FAQs

After more than four decades of serving the people of Blount County through education and administration, I felt called to serve in a broader way. I see the challenges facing our county — from growth and infrastructure to fiscal discipline and public safety — and I believe leadership matters now more than ever.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about stewardship. I’ve watched as government has become more about personality than performance. I decided to run now because I believe our county deserves a steady, principled, conservative hand — someone who knows how to manage people, budgets, and outcomes, not just cast votes.

I love this community. I was raised here, I work here, and I’m deeply invested in its future. I’m running now because it’s time for an executive leader — not another politician — to step forward.

Limited but effective government; fiscal responsibility; freedom with personal responsibility; strong families, strong communities, and strong local law enforcement; respect for tradition as our anchor during change.

I am a lifelong Blount Countian—born and raised here—with family roots dating to the dawn of the 19th century. For nearly 130 years, my family has operated Coulter’s Florist, the county’s oldest continuously operating business. I served more than 40 years in Maryville City Schools as a teacher, administrator, and leader; I’ve taught Sunday School and currently serve as a Deacon in my church.

I’m not a politician — I’m a leader. With more than forty years of experience managing people, balancing budgets, and making real-world decisions that impact lives every day, I’ve built a lifetime of leadership, not politics.

The role of County Mayor is essentially that of a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) — it demands management skill, administrative experience, and the ability to make complex systems work efficiently for the people. This is in stark contrast to candidates who have only ever served in legislative roles, which function more like boards of directors — they discuss, debate, and vote on policy, but they don’t manage day-to-day operations or oversee large organizations.

Right now, I’m managing a $55 million construction project for the Maryville City Schools — the largest monetary project in the City of Maryville’s history. That work requires the same kind of executive vision, accountability, and organizational leadership that the County Mayor’s office demands every single day.

Like President Trump, I come from outside the political establishment. I’ve never held elected office. Sometimes it takes an outsider — someone unentangled by political ties — to shine light in places where complacency has taken hold and to bring accountability where bureaucracy has grown too comfortable.

That’s the kind of leadership I’ll bring to Blount County: principled, proven, and unafraid to challenge the status quo.

Public safety begins with respect—for law, for order, and for those who serve to protect us. I fully respect the autonomy of the Blount County Sheriff, who—like the County Mayor—is elected countywide by the people. The Sheriff is solely responsible for the administration and operations of the Sheriff’s Office.

As County Mayor, I will support and work collaboratively with the Sheriff to ensure our deputies, first responders, and emergency personnel have the tools, resources, and respect they deserve. Safe streets are the foundation of strong communities and a strong local economy.

We have pledged a positive, issues-focused campaign—no mud-slinging, no personal attacks. A community that values free speech must reject intimidation and violence. Civility is not weakness; it is strength.

Strong schools strengthen families and our economy. I will champion high-quality public education; practical partnerships among parents, educators, businesses, and county government; and pathways that prepare students for college, trades, service, and entrepreneurship. I will also support our three school systems—Alcoa City, Blount County, and Maryville City—and their boards of education as they work to expand and improve educational opportunities for every student in our community.

It means focusing resources on proven instruction, safe schools, and accountability—without buzzwords. We prepare every child to succeed by insisting on excellence and partnering closely with families.

Responsible growth means protecting what makes Blount County special while preparing wisely for the future. Growth should respect infrastructure capacity, protect community character, and pay its own way. As County Mayor, I will work to ensure that development aligns with available infrastructure—roads, utilities, public safety, and schools—so growth strengthens rather than strains our quality of life.

I also pledge a collaborative working relationship with the Blount County Economic Development Board. Together, we will promote policies and projects that attract quality jobs, retain existing employers, and sustain the small-town character that defines our community. Growth and conservation can coexist when guided by conservative principles of stewardship, planning, and accountability.

A strong local economy begins with strong local businesses. I will work to keep taxes predictable, reduce unnecessary regulation, and maintain a local government that’s responsive rather than obstructive.

I also pledge to work closely with the Blount County Chamber of Commerce, which has long served as a bridge between business and community. The Chamber’s work in supporting entrepreneurship, business retention, and workforce development is vital. As County Mayor, I’ll ensure an open line of communication and a cooperative spirit that helps both small businesses and major employers thrive.

Together with our Chamber, educational institutions, and workforce partners, we’ll expand technical training opportunities, connect talent with local jobs, and strengthen the local economy—anchored in the conservative principles of free enterprise, self-reliance, and hard work.

Tourism is one of Blount County’s most important industries, and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park—though federally managed—is an integral part of our local economy and identity. The County’s role is to support infrastructure, community services, and hospitality that make the visitor experience seamless and beneficial for local residents.

I pledge to work collaboratively with Blount Tourism, which promotes our region through SmokyMountains.org, as well as with local businesses, the State of Tennessee, and the National Park Service. Together, we will promote responsible tourism that protects the park’s natural beauty while sustaining the businesses and jobs that depend on it.

Tourism done right means balance—welcoming visitors, supporting small business, and ensuring that the benefits reach every corner of Blount County, all while preserving the character and landscape we hold dear.

My commitment is fiscal responsibility first. We will scrutinize spending, prioritize essentials, and pursue efficiencies before considering revenue changes. Families live within a budget—government should, too.

Clear communication, open data where feasible, timely public updates, and predictable processes. Our office should be the most responsive, accountable, and professional in county government.

In simple terms, county government has three branches, just like state and federal government:

• The County Mayor leads the executive branch, managing daily operations, implementing ordinances and policies passed by the County Commission, and carrying out the intent of Commission resolutions with respect and fidelity. The Mayor oversees county departments and ensures that services are delivered efficiently and responsibly.

• The County Commission serves as the legislative branch, creating local laws (called ordinances), approving budgets, and setting policy direction on behalf of the citizens.

• The Circuit and General Sessions Courts represent the judicial branch, interpreting and applying the law in both civil and criminal matters.

The Mayor does not write or amend laws—the Mayor carries them out faithfully and ensures county government operates efficiently and responsibly for the people.

As a constitutional conservative, I believe in the clear separation of powers—the County Mayor executes the laws but does not write them. While I’m generally open to, and even supportive of, the idea of term limits, any specifics or formal action rightly belong to the County Commission for debate and decision. My focus will remain on leading with integrity, transparency, and respect for the Constitution.

Professionally and respectfully. Results require collaboration with the County Commission, municipalities, state leaders, and civic partners. We will disagree at times—without being disagreeable.

By modeling it: listening first, debating facts, focusing on solutions, and insisting on decency. We can be firm on principles and gracious with people.

My Christian faith is central to who I am. It calls me to servant leadership—putting people first, stewarding resources well, and treating everyone with dignity.

This is our campaign. You can knock doors, make calls, host meet-and-greets, place a yard sign, and help register voters. Message us to get plugged in—every hour helps.

Campaigns aren’t powered by political insiders—they’re powered by the people. Whether you give $20 or the maximum individual contribution of $1,900, every dollar counts and every gift matters. There are deep pockets and big money interests trying to stop the people’s campaign from succeeding, but grassroots support wins elections.

Please consider contributing today—and help us build a stronger Blount County, together.

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