District 6 candidates answer Focus questions
By Mike Steely
Senior Writer
steelym@knoxfocus.com
Knoxville’s sixth district has the most candidates with five people seeking to replace Gwen McKenzie.
The candidates include Charles Frazier, Denzel Grant, Stan Johnson, George “Cat Dad” Raudenbush and Lawrence (Man) Williams Jr.
The Knoxville Focus asked each candidate four questions and here are the verbatim replies, listed in the order received:
What qualifies you to seek the office?
George “Cat Dad” Raudenbush: Qualifications do not guarantee competent leadership; they only establish boundary’s to narrow a selection process. Real leadership requires integrity, honesty, problem solving and management skills from an individual that is patient, persistent and determined to prevail in any given situation. There is no substitute for experience and the wisdom that comes with that experience. The people can decide if I am qualified at www.electcatdad.site
Lawrence (Man) Williams: I’m born and raised in East Knoxville. I have been doing a lot of work in the community since 2010. So I’m a servant for the people and we need someone who will stand with the people and not sell the people out. I’m very passionate for our community.
Charles Frazier: I’m running because I truly love our community and want to see the 6th District become a cleaner, safer, and more vibrant place. I remember when our district buzzed with business and civic activity, and I believe we can get back to that. This district serves a diverse population, and I’m committed to listening to the concerns of all its residents.
Denzel Grant: As a father, a veteran, and the Executive Director of Turn Up Knox, I’ve spent my life serving—on the frontlines serving my country & in the community. I’m running for office because I believe leadership means showing up, standing up, and lifting others up. For the last 3 years I’ve been with people at their lowest points. Loosing loved ones to senseless violence. Losing their homes and/or jobs to our current economic climate. It’s time for bold, committed leadership that truly reflects the people. I’m ready to turn passion into policy, and service into lasting change.
Stan Johnson: I’m qualified because 8 years of metropolitan planning commissioner where I recommended land usage and zoning of property to city Council and County commission. I bring real life experience, community trust, and a results-driven mindset. For years, I’ve been on the front lines mentoring youth, helping people find jobs, advocating for affordable housing, and building up our neighborhoods from the ground up. I understand both the challenges and the potential of District 6, because I’ve lived them. I’m not coming in to learn the community, I’ve been serving it. Now I’m ready to bring that service to City Hall, with a plan that puts people over politics.
What is the district’s largest problem?
Raudenbush: Lack of competent leadership and widespread corruption in the City of Knoxville, these two go hand in hand. See the evidence at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-Wif580YFU
Williams: I believe it’s housing. I never thought I would see the day when people who been living in the 6 district especially in east Knoxville and Mechanicsville can’t afford to live there anymore because the property taxes are so high. And plus people who have been renting their homes for years now are been forced to move out because their landlords are selling their homes behind their backs.
Frazier: My leadership training from CAC Leadership and my service on the board of the Helen Ross McNabb Center have given me a deep understanding of our community’s challenges, especially regarding homelessness and mental illness. I learned firsthand that a significant portion of our homeless population struggles with mental health issues. That’s why I’ll advocate to the State of Tennessee, directly with the Governor, Speaker of the House, and our representatives, for a local institution similar to Lakeshore to address mental health needs. It’s unacceptable that the closest facility for those with mental disabilities is currently in Chattanooga, and we must fix this.
As a former business person in a vibrant Burlington community, I understand the critical role small businesses play. They are the backbone of America, providing jobs and a better quality of life. I will champion policies that support businesses, ensuring every citizen in the city and the 6th District has opportunities for prosperity. Affordable housing is another pressing issue in the 6th District and across Knoxville. We need innovative solutions. While high interest rates certainly pose a challenge for homeownership, I’m committed to finding ways to create opportunities for everyone to own a home and secure affordable housing.
