Brad Anders made it a three-candidate race for Knox County mayor on Thursday, announcing his candidacy for the May 1, 2018, Republican primary at the Expo Center on Clinton Highway. Anders has represented District 6 (Karns and Hardin Valley areas) on the county commission since 2008. He has been employed by the Knoxville Police Department since 1992 and currently works as a patrol lieutenant and is on the Crisis Negotiation Unit.
He and wife Jennifer have a daughter, Addie, and live in Karns. They are active members of Grace Baptist Church. Anders is a 1991 graduate of Holston High School and received a bachelor’s degree in organizational management from Tusculum College in 2006.
In 2012, he participated in Leadership Knoxville where he became friends with Tim Romero, an executive with Enterprise Holdings. Romero introduced Anders to Thursday’s gathering of friends. “Brad is a visionary who thinks around the corner. He has a passion for service … and always gives 120 percent.”
Anders referred to notes on his cell phone for brief remarks. He said Mayor Tim Burchett has set up Knox County with positive momentum for future growth. He said he cannot fix the prescription drug abuse crisis, but wants to be part of the discussion. He stressed career readiness for students and praised the county’s Career Technical Education program. He pledged increased emphasis on parks to “connect our parks and connect our neighborhoods.”
Brad and Jennifer have a little politician in the making. Addie missed her dad’s big announcement. She had her own room next door where the kids gathered.
Previously announced candidates for county mayor are at-large commissioner Bob Thomas and insurance agency owner Glenn Jacobs.