KnoxTNToday is dedicated to impartial coverage of Knox County politics and campaigns for government offices. We’re committed to presenting all candidates equitably and to being transparent in our reporting. By fact-checking statements and engaging with the community, we aim to empower voters to make informed decisions.
We covered the General Sessions Judge, Sheriff’s, Mayor’s, Trustee’s, County Clerk’s, School Board 1,4,7 and School Board 6 & 9 races.
Today, we cover the candidates for Knox County Commission Districts 3 & 7 who are on the ballot in the Knox County Primary Election to be held May 5, 2026: District 3 (Brandon Huckaby, Gina Oster, Sheri Super) and District 7 (Barry Beeler, Buddy Burkhardt, William Cooper, Justin Mash)
KnoxTNToday reached out to each candidate and received responses to five questions. We are providing the responses that reflect those questions in alphabetical order by district. (Districts 10 and 11 will be covered next week.)
What motivated you to run for county commission, and what is your vision for our county over the next five years?
DISTRICT 3
Brandon Huckaby: I decided to run because I’ve watched our County Commission drift toward political extremism instead of focusing on practical, local solutions. While families are worried about housing costs, infrastructure, and growth, too much time has been spent on ideological fights that don’t improve daily life in Knox County. As a banker and small business advisor, I believe government should operate with a plan, measurable outcomes, and accountability. Over the next five years, I want Knox County to be proactive instead of reactive — planning infrastructure before it becomes a crisis, allowing housing types working families and seniors can afford, and supporting local businesses so opportunity grows here at home. My vision is simple: responsible growth, smart investment, and steady leadership that puts results over rhetoric.
Gina Oster: I ran for commission 4 years ago as I have always been involved in my community. I am a very service oriented person and I knew I could get a lot accomplished. I have been able to secure 6 million dollars of road improvement, and water mitigation for my district. I worked to bring Andy’s Frozen Custard to district 3 that has been a great economic development for the district and for the many kids they employ. I see Knox County growing and I want to be part of the growth, but also grow smart. The new Advance Knox plan has given us the tools to grow smart and plan for the future in development and growth.
Sheri Super: As a lifelong conservative Republican, wife, mother of eight, and 30+ year resident of Knox County, I’ve seen firsthand how reckless policies threaten our neighborhoods, families, and values. My motivation stems from my grassroots leadership—serving as chair and now vice chair of Moms for Liberty Knox County, where I’ve empowered parents to fight for their rights in schools—and my commitment to putting Knox County taxpayers first. Prior to that I successfully fought to protect children who were being physically harmed by a baseball coach. I’m running to replace the incumbent because we deserve better: no more funding illegal immigrants or radical agendas with our hard-earned dollars. Over the next five years, my vision is a Knox County rooted in fiscal conservatism and limited government, with safe roads, enhanced public safety, strong schools free from ideological overreach, and low taxes that ease the burden on working families. I’ll prioritize transparent governance, protect our communities from unchecked growth, and ensure every decision upholds our conservative principles and puts American citizens first.
DISTRICT 7:
Barry Beeler: I am humbled and honored to seek the opportunity to represent the hard-working folks of District 7 on the Knox County Commission. As a proud resident of Knox County and Christian conservative, I was motivated to run because I believe in continuing strong conservative leadership in one of Knox County’s most conservative districts. My vision for Knox County over the next five years is to fight for low taxes, limited government, fiscal responsibility, and traditional Christian East Tennessee values, ensuring our community remains a great place for families to thrive while protecting the interests of everyday residents.
Buddy Burkhardt: I have been involved in the political process for more than 30 years, starting with grassroots efforts like putting out campaign signs and growing into active support at both the party and candidate levels. This decision was not made casually—it’s something I have prayerfully and thoughtfully considered for quite some time. I even explored the idea of running for County Mayor. Now that I am retired, I have the time, energy, and passion to serve my community and Knox County in a meaningful way. Knox County is growing rapidly, and with growth comes opportunity—as well as growing pains. My vision is responsible growth that supports a vibrant business community while preserving Knox County as a safe, family-friendly place to live, work, and raise children.
