Early voting starts in two weeks (Aug. 11-26) for five seats (a majority) on Knoxville City Council. Election day is Tuesday, Aug. 31. The top two vote-getters from each district will move on to a citywide vote on Nov. 2.
We have polled the candidates on three issues, asking for a one-word answer but allowing a more detailed response. Today, we will share their answers on the second question, following with the final one next week.
Question: Should the city of Knoxville contribute $$ toward construction of a downtown baseball stadium?
Tommy Smith (District 1 incumbent): To be determined. The three criteria I think are most important are as follows: 1. Do the residents and small businesses directly surrounding the area want the project? 2. How much is the city asked to contribute and how does that relate to overall benefit? 3. What happens when baseball ends?
Elizabeth Murphy (District 1): I’m completely in support of economic growth opportunities for our city. That said, anytime taxpayer money is involved I want to make sure there is full transparency. As the stadium project continues to develop, I intend to continue to look at the proposed agreement and if it seems in the best interest of the taxpayer, it will have my full support.
Andrew Roberto (District 2 incumbent): Yes, I am generally supportive of the measure to bring a multi-use stadium to Knoxville. We have all witnessed the resurgence of our downtown to become the vibrant economic engine we see today. Before voting on the proposal, I will study the results of the economic impact study and request specific information on how the stadium will be a positive neighbor.
Kim Smith (District 2): The potential economic development is exciting news for our city with many potential benefits. I am awaiting the final details of the proposed agreement to be released to consider this further. We need to be sure that there are protections for the taxpayer and that accountability and transparency is in place for the public.
Seema Singh (District 3 incumbent): I have had several conversations with Randy Boyd where I have stated that this development could be an opportunity to provide living wages and affordable housing as part of the adjacent development, similar to what happened with Nashville’s stadium project. However, no local entity has so far stepped up to request these community benefits from the developer. The deal can still benefit the city from a revenue standpoint, as well as providing a new venue that our community and visitors can enjoy.
Nick Ciparro (District 3): The only way the city should be contributing is if it is reciprocal in benefit to the city.
Lauren Rider (District 4 incumbent): Waiting to see the breakdown, but it needs to be team rent + taxes from within the stadium and I believe the state is funding a portion. There needs to be a cap on overages. There is a lot to be analyzed for a yes/no answer.
Jim Klonaris (District 4): I support encouragement for more economic growth and I’m excited to see our city grow and flourish. This is the best way to drive more tax revenue into the system and the potential economic development and outlook I find exciting. However, anytime taxpayer money is being considered I feel we need to make sure there is full transparency and accountability. As this project continues to unfold, I look forward to reviewing final details of the proposed agreement and hope that it has the best interest of both taxpayers and our community in mind.
Jen McMahon (District 4) No. Taxpayer dollars shouldn’t be used to fund a millionaire’s personal project.
Gwen McKenzie (District 6 incumbent): Yes. The city should contribute money to a downtown baseball stadium. Investment in this blighted property which was “Lays Packing” is key to sustained economic development and growth in East Knoxville.
Garrett Holt (District 6): First and foremost, I am supportive of smart development within the city. I think that the proposed multi-use stadium stands to be one of the most transformative projects that Knoxville has ever seen. Right now, that property is adding very little value to our economy. The stadium, along with all the additional developments, businesses and jobs that come with it, could add an immense amount of value to our local economy. With that being said, if taxpayer dollars are going to be used to help fund the stadium, then we need to ensure that the return is worth the public expenditure. More finalized details will need to be released to see if that is the case or not.
No response: David Hayes (District 1) and Deidra Harper (District 6).
Last week’s answers. Are you fully vaccinated for Covid-19?
Next week: Should funding for KPD be: Increased? Decreased? Redirected to include a social services component?
Wondering?
- Does anyone else see irony in the Ford Motor Co. (which makes a mighty fine car) launching an education initiative? After all, founder Henry Ford’s contribution to the auto industry was the assembly line mode of production and this quote: Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it is black.
- A simple proposal: Why not convene a committee to decide what people need to know to earn a high school diploma. Then hand students a list as they leave 8th grade. As soon as everything on the list is checked, each individual can move on.
- That’s what I did, unofficially. After three years of high school, I simply enrolled at UT with the notation “transcript pending” on the line that asked about high school. I was all about personal freedom and individualism before it became a pack of folks raging about the freedom to reject a simple mask or vaccine to stop a pandemic.
Sandra Clark is editor/CEO of Knox TN Today.