June 2021 Constituent Update
News & Noteworthy Events in Knox County / Commission
This constituent update contains information on the work of Knox County Commission, news about recent experiences, community information and upcoming events. This newsletter is issued at the beginning of each month and generally covers activities of the previous month.
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The Town of Farragut officially opened the Mayor Ralph McGill Plaza at the corner of Campbell Station Rd. and Kingston Pike. Named in honor of the late, third Mayor of Farragut, this new 2.26 acre park and greenspace will be used for events while restoration of the original Campbell Station Inn is also underway. |
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Memorial Day commemorates the men and women who died while in the military service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle. Please take a moment to remember those who gave the ultimate price for freedom and thank a servicemember for their dedication to our country. Learn more about this history of Memorial Day at this link. |
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If you were one of the almost 300 people who came out for my re-election kick-off event on May 2nd (Lakeshore Park), thank you! We had a beautiful day, delicious food, great music, and a spectacular start to a long election season. I want to thank Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs for introducing me and Wild Blue Yonder, Jackie's Dream and Sweet P's BBQ for making it memorable. |
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I attended the TCSA (TN County Services Association) legislative conference this month and heard a very interesting presentation by State of TN Comptroller of the Treasury, Jason Mumpower. He spoke about the federal funding coming to the States as part of the American Rescue Plan. A notable point was the "interim final guidance" that'd been released offering instructions on the proper use of funds...only a government entity would come up with that name! Knox County will receive $92M, but until guidance is final, it won't be used at all. |
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It was a pleasure to cut the ribbon on the first phase of the Northshore Safety & Wellness Project that I've been working on for over a year. We opened Phase I - the Callaway Ridge Trailhead - near the Northshore Dr. / Concord Rd. roundabout. This new parking area will serve as a safe access point to the many biking and walking trails on the east end of the trail system. Phase II will include a greenway section connecting the new TDOT Concord Rd. bridge through the Concord Park area (starting in June). Phase III includes a boardwalk under Northshore Dr. connecting to the old fishing bridge and existing greenway, while Phase IV will connect The Cove Park all the way to Choto roundabout with greenway access. I'm still working on funding for Phases III & IV, but with some determination from all parties, I hope that the over 12,0000 residents within a mile of this area will be able to safely navigate parks, trails and public amenities in a safe manner. Special thanks to Knox County Engineering & Public Works, Knox Co. Parks & Rec., and Appalachian Mountain Bike Club for all their support. Stay tuned for more good news to come! |
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In the beginning of May, I participated in the Sherriff Tom Spangler's annual KCSO Car Show at the Expo Center. This event is held to raise money for the county Drug Abuse Resistance Education Program. D.A.R.E. is a highly effective evidence-based substance abuse program that teaches 5th grade students the consequences of drug use and how to make healthy choices, resolve conflicts and take charge of their life. I entered in "Rocky," my grandfather's 1951 Ford F-2 pickup truck, also known as "Campaign-One" in our home. Click here to learn more about this piece of Jay family history. |
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I joined a large crowd for KUB's (Knoxville Utility Board) public meeting on broadband internet service. KUB is exploring the opportunity to offer fiber-based internet to all its customers over the next several years. In addition to providing faster, more reliable service, this initiative would help connect our rural areas of Knox County with high-speed internet access, which is still very difficult for many.
Learn more about the project and watch the meeting here. |
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Fire and emergency services are expanding in Knox County! This month we cut the ribbon on two Rural Metro Fire Stations. The Westland Station (#16) is just behind the Wiegel's at Westland Dr. / Pellissippi Parkway and the Corryton Station (#33) is just up the road from the Corryton Community Center.
Thank you Rural Metro and AMR for continuing to invest in the community. |
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Have you met Ollie?
This 3-D printed autonomous passenger vehicle is produced right in Hardin Valley at Local Motors and is revolutionizing the auto industry. As part of a new, first-of-its-kind pilot program, the National Park Service will test out new Ollie automated shuttles in the Canyon Village area from late May through the end of August. If the relationship develops beyond initial testing, Knox County's own Local Motors could have Ollie vehicles in every national park helping to reduce visitor vehicle emissions.
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To celebrate Police Officer Appreciation Week, the Pannell Family hosted a wonderful event at Safety City supporting local officers and their families. Thank you to all law enforcement personnel for your dedication and service to Knox County. |
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It seems like yesterday that I began this journey as your County Commissioner. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve. Looking ahead, the 2022 election season will be here before we know it and I will be seeking re-election to the Knox County Commission (At-Large, Seat 10).
If you would like to help me continue to represent you and all the people of Knox County, please visit my support page. |
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