William Cooper: I’m running because District 7 deserves a commissioner who listens, shows up, and puts people first. Too many decisions are made without considering how they affect everyday families — from infrastructure to schools to development. I’m not a politician and I’m not looking for a steppingstone to the next job. I have zero political ambition outside of doing the will of the good people of Knox County and make sure this is a great place to raise my now 6 year old daughter. I am going into this with eyes wide open to what will be asked of me. My Grandfather W.C. Cooper held this office in Hawkins County, Tn for 25 years and then my grandmother 2 terms after him. I’ve seen it up close in more bipartisan times and that is where we need to get to again as a society. Over the next years, my vision is a Knox County where growth benefits the people who already live here. I want safer roads, stronger schools, more transparency in government, and a community where working families can thrive. I want to look back and say I did things to help family’s everyday lives. I wouldn’t want my crowning achievement to be backing a symbolic school holiday for a tragically killed podcaster. As terrible as that was, I can’t imagine how that time spent helped struggling families. My goal is simple: to make local government work for the people, not the other way around. I would be elected to do what the people of Knox want, not follow the agenda of any national party.
Justin Mash: My motivation for running for Knox County Commission is not only my family, but every family living in District 7. Throughout the generations, District 7 has been good—but it is time to be the best. I am five generations deep in this community, and I have seen those who came before me fade from memory, along with their contributions to our neighborhoods and the strong sense of community that District 7 once had. I remember when phrases like “Halls has it” and “Powell is the Place” were spoken with pride, opportunity, and a deep connection to our community. I want to bring that pride and purpose back. Within the next five years, my primary focus is District 7 because that is who I am serving first. I envision our district thriving and stronger than ever before. My goal is to rebuild North Knox County into the best place to work, live, and raise a family.
What strategies do you propose for increasing revenue without raising taxes?
DISTRICT 3
Brandon Huckaby: County government has three levers to increase revenue and balance our budget: Cut expenditures, increase taxes, or grow the economy. I want to focus on the latter, because that’s what’s best for every resident. Growing the economy increases revenue and helps pay for the things that really matter. We can do that by cutting red tape and streamlining permitting, because faster timelines mean more jobs and projects breaking ground. I’d also propose building infrastructure that pays for itself: Better roads and utilities along our corridors, done right, can increase property values and economic activity without new taxes. And that benefits every resident.
Gina Oster: At this point we are in the middle of the budget season. We are running on a very lean budget this year as we were last year. As we move forward and the property assessments are moving from 4 years to 2 years it will give us an idea of where we are financially and how we can move forward. I am a fiscal conservative and of course tax increases are the last option, but we are millions of dollars behind on much needed infrastructure and we have a lot of debt coming due. I will always be responsible with my constituents’ money.
Sheri Super: I am committed to defending every taxpayer dollar with rigorous oversight of all county funds and federal grants to eliminate waste and fraud. By stopping unnecessary spending on non-citizens, illegal immigration support, or radical LGBTQ agendas, we can redirect resources to essential local needs without burdening families with higher taxes. Additionally, I’ll promote economic growth through pro-business policies that attract jobs and investment to Knox County, fostering a thriving economy that naturally boosts revenue through expanded opportunities while keeping government limited and accountable.
DISTRICT 7:
Barry Beeler: I am committed to fiscal responsibility and fighting for low taxes. To increase revenue without raising taxes, I propose attracting new businesses and economic development to Knox County through streamlined regulations and incentives that promote job growth. Additionally, we can focus on eliminating wasteful spending, improving government efficiency, and cut inappropriate uses of taxpayer money that funds liberal agendas.
