State Rep. Harry Brooks had about 120 people in for a baloney and barbecue dinner at the Corryton Community Center on Thursday evening. Brooks is retiring from the state legislature and he introduced a colleague who is also retiring: House Speaker Beth Harwell. Harwell is running for governor. Then county commissioner Dave Wright, heavily favored to replace Brooks in the East Knox County legislative seat, introduced Republican nominee for Knox County mayor, Glenn Jacobs.
Jacobs, who was wearing an orthopedic boot on his foot and lower leg, said he wishes he had a cool story about the injury, like being at the beach and saving a child from a shark. But he said he strained his Achilles tendon knocking on doors during the Republican primary.
Both Republicans stressed keeping taxes low. Harwell talked about taxes eliminated during her tenure – the gift tax, the inheritance tax, the Hall Income Tax. Jacobs stressed the need for pro-growth policies for Knox County so that additional revenue can cover future expenses without tax increases.
In answer to a question, Jacobs said he would favor pro-growth appointments to the Metropolitan Planning Commission. He said the city is involved in redevelopment but the county’s goal is more development and growth and that makes for different goals for MPC to consider.
He also said local government should look at tax increment financing and possibly shorten the terms. He said the county is trying to sell the Andrew Johnson building to get it back on the tax rolls, but if you forgive the taxes what have you gained?
(Information provided by reliable source.)