From the Maryville Daily Times -Guide to the 2022 Blount County Primary & Rockford City Election - Candidate Profiles
Candidate profiles are useful and we appreciate the Maryville Daily Times offering this service. Candidate profiles help us to know the candidates a little better and possibly research them further.
Here are two Blount County Commission candidate profiles that appear to not really know Blount County. Also, it is kind of interesting how some of the candidates really, really have to emphasize how they were born, raised, and lived their whole lives in Blount County. That is not a bad thing but it is also not bad to have lived other places where a person might get a sense of other successful communities.
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District 2, Seat A
Mike Akard
Affiliation:Republican
Incumbent
Mr. Akard does not seem to represent all the citizens in his district. He appears to only want to represent those citizens who have his same beliefs. Whereas his opponent, Tracey Farr, appears to be willing to work "with people that have different ideas." She goes on to say, "Approaching conflicts as potential opportunities can help me work with many leaders so we can keep our focus grounded and lead this community in paced and smart growth with very diverse populations in mind.”
Why are you running for this position?
Mr. Akard: “I’m a native Blount Countian with conservative values... Our low property tax rates are extremely appealing. Local residents typically support conservative Republicans 3:1 to continue improving Blount County without the pitfalls of Democrat-run communities. I have been working with conservative officials building on a common-sense, fiscally responsible, pay-as-we-go plan to continue building a better Blount County. Current fuel prices nationwide are a perfect example of what happens with Democrats in charge.”
What relevant experience do you have?
Mr. Akard: “Unlike my opponent’s party, Republicans believe in fiscal responsibility and know how to get things done efficiently.
...
What makes you different from the other candidates for office?
Mr. Akard: “Red state conservative values vs. Blue state liberalism. Local Democratic Party is advertising and sponsoring candidates for nearly every office in Blount County. 2020 local election was 72 percent Republican vs 27 percent Democrat and we’ve all seen the horrific national results from Democrat rule since 2020. I’m encouraging every Republican to get out to vote to continue traditional Blount County conservative values and properly serve taxpayers with proven ‘pay-as-we-go’ progress for Blount County while incurring no new debt and continuing successes like Tennessee’s annual State Audits showing no findings 7 of last 9 years (unprecedented). I will vote Republican.”
Mr. Akard attended the protests in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 2021. Even though the election was held on November 3, 2020, with two months of audits and recounts, it appears Mr. Akard still did not believe the presidential election results. He says he did not participate in the insurrection but he says he did chant "traitor" at those (Washington D.C. Police? Capitol Police?) trying to protect the Capitol from insurrectionists.
A little more history on Mr. Akard from the Maryville Daily Times.
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District 4, Seat C
Josh Sullins
Affiliation:Republican
What makes you different from the other candidates for
office?
Mr. Sullins: “I can’t speak for other candidates, but I will say of myself that I’m one of the younger candidates. I see my youth as an advantage to the diversity of the commission with the potential to add a distinct perspective. To me, this isn’t a legacy position or position to fill retirement time. It’s a chance for me to directly serve the citizens of my county with youth, endurance, and proven leadership skills. With the above said, I hold the utmost respect for senior members of public service and don’t want that misconstrued in any way.”
Youth is not necessarily an advantage. Besides, the median age for a Blount County resident is 44 years old. Nearly 30% of Blount County residents of voting age are 60 years old or older. But, heh, he has the "utmost respect for senior members of public service." I would hope so. The Blount County Mayor is no spring chicken. In addition, what is wrong with someone working their whole lives then being willing and able to give back to the community.