Buddy Burkhardt: We must ensure we are collecting the taxes that are already owed and that all entities are taxed fairly and appropriately. In addition, we should continue fostering a welcoming, business-friendly environment that encourages companies to grow and invest in Knox County. As our community grows, businesses grow with it. When people feel safe and supported in their community, they are more likely to shop locally and support those businesses. That natural economic activity helps expand the tax base and increase revenue—without raising tax rates on families.
William Cooper: Raising taxes should always be the last resort. Knox County has opportunities to increase revenue through smarter management and better partnerships: .•Attracting new businesses — especially small and mid‑sized employers — grows our tax base without raising rates. • Improving efficiency in county departments can reduce waste and free up funds for essential services. • Pursuing grants for infrastructure, public safety, and community programs brings in outside dollars we’re currently leaving on the table. • Encouraging responsible development increases long‑term revenue without burdening residents. • Tax Increment Financing. We can use growth to our advantage. The County gets paid, creates construction jobs, then service jobs. Then more business driven revenue than what the property will create sitting there blighted. I believe my 25 years of small business dollar stretching has given me the insight to look for inventive ways to get things done. We can strengthen our budget by being strategic, not by asking families to pay more. Plus, I must say I do get a unique insight into how local money is spent and sometimes wasted from listening to my wife of 22 years. Her 15 years plus of nonprofit work, with domestic violence, anti-human trafficking, homeless and struggling families has opened my eyes to all kinds of situations and common solutions. She has always been an asset.
Justin Mash: Tourism continues to deliver one of the highest return per public dollar in Knox County, making it one of our most effective economic development growth tools. With our close connection to the most visited National Park in the country, we can work to develop Knox County into a tourism destination. In addition, we should examine existing programs and consider new organizations and initiatives that can amplify the impact of every tourism dollar.
How do you plan to improve local infrastructure, such as roads and public transportation?
DISTRICT 3
Brandon Huckaby: Knox County currently takes a reactive approach: Fix things only after a problem arises. I’d propose a proactive approach that includes road paving cycles and performance-based budgeting. How does any given infrastructure project improve mobility and what return does it generate in economic activity? That’s how we stretch local dollars and have so many needed projects, that benefit everybody, pay for themselves.
Gina Oster: I believe the new I-40 corridor expansion will be a huge improvement to move traffic along. We work closely with our state legislators on state road improvements. On our local infrastructure I believe we can get creative on how to move our traffic along as roundabouts, red light timing and widening on roads that qualify.
Sheri Super: Safe roads are a top priority for me—as a community leader, I’ve advocated for infrastructure that protects our families and supports daily life in West Knox. I’ll push for targeted investments in road repairs and maintenance, ensuring that high-traffic areas like those in Amherst, Ball Camp, and Cedar Bluff are prioritized to reduce accidents and improve flow. We need to focus on improving infrastructure and road safety, all while maintaining fiscal responsibility to avoid any tax increases.
DISTRICT 7:
Barry Beeler: As a safety and industrial hygiene professional with 27 years of experience, I understand the importance of reliable infrastructure for our community’s health and prosperity. My plan includes prioritizing fiscally responsible investments in road repairs and maintenance, advocating for targeted funding from state sources, and cutting nonessentials expenses that do not fund roads, public safety, or strong schools.
Buddy Burkhardt: It has been discussed that Knox County may have as much as $500 million in infrastructure needs. While I have not personally verified that number, anyone who drives our roads or sees the strain on utilities can recognize that the need is significant. Without raising taxes, and depending on revenue growth from the business sector, I believe we must take a hard, honest look at the county budget. We need to identify opportunities to reallocate funds toward critical infrastructure improvements without significantly impacting county operations. This will require thoughtful prioritization, accountability, and long-term planning.
