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This was not a casual decision. It is something I have prayerfully and thoughtfully considered for quite some time. County Commission is a part-time office with full-time responsibilities. I am retired and have the energy and time to serve the people of the 7th District. I will be prepared to work, present for my duties, and available to the citizens of this community.
I have been involved in the political process for over 30 years, starting with grassroots campaigns. I served as Vice Chairman of the Republican Party once and Chairman of the Party three times. I also worked in and with Knox County government during my 29 years with the Knox County Sheriff's Office. I understand the system and the constraints that come with it.
The core responsibility of a County Commissioner is being available to the people and working on their needs and concerns. I see the budget and its process as the most important responsibility. We must live within our budget while prioritizing the infrastructure, security, and schools that serve the residents of my district and all of Knox County. There are 29 committees and boards that the Commission serves on, and each one has specific tasks to ensure Knox County is safe and operates efficiently.
I will be a good listener. My entire working career involved providing service to customers at many levels, which has prepared me to listen to the people, understand what they want and need, and address those concerns in the best way possible.
I believe in working efficiently—working smarter, not harder. When providing service, I have found that if tasks or jobs can be combined and completed more efficiently, everyone wins.
Infrastructure: We must have safe and well-maintained roads. I would like to work with my fellow commissioners to find better ways to maintain our streets.
Safety of Citizens: Strong and properly funded law enforcement is key to keeping our communities safe for our families and visitors.
Schools: Knox County still has several school buildings that are old and expensive to maintain. District 7, in the Powell community, has one of those schools—Powell Elementary. At a recent School Board meeting, those present were told that a new school could still be 10 years away. We need to ask whether there is a better way to address this issue.
These seem to be the top concerns, but there are many more issues that fall under these three.
My name is Buddy Burkhardt, and I am a lifelong resident of Knox County. I am retired from the U.S. Navy and Naval Reserve, and I am also retired from the Knox County Sheriff's Office. I have dedicated 50 years of service to this county and our country. I now have the time, energy, and desire to continue serving the people of District 7 and Knox County as a whole. I will be prepared, present, and available in service to my fellow citizens.
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