If you’ve been following local politics in Knox County, you know the May 5 Republican primary is coming up fast. Early voting runs April 15–30, and one of the key races on the ballot is for Knox County Clerk—the office that serves as the front door to county government for everything from vehicle registrations and business licenses to marriage licenses, hotel/motel taxes, and official records of county commission meetings.

On the latest episode of The Brian Hornback Experience (Episode 207), I sat down with John Duncan, one of the Republican candidates for this important position. We recorded it on the patio at what used to be Sam & Andy’s Bexhill (now transitioning to Griddle Gourmet Modern Indian Bistro and Bar)—a relaxed setting for a real conversation about family, service, and making county government work better for the people of Knox County.

Watch the full episode here:

A Legacy of Public Service in East Tennessee

John Duncan comes from one of the most respected political families in our region. He’s the son of longtime U.S. Congressman Jimmy Duncan (who represented Tennessee’s 2nd District for over 30 years) and part of a family known for its deep roots in Knox County and a commitment to principled conservatism.

During our chat, we touched on the “Duncan machine” in a light-hearted way—those famous Duncan family barbecues that welcomed folks from both sides of the aisle, Congressman Duncan’s independent streak, like his vote against the Iraq War when it wasn’t popular in his own party. We also reminisced about old-school East Tennessee politics, from interactions with figures and Duncan loyalists like Ed Bailey and Mo Lobetti to the importance of constituent service that crosses party lines.

John shared personal stories about his wife Elizabeth and the 10-year-old twins, Charlie and Jimmy—reminding us that behind every candidate is a family sacrificing time and energy for the community.

What Does the Knox County Clerk Actually Do?

We spent good time diving into the real responsibilities of the Clerk’s office. It’s not a flashy position, but it’s essential:

•  Issuing business licenses and collecting related taxes

•  Handling motor vehicle registrations, titles, and renewals

•  Processing marriage licenses

•  Managing hotel/motel taxes

•  Maintaining official records of county commission meetings and other public documents

John emphasized that the Clerk should be a good steward of taxpayer dollars, delivering the highest level of service at the lowest possible cost. He wants to eliminate waste, improve efficiency, and increase transparency.

Ideas for Modernizing the Office

John brings practical, private-sector experience to the table (he’s spent over two decades in business, including managing large teams, data, and records). Some of his forward-looking ideas include:

•  Making county records more accessible with searchable online databases

•  Adding self-service kiosks for vehicle renewals (similar to what’s working in other counties) to reduce long lines

•  Streamlining processes without sacrificing accuracy or security

He stressed learning from past experiences—both successes and mistakes—and applying those lessons to run an open, efficient office that serves every Knox County resident, regardless of politics.

Why This Race Matters

The County Clerk touches nearly every citizen and business in Knox County on a regular basis. Voters have a real choice among qualified candidates, and I encourage everyone to do their homework, attend forums if possible, and make an informed decision.

John’s campaign website (johnjduncan.com) has more details on his background, past experience in county government, and specific plans for the Clerk’s office.

Final Thoughts from the Podcast

This was a genuine conversation between two East Tennesseans who care deeply about our community. We covered campaign realities (like the adventures of putting up signs), the value of transparency, and why local offices matter just as much as the big ones in Washington.

If you’re in Knox County, make sure you’re registered and plan to vote in the Republican primary on May 5. Early voting starts soon—April 15 through April 30.

Thanks to John Duncan for joining me on Episode 207. As always, I appreciate everyone who listens, watches, and supports The Brian Hornback Experience. We’ve been going strong since 2004, and conversations like this are exactly why I keep doing it.

What did you think of the episode? Drop your thoughts in the comments, share it with friends, and let’s keep the conversation going about better government right here at home.

Links:

•  Watch Episode 207, here:

•  John Duncan’s campaign site: here

•  My site & podcast, here

Stay informed, stay involved, and God bless East Tennessee.