Thanks to the generosity of Knoxville Entrepreneur Tim Graham for opening up his Grande Event Center at Merchants Road and Clinton Highway at no charge for a Candidate Forum and Meet and Greet.

Nearly every candidate for local office was present. Daniel Kidd, Democrat candidate for Knox County Fourth Circuit Court Judge had a booth manned with volunteers, giving out treat bags of snacks and candy along with an information card. He and his opponent David Valone facing off in the Democrat primary on May 6 were participating in an already scheduled debate over at the Family Justice Center.

The Republicans for Fourth Circuit Court Judge Greg McMillan and Patty Jane Lay were meeting with voters and giving out pens, candy and information about their campaigns.

Republican Knoxville Attorney Scott Greene and Democrat District Attorney General Prosecutor Leland Price were set up in booths side by side. They both are unopposed in their respective primaries, they both are very nice and respectful of each other. Both are like able, capable men. Greene was giving out key chain flash lights and can koozies. While Leland had hand sanitizing pens.

General Sessions Judge Patricia Hall Long had AWESOME drinking cups and car magnets. Trustee candidate Barry Hawkins had water bottles with his sticker on them. According to article in today’s Knox News Sentinel by Gerald Witt, he even gave one to his opponent Craig Leuthold a bottle of water.

There were two forums, a County Commission candidate forum and a Knox County School Board candidate forum. While, it was mostly civil, it doesn’t appear any minds were changed or votes were effected. Special thanks to Elaine Davis for organizing and carrying out an exceptional event.