The Volunteer Republican Women met at NOON on Monday, the three Republican candidates for Knox Co Property Assessor spoke. Andrew Graybeal spoke first and detailed the gross errors and omissions that have occurred over the years in assessing the property values of Knox Co taxpayers, Jim Weaver (the Chief Deputy of Phil Ballard) spoke next about how the employees need more training. Then John Whitehead spoke about his time in the Assessor’s office and the past 7 years that he has been out of the office, he has helped people appeal their error and omission assessments and every case Whitehead assisted in the appeal, the taxpayer won every appeal. In discussing appeals, Mr. Whitehead said mostvpeople do not know how to appeal and even if they did, the Chairman of the Equalization Board is the Campaign Treasurer for Weavr, Ballard’s Deputy.

I asked Weaver if the rumor that Steve Ridenour hosted a fundraiser at his home for him in November? He said YES but that it wasn’t at Ridenour’s home and that several people were involved. Why is that important, you ask. On August 4, 2013, I reported here about some Ridenour commercial property assessments at Emory Road and I-75. Does it seem like a sweetheart deal? Is there other Ridenour property that could be discussed? Maybe, keep checking back.

At 7 pm at the Red Lobster in West Knoxville, the three spoke again, this time in reverse alphabetical order. Covering much of the same material. Jim Weaver was asked about his campaign Treasurer and the Chairman of the board that considers assessment appeals. He would not answer the question, We researched the answer and why Weaver is ashamed to admit who he appointed to bag his campaign contributions is perplexing.

One question asked of all three candidates was about the staff morale and staff turnover. Graybeal said the staff is capable, they need to have  their hands untied of the bureaucracy that are currently working under. Whitehead said because he is hasn’t been in the office the last seven years he would have to evaluate every employee after he is elected. Weaver clearly agitated mumbled as he stood up (something those near him heard, more on that later) He said I am only working to win the election. It begs to question, he is employed to be Chief Deputy of the Assessors Office, he is being paid a nice salary to be Chief Deputy. Yet, he says he is only working to win the election.