District 3 city council candidates answer Focus questions
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
Four candidates are running to replace Seema Singh in Knoxville’s District 3. The Knoxville Focus asked each candidate four questions. Two winners will emerge from the August primary and face off in the November 4 general election. Their emailed responses are posted verbatim below and listed in the order received.
What qualifies you to seek the office?
Ivan Harmon: It takes 25 register voters in the district to get your name added to the August primary ballet. I have 12 years experience serving on the city council of Knoxville. I worked 8 years in the city of Knoxville engineering department Stormwater division. I understand the city’s operation. And I love the city.
Nicholas Ciparro: I was asked to represent the district by a large majority and know the district well. I also predicted the issues that have come up and had the solutions years ago. I hope that makes me qualified.
Frank Ramey: I’m a small business owner, real estate investor, and lifelong East Tennessean who knows how to get things done without excuses. I’ve spent my career solving problems, managing budgets, and listening to people; the same skills we need more of at City Hall. I believe in common-sense leadership focused on safe neighborhoods, responsible growth, and keeping our city clean and livable.
Doug Lloyd: I have been a business owner for 43 years, I know the responsibility’s of making payroll, and how to set and stick to a budget. How to deal with clients and the more challenging aspects of dealing with employees. Many of our clients, I started with their parent or grandparents, so in some cases we are into third generation customers.
I Spent the last 4 years on the Knox County, Board of Zoning Appeals. I have found it very fulfilling to help properties owner navigate the system. Often time is something simple, like setbacks for an addition, but it’s not simple to them, to a homeowner it can be overwhelming. On the ZBA we are there to add the human touch. If it’s at all logical, I do my best to make the right decision and to help them make their dreams come true.
What is the district’s largest problem?
Harmon: The 3rd district has a lot of traffic issues, traffic calming and Stormwater issues of keeping the Stormwater out of the streets, some homeless issue plus several more issue needs attention.
Ciparro: The district is facing issues where large developments are being shoehorned into places that do not have the infrastructure to support them. As well as getting taxed with zero representation.
Ramey: One of the biggest challenges for District 3 is managing growth while protecting what makes our neighborhoods special. We need more housing options that people can actually afford, but we also have to invest in infrastructure, keep our streets clean, and make sure new development fits the community.
Lloyd: I have spent the last few months, knocking on doors, meeting with my friends and neighbors in the 3rd district. I have listened to their thoughts, you would be surprised at how much alike their stories are.
Mostly I hear, cut spending on nonessentials and reduce taxes, especially from the retirees on fixed income.
The people are concerned about crime and the homeless camps in there neighborhoods. Several have asked why doesn’t the Mayor doesn’t want to cooperate with Immigration. We need to focus on public safety, but in a logical fashion. Spending hundreds of thousands a year on horses for the police department, probably isn’t the answer most folks are looking for.
Homeless is another tuff question, We are not going to solve Homelessness unless we look at the root causes. We need serious people to address the issue
Make a statement about the outgoing city council person.
Harmon: Singh did a pretty good job.
Ciparro: I can’t say anything I haven’t said before about her, because she clearly had no interest in representing our district. Thankfully, she’s termed out.
Ramey: Councilwoman Seema Singh has worked hard to serve this district, and I appreciate her dedication. I look forward to building on what’s worked and bringing a fresh, practical perspective to the issues that matter most to our neighbor.
Lloyd: I don’t think our current City Council Person is in touch with the people, several of the constituents that I have spoken with say she is unavailable or will not respond to calls.
I want to be a honest voice for the people. I want to support the items that make sense and oppose the ones that don’t.
Do you support the sales tax increase referendum on the November ballot?
Harmon: I don’t support any tax increase of any kind but I do appreciate the council voted to let the people vote. And if it passes in November I will be voting no.
Ciparro: Absolutely not. Why should we get taxed for the mayor’s pet projects?
Ramey: I’m still talking with voters to hear their thoughts, but I appreciate what the half-cent increase could deliver: safer streets, more sidewalks, and needed housing. I understand concerns that, once the projects are done, the tax could just divert to the general fund. If it passes, I’ll push for full transparency and tracking so taxpayers know where every dollar goes. And if I’m elected, I’ll work to bring the referendum back to voters once the proposed projects are completed, so our voters can decide if we keep or remove the increase.
Lloyd: I am completely opposed to the 1/2% sales tax increase. I believe we can find the funds required for improvements if we cut unnecessary spending.