William Cooper: Infrastructure is one of the most basic responsibilities of county government, and District 7 has been overlooked for too long. I support a priority‑based approach that focuses on safety, traffic flow, and long‑term planning. That means: • Fixing dangerous intersections and repairing aging roads • Coordinating with state and regional partners to secure transportation funding • Expanding public transit options where possible, especially for seniors, workers, and students. KAT needs to go further into the county • Ensuring new developments pay their fair share for the infrastructure they require. I also think we need to work with the school board and find the funds to get Driver’s Ed back in schools. Too many kids are hitting the road with little knowledge of basic road rules and laws. Good infrastructure isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety, economic opportunity, and quality of life.
Justin Mash: Our infrastructure needs to be a top priority. My goal for District 7 is to move the roads in this community up on the priority list of Knox County. I will work closely with county engineering to ensure our roads are maintained, potholes are repaired promptly, and traffic planning reduces congestion to enhance our quality of life. I will also encourage public-private partnerships to ensure our schools receive the funding they need to succeed and to invest in our parks and outdoor spaces. District 7 deserves better planning. We must prioritize roads, schools, emergency services, and utilities to support a safe, family-first community.
What are your views on housing development, and how will you balance growth with community needs?
DISTRICT 3
Brandon Huckaby: The debate isn’t about whether growth is good or bad. It is happening regardless of what we think, and we must strategically choose how we want our community to look and what new types of housing we need to allow to keep our community affordable. Unchecked growth with mega mansions sprawling into our rural communities is not the answer. I support allowing housing types that working families and seniors can actually afford, particularly in planned growth areas closer into our urban core and along our corridors.
Gina Oster: I do know as a realtor we have a shortage of homes. I do think that our new Advance Knox and UDO has been a huge help as we navigate land use, and zoning rules. We have not had a land use plan or zoning updates for almost 30 years. With the new plan it shows us where constituents told us they want the growth which is around our major corridors and keeps sprawl from our rural areas. My goal is keeping our families and kids in Knox County. If we raise and educate our kids here and they want to stay in Knox County we should make sure that can happen.
Sheri Super: I strongly oppose reckless high-density development that erodes our property values, overcrowds schools, and threatens the quality of life in our cherished neighborhoods. Growth must be managed responsibly to protect what makes Knox County special—our family-oriented communities and conservative values. I’ll balance this by advocating for smart planning that prioritizes single-family homes and low-impact projects, involving residents in zoning decisions to ensure development aligns with community needs rather than developer profits. This way, we can grow sustainably while safeguarding our way of life.
DISTRICT 7:
Barry Beeler: I support responsible, conservative housing development that aligns with our traditional East Tennessee values and limited government principles. Growth is important for our economy, but it must be balanced with the needs of existing communities by ensuring developments respect local zoning and include input from residents. I’ll advocate for policies that encourage affordable home ownership for families while avoiding overregulation.
Buddy Burkhardt: I’ve been told there is currently a supply of available housing, but with the projected growth of Knox County, we will absolutely need more. Growth is inevitable—but how we manage it matters. We must be thoughtful and responsible in how development occurs. That means considering traffic flow, available utilities, and school capacity before approving large-scale projects. There is no easy answer, but with careful planning and due diligence, we can support growth without destroying the character and quality of life that make our community special.
William Cooper: Growth is coming to Knox County whether we plan for it or not. The question is whether that growth works for our community or against it. I support responsible, well‑planned development that: • Protects existing neighborhoods • Ensures new housing is affordable for working families • Requires developers to contribute to infrastructure, schools, and public safety • Preserves green space and prevents overcrowding. We can welcome growth while protecting the character of District 7 — but only if we plan ahead and put community needs first. We don’t want to turn down new tax dollars, but we need to control the speed of growth.
Justin Mash: We need to prioritize the needs of our existing communities, and carefully evaluate developments that have already been approved. Any growth we allow should benefit the community. Growth that does not strengthen our neighborhoods is not beneficial. When development creates problems rather than opportunities for communities, the community must come first. We must be strategic and intentional in our planning to ensure that growth brings opportunities not challenges and enhances the quality of life for all the families and individuals in District 7.