Topics:
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Discussing
- Blount County coronavirus cases at 39,189 as of 4/23/2022 (1 reply)
- Blount County coronavirus cases at 39,079 as of 4/2/2022 (1 reply)
- Blount County coronavirus cases at 38,344 as of 2/12/2022 (1 reply)
- Blount County coronavirus cases at 33,274 as of 1/22/2022 (2 replies)
- Blount County coronavirus cases at 26,253 as of 1/03/2022 (1 reply)
- Blount Memorial at record high for COVID-19 hospitalizations (1 reply)
- Blount County coronavirus cases nearly 16,000 as of 07/12/2021 (3 replies)
- Blount County coronavirus pandemic numbers (2 replies)
- The City of Alcoa's uncontrolled and costly development (2 replies)
- Alcoa City Schools opened Wednesday, July 22nd (1 reply)
- Krystal on Alcoa Hwy near the Airport has closed (1 reply)
- Alcoa Hwy - Hunt Road Interchange Redesign (1 reply)
TN Progressive
- Blount County coronavirus cases at 40,204 as of 6/18/2022 (BlountViews)
- Fight the Good Fight (RoaneViews)
- Friday Toons (RoaneViews)
- More than 30 Witnesses to the Jan 6 Commission have taken the 5th (RoaneViews)
- Those Darned Tennessee Republicans... (RoaneViews)
- Blount County coronavirus cases at 39,403 as of 5/14/2022 (BlountViews)
- Springbrook Farm development continues at a slow pace with a high cost (BlountViews)
- Joani Shaver and what she gives to the Senior Community in Blount County (BlountViews)
- You asked for it and are you going to get it! (Left Wing Cracker)
- A waste of the TNDP's time is at hand. Let's not do this, shall we? (Left Wing Cracker)
- Komatsu and Oyama Remembered (Joe Powell)
- Where we are Earth Day 2021 (Whitescreek Journal)
TN Politics
- Nashville Pride 2022 (TN Lookout)
- Dave Ramsey endorses Ogles for GOP nomination in 5th District (TN Journal)
- AROUND THE U.S.: Leaders react, mobilize in states in wake of Supreme Court decision (TN Lookout)
- With Tennessee abortion ban imminent, out-of-state travel could be next battleground (TN Lookout)
- Plans for wastewater treatment plant cause uproar in Hickman County (TN Lookout)
- Thousands of Tennesseans protested for abortion rights on Friday (TN Lookout)
- Metro Nashville Council to consider contract with Republican National Committee (TN Lookout)
- New TNJ edition: TWRA chafes at legislative interference, Hargett seeks to limit fallout from DUI arrest (TN Journal)
- Tennessee reaction to Supreme Court overturning Roe v Wade (TN Journal)
- Lee reappoints Rausch as TBI director (TN Journal)
- 29 counties see growth in fiscal capacity index (TN Journal)
- 5th District ad watch: The ’ole general’ and the southern border (TN Journal)
Knox TN Today
- New principals: Carter HS, Karns HS, Brickey-McCloud (Knox TN Today)
- New officers for Rotary Club of Knoxville (Knox TN Today)
- USS Farragut sailors to march in Farragut parade (Knox TN Today)
- River Breeze Event Center to open mid-August (Knox TN Today)
- How to raise your yard’s IQ (Knox TN Today)
- 11 get history awards (Knox TN Today)
- Amazing: Ex-Vol has another job (Knox TN Today)
- Trustees approve revised plan for Neyland Stadium (Knox TN Today)
- Feb. 3, 2022: A rugged day for Trooper Dubroc (Knox TN Today)
- Visit Farragut adds MTSU grad to staff (Knox TN Today)
- Partnership with South College offers training for Hillcrest staff (Knox TN Today)
- Robotic-assisted surgery gives relief from abdominal pain (Knox TN Today)
Local TV News
- Knoxville lawyer breaks down TN abortion trigger laws next steps (WATE)
- Knoxville Deputy Mayor Stephanie Welch stepping down (WATE)
- East TN pregnancy centers expect a rise in women seeking help (WATE)
- Ways to manage PTSD during July 4th fireworks (WATE)
- What's next for Tennessee's foster care system with Roe v. Wade overturned? (WATE)
- "We knew we wanted to be in Tennessee" Crossville Buc-ee's now open (WATE)
- Comptroller: Former bookkeeper stole more than $600K while working in Clerk's Office (WBIR)
- Women's March in Knoxville draws over a thousand people, chants echo through downtown (WBIR)
- Emma Langley wins 2022 Elite Women Pro Road National Championships (WBIR)
- Hawkins County Rescue saves dog that fell in sinkhole in Hancock County (WBIR)
- Healthcare organizations react to the overturning of Roe V. Wade (WBIR)
- The Supreme Court overruled the Roe v. Wade decision. What happens in Tennessee now? (WBIR)
News Sentinel
- Christians are called not to judge others. That includes those who have abortions. | Opinion (KNS Opinion)
- West Town Mall's 'continued growth' includes several new stores, a bar and axe throwing (KNS Business)
