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Jim Smelcher
693-0556

Occupation/ Work: Life Insurance Business/ former teacher and coach

Three Reasons to Vote for Jim...

1. I am a good listener--the people of Knox County need to be heard AND represented.
   
   

2. I have 30 years plus of business experience making decisions, working with and communicating effectively with people.
   
   

3. My experience as a teacher and a coach has given me the opportunity and understanding to become a problem solver--this position requires a multitude of problem solving.

Jim's Thoughts On....

Knox County Schools:

As a former educator I believe every student in Knox County should receive the best education that we can provide. With a budget of 365 million dollars going to Knox County schools each year, we need to know how to manage our schools. That management requires hiring and maintaining good teachers. This must be done with our budget.

I believe we should grow our property tax base with new business. Knox County is one of the top 5 areas in America to start a new business. Knox County has not had a tax increase in the last 9 years except the Wheel Tax which was approved in 2007.

Development:

I believe the development of residential, commercial, and industrial properties should be based upon the sector plan-planned growth. Development of property should also be based upon the type of revenue that property may generate for Knox County.

Environment:

This commission has a great responsibility in maintaining and controlling storm water, clean water, air standards and energy efficiency. All this must be done through planning and planning should include the question Can We Afford This? (for example recycling paper, glass, metal) Some cities even use their garbage as fuel to heat schools. We also need to be aware of windmill power and take advantage of this. The environment would include KUB, TVA, and all pertinent types of powers to be used.

In summarizing these four points, management is a must. We must become great managers! This process means we teach every student in every school in Knox County and make use of the facilities that may be offered by the University of Tennessee and surrounding colleges.