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Lee Tramel
257-5944

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About Lee...

Occupation/ Work: Assistant Chief in Knox County Sheriff's Office

Three Reasons to Vote for Lee...

1. My experience
My experience in County Government has given me a unique insight into the functions of county government. I understand the roles each office plays and know the process to get projects accomplished. When constituents call and it’s not something I can directly help them with, I know who to call. For example, shortly after I was appointed, homeowners from Kensington subdivision called and needed help getting the turning lane from Northshore Drive finished. They had been waiting a year and a half but with a few phone calls, I was able to get be the problems resolved and the turning lane completed.

2. Show me the money
I have become very concerned over our looming budget crisis. With bonded indebtedness growing out of control, and the lack of budget oversight and irresponsible spending in the mayor’s office, we need to now -more the ever - pay closer attention to each year’s budget. We need to cut wasteful spending. We need to know our money is being spent as it was appropriated.

3. Backbone
I am not afraid to make tough decisions. I don’t believe in “going along to get along”.  My past service on commission has shown that I can and will ask tough questions. And I can and will protect the tax payer’s money.  I’m not a politician, I’m a public servant.  I’m in this race because over the past few years we’ve had a steady erosion of fiscal responsibility with tax payer’s money.  I will do what it takes to make sure money is appropriated responsibly. And when not spent as appropriated, there will be accountability.

Being a County Commissioner is a lot like being a police officer. The job is not always glamorous, but it has to be done.

Lee's Thoughts On...

Knox County Schools:

We passed a budget this year that put $19 million extra into our school system without a property tax increase, thanks to an adjustment in the state’s funding formula. With economic times tightening, our challenge in subsequent years will be to continue improvement without relying on extra money from Nashville. Education funding is perhaps the most important function that County Commission serves. We need to seek broader public involvement and consensus on future funding and match those dollars to tangible, measurable results that give our graduates a head start to successful competition in the global marketplace.

 
Property Taxes:

The 4th District pays the highest per capita property taxes of any commission district. The people of this district deserve to know their tax dollars are spent responsibly and lawfully. Knox County spends almost $1.5 million per day everyday. It is particularly troubling that we have had no representation on Knox County Commission for the past three months. While everyone wants a properly seated Commission, the alternative should not be taxation without representation.
 

Development:

A healthy commercial mix is good for Knox County’s economy. It is evidence of a diverse, thriving community. However, development that is not supported by adequate infrastructure or encroaches on neighborhoods puts a strain on our quality of life. As County Commissioner I will continue to seek a healthy balance to preserve strong communities and promote economic prosperity.
 

Environment:

Despite the differences between the County’s approach and the City of Knoxville’s, it is a positive step in the right direction to address a serious problem that has plagued our area for a number of years. We should and must protect our rivers and streams. As a lifelong resident of Knox County I can see that progress has been made in policing development and keeping it environmentally friendly. We must continue those efforts.