- Check out these new stores coming to West Town Mall (KNS News)
- At the intersection of 'hillbilly and highfalutin,' Brother Wolf builds on Esquire's honor (KNS News)
- At the intersection of 'hillbilly and highfalutin,' Brother Wolf builds on Esquire's honor (KNS Business)
- Quarries are the hidden gems of Knoxville, but which one best floats your boat? (KNS News)
- Take a dip in one of Knoxville's quarries (KNS News)
- Knoxville Center for Reproductive Health cancels abortion appointments, referring clients (KNS News)
- Smokies black bear dies after locking itself inside car that hit 140 degrees (KNS News)
- Gourmet Crumbl Cookies 'on fire' in Powell, fueled by social media (KNS Business)
- Businessman Pete DeBusk to host mega fundraiser for Burchett | Victor Ashe (KNS Opinion)
- Belltown would transform a Karns family farm into a neighborhood for up to 4,000 residents (KNS Business)
- Baptist Hospital Professional Building demolished in South Knoxville pictures (KNS Business)
- Knoxville Biz Ticker: Windy Hill Farm and Preserve launches Summer Concert Series, opens to public (KNS Business)
State News
- Lebanon development: Where 4 multifamily plans that total over 1,200 homes are proposed (Tennessean)
- What if the only therapy for your baby daughter was one of the most expensive drugs in the world? (Tennessean)
- Apartments in Memphis: What to know about rent and most affordable (and expensive) areas (Commercial Appeal)
- Outdoor dining: Here are 15 of our favorite restaurant patios in Memphis (Commercial Appeal)
- A look back at Nashville and Middle Tennessee in June 2002 in photos (Tennessean)
- Hamilton County district attorney candidates differ on abortion ruling - Chattanooga Times Free Press (Times Free Press)
- Overturned - Chattanooga Times Free Press (Times Free Press)
- More than half of MSCS second graders at risk for retention under reading policy (Commercial Appeal)
- Draft agreement details footprint, security costs if 2024 Republican convention comes to Nashville (Tennessean)
- Documents reveal hearing dates, other new details of Memphis basketball's NCAA infractions case (Commercial Appeal)
- Completed South Chickamauga Greenway celebration - Chattanooga Times Free Press (Times Free Press)
- The Roberts Court - Chattanooga Times Free Press (Times Free Press)
Local .GOV
- Knox County to Celebrate Park and Recreation Month in July (Knox County)
- Commissioner Durrett to Host Walking Event at New Harvest Park (Knox County)
- New Knox County Dog Park to Open on June 29 (Knox County)
- Sunset Yoga to Take Place at I.C. King Park (Knox County)
- Baby Formula Shortage | Substitution List Available (Knox County)
- FREE Dental Clinic (Knox County)
Wire Reports
- San Antonio trailer deaths - latest: 46 bodies found in Texas in potential smuggling as governor blames Biden - The Independent (US News)
- 3 killed, 50 injured after Amtrak train from LA hits dump truck, derails in Missouri - KABC-TV (US News)
- Former Meadows aide will testify before January 6 committee on Tuesday, sources say - CNN (US News)
- Frustration, anger rising among Democrats over caution on abortion - The Washington Post (US News)
- Sheetz says it's lowering some gas prices for limited time - WTAE Pittsburgh (Business)
- U.S. abortion ruling ignites legal battles over state bans - Reuters (US News)
- President Biden's nominee to lead ICE pulls nomination, citing year-long confirmation delay - CBS News (US News)
- Trump SPAC faces grand jury investigation - The Washington Post (Business)
- Investors could do 'a lot worse' than FedEx here, Jim Cramer says - CNBC (Business)
- JetBlue Raises Offer to Buy Spirit Airlines—Again - The Wall Street Journal (Business)
- Harris says she 'never believed' Trump SCOTUS nominees who told Senate Roe was settled precedent - CNN (US News)
- experts react to Supreme Court ruling on school prayer - Chicago Tribune (US News)
- Stock Market Today: Dow, S&P Live Updates for Jun. 28, 2022 - Bloomberg (Business)
- Sam Bankman-Fried's FTX is reportedly looking into buying Robinhood - The Verge (Business)
- At least 800 more flights canceled Monday after a chaotic travel weekend - CNN (Business)
Local area websites:
Blount DemsMC Democrats
Raven Society
League of Women Voters
Wendy Pitts Reeves
Stop Alcoa Parkway
KnoxViews
Knox Dems
RoaneViews
TennViews
TN Clean Water Network
TN Dems
Government websites:
Blount CountyCity of Alcoa
City of Maryville
State of Tennessee
TN Code Annotated
TN General Assembly
UT CTAS
UT MTAS
Media websites:
Maryville Daily TimesKnox News Sentinel