On the February 5, 2008 primary ballot it is Ballard -vs- Lowe.
Ballard was elected to the Knox County Commission in 2006. He began serving his term on September 1, 2006, a little more than 15 months ago. He is now running for countywide office. If he is successful and is sworn into office on September 1, 2008, the County Commission will have to appoint a replacement to fill the remaining two years of his Commission term. For complete disclosure, Phil Ballard’s wife of 33 years, I am told is my 5th cousin. She is my cousin. I am just going on the word of others that she is a 5th cousin. I am not into researching the whole family tree thing. Ballard was supported by current Property Assessor John Whitehead and current State Representative and former Property Assessor Park M. “Parkey” Strader. Whitehead has withdrawn his support. Strader has not.
Lowe was elected and served as Trustee since 1994. He is currently serving as the interim Trustee, due to the appointed Trustee being removed by Chancellor Darryl Fansler. Lowe has implemented many improvements in the office since being elected in 1994. He has attempted to merge the mailing of tax notices with the City of Knoxville, the city has not been fully cooperative. He has faced criticism for not using the Knox County Law Director’s office for delinquent tax notices and collection. He has faced criticism for the number of employees and salaries that are spent in the Trustees office. He is reported to have and operate a “political machine”. However, his record of election and re-election to the Trustee position speaks for itself.
At this point, Brian’s Blog is uncommitted to any red candidate for Property Assessor.
Graybeal, I know nothing about him. I will after the February 5, 2008 primary and we will re-visit this race again.
Bedwell, I know nothing about him. I will after the February 5, 2008 primary and we will re-visit this race again.