How do you plan to involve residents in decision-making processes?
DISTRICT 3
Brandon Huckaby: Local government works best when it feels accessible, not distant. I plan to hold regular town halls, small listening sessions, and provide clear updates before major votes — not after. Residents deserve to understand what’s being proposed, what it costs, and what it means long term. I’ll also continue to build ongoing relationships with neighborhood leaders, small businesses, and community groups to ensure continuous input. I will maintain a strong social media presence to keep constituents informed and to hear their feedback in real time. Public engagement shouldn’t be a formality. It should shape the outcome
Gina Oster: I have hosted 13 community meetings in the last three and a half years. I work with my constituents on developments coming to district 3, business coming to district 3. I set up informational meetings with residents and developers to come to a plan that can work for everyone. I will continue those meetings in my next term. Communication is key for constituents to know the issues in our district and gives me the opportunity to hear their thoughts and concerns. I am available to my entire district by phone and email and I return calls or emails quickly to get issues taken care of for my constituents. I also stay very connected to my neighborhoods as I am in their neighborhood groups to share information with all the neighbors.
Sheri Super: Transparency and resident involvement are at the heart of my approach, drawing from my experience with Moms for Liberty where I’ve empowered hundreds of parents to engage in school policy and hold leaders accountable. As commissioner, I’ll extend this by hosting regular town halls, creating advisory committees for key issues like infrastructure and growth, and ensuring open access to commission meetings with ample time for public input. I’ll amplify voices from all corners of District 3, fostering a government that truly listens and responds to taxpayers, not special interests
DISTRICT 7:
Barry Beeler: As someone deeply vested in the Knox County community—through my church ministries at Calvary Knoxville and support for local schools through groups like the Halls Wrestling team, Madrigals and Fellowship of Christian Athletes—I believe in direct engagement with residents. I plan to hold regular town hall meetings, maintain an open-door policy for constituent feedback, and use community forums to ensure residents’ voices are heard in commission decisions, fostering transparency and accountability.
Buddy Burkhardt: Just last week, I attended three breakfasts, a lunch, a ribbon cutting, and an evening meeting across Knox County. This week includes two evening meetings, a breakfast, and the County Commission meeting. Showing up matters. I believe in listening—to citizens, to speakers on important issues, and to the ideas and concerns of people throughout the county. When possible, I will carry those concerns forward and work with others in local government to find solutions that benefit the community as a whole. While I will represent District 7 to the best of my ability, most votes on County Commission impact the entire county. That means I have a responsibility to listen to voices across Knox County so I can cast informed, thoughtful votes that help grow and protect this wonderful place we call home.
William Cooper: People deserve a real voice in the decisions that affect their daily lives. As commissioner, I will: • Hold regular town halls and listening sessions • Share information early — not after decisions are already made • Create clear, accessible channels for residents to give feedback. Like interactive social media polls and suggestion forums • Work with neighborhood groups, schools, and local organizations to understand concerns. I want to hear what. Transparency and communication aren’t optional — they’re essential. I want residents to feel heard, respected, and included in shaping the future of District 7. I won’t be afraid to say,” I don’t know”. But I will do the work to find out. Having an answer for everything is just an excuse not to do the work. People are tired of politicians always telling them they know that they have the answers when they don’t. I’m not running to serve myself interest, a party agenda or one section of our population. I’m here to serve every single man, woman and child of Knox County. We are all in this together and together is how we get things done.
Justin Mash: Too often now a days, people have lost the ability to sit down and talk. I feel it is important to bring people to the table with love and respect. I want to start a monthly or every other month District 7 town hall meeting depending on the needs of the community. This will give the community a chance to voice their concerns and help District 7 face problems and issues together as one.
County Commission candidates for Districts 10 and 11 will be covered next Monday.
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