised.

Environment:

East Tennessee is one of the most beautiful places in the country and Knox County has historically done well with creating and maintaining parks and green spaces.  The environment is another one of the interests that must be considered when creating a plan for growth and development.