THE HUNTER REPORT

Kevin Walker at Greenback Community meeting - Jan. 19, 2010.

About two months ago, I accepted an invitation to attend a community meeting, which was held at the Greenback School gym. The meeting was held between school officials and parents, grandparents, and other community members to share concerns about students attending school in an aging Greenback facility. The meeting was called on short notice by school administrators and the community responded with great attendance. School officials announced that school board member Lisa Russell could not attend the community meeting because her husband was hospitalized. Parent after parent spoke about health and safety issues. School officials tried their best to ease concerns that all gas leaks had been fixed. But then the very next day, Greenback School had another gas leak.

Greenback City Mayor Tom Peeler and District 3 Commissioner Bob Franke attended the community meeting but I was surprised that the county mayor and other county officials, mayor and candidates seeking commission seats were not in attendance. The mayor is the chairman of the Budget Committee and votes on the county general, highway and board of education budgets. The Budget Committee makes funding recommendations that go to the full commission for their consideration and approval or disapproval. I don't recall seeing any other Loudon County commissioners and at least three commissioners have educator backgrounds. Commissioner Nancy Marcus and Commissioner David Meers are both retired from the Loudon County school system and David Meers was once a school principal at Greenback School. Commissioner Harold Duff at one time served as superintendent of Lenoir City Schools. Commissioners Duff and Meers presently serve on the Budget Committee. Commissioner Marcus serves on the Capital Projects Committee and Purchasing Committee, which makes recommendations to the full commission about school and county projects.

Why do I think that it's important for commissioners to attend meetings in other districts? I think that it's important that commissioners make every effort to stay informed about the issues. Commission is supposed to examine and discuss the issues at open meetings and as the legislative body fund the various county operating and school budgets. Those present also had an opportunity to hear parents and grandparents make some very strong arguments about the need for a new Greenback School. I also think that its important for candidates to learn about the issues if they plan to run for public office.

As the crowd dwindled and the Greenback gymnasium cleared, I had an opportunity to meet and speak to Kevin Walker. It was nice to see someone take the time and interest to attend this important community meeting.

Kevin Walker is running in the Republican Primary; Seat A is currently held by incumbent Commissioner Nancy Marcus. Other candidates vying for Seat A include Bryan Jenkins (Loudon City police) and William Culvahouse (Loudon County employee). Please take the time to learn about the candidates and their qualifications and please ask them how they stand on the various issues facing our community. The person who wins the Republican May 4th Republican Primary will not face a Democratic or Independent challenger for the August 5 County General Election. The winner of this race will be the next commissioner so this primary race is very important.