Grant: It’s division & lack of inclusion. District 6 is one of the most diverse places in our city but instead of being embraced as a strength, that diversity has too often led to division. Neighborhoods like Marble City, Sutherland Avenue, Mechanicsville, and East Knoxville each have unique voices, but many feel unheard and left behind. The lack of real investment—not charity, but equity has deepened that disconnect.
Johnson: The biggest problem in District 6 is displacement and economic inequality. Our people are being priced out of their homes, overlooked in development, and left behind in job opportunities. We’re seeing growth all around us, but not enough of that growth is benefiting the people who’ve been here the longest. The solution starts with bold housing policies, real workforce investment, and youth opportunity programs that ensure we don’t just survive—we thrive.
Make a statement about the outgoing city council person.
Raudenbush: When Gwen McKinsey my representative of the 6th district did not return my calls and e-mail inquiries about series issues, I contacted other city district representatives. Only one representative responded to my call, that representative was Amelia Parker in seat C at Large. I am very disappointed that city representatives knowingly and intentionally violate their oath to office with no care or concern after contractually accepting a salary from the tax payers in which they are knowingly in breach of contract. Voting is not a spectator sport, It should be conducted scientifically and diligently researched for positive test results.
Williams: I believe that the outgoing city council person did some good things. However I believe that there could’ve been more done for the inner city community as a whole. Yeah the baseball field was great but not even a block up from the Smokies field you have people who are in survival mode who can barely paid their bills. We can’t say that the 6 district is flourishing if the whole district not flourishing. We have to think about the less fortunate as well. The rich can’t keep getting richer and the poor keeps getting poorer.
Frazier: Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie has undoubtedly left a significant mark on the Knoxville City Council, serving the 6th District since 2017.Her tenure is highlighted by a blend of pioneering leadership, strong community advocacy, and a deep commitment to public safety and vulnerable populations.
Councilwoman McKenzie broke barriers as the first African American woman to serve on the Knoxville City Council and the first woman to represent the 6th District. Her influence extended further when she served as the first African American woman Vice Mayor of Knoxville from 2019 to 2021, solidifying her place in the city’s political history. She spearheaded the African American Equity Restoration Resolution. This significant initiative offered an apology for past urban renewal practices and set an ambitious 10-year, $100 million goal to address historical disparities and improve economic conditions and living standards for Knoxville’s African American population.
Her commitment to public safety is evident in her successful championing of a Gun Show Resolution, which effectively banned gun shows from all city-owned facilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she demonstrated her dedication to public health by co-founding the Faith Leaders Initiative, ensuring accurate information, testing, and vaccine access for communities, especially in underserved areas. Furthermore, her role as executive director for Legacy Housing Foundation underscores her ongoing efforts to provide essential support to seniors, persons with disabilities, and families in affordable housing.
Grant: I would extend my sincere gratitude to Gwen McKenzie for her historic leadership as the first African American woman elected to represent District 6 and for her service as Vice Mayor. I especially commend her leadership on the $100 million African American Equity Restoration commitment. It’s definitely a necessary step toward justice for communities long overlooked. Her leadership has been important but it’s time we have leadership that is both bold and inclusive leadership that can listen to every neighborhood and can deliver more real & lasting investment throughout the entire District. It’s time for an intergenerational leader that can bring our elders wisdom & our youth’s vision & energy together.
Johnson: I want to thank Councilwoman Gwen McKenzie for her years of dedicated service. As the first African American woman elected to represent District 6, she made history and she opened doors. Her work on youth programming, community development, and public safety laid a foundation. I honor that legacy and look forward to building upon it, with renewed energy, broader community engagement, and a deeper push for inclusive progress.
Do you support the sales tax increase referendum on the November ballot?
Raudenbush: No. The Citizens of Knoxville do not need another tax or tax increase, it’s obvious The City of Knoxville needs new leadership that can properly and efficiently manage the Citizens taxpayer’s dollars. “A good investment should always have a good return”. The Citizens have invested; however, they are not getting a good return for their tax dollar investment.
Williams: I don’t support the sales tax because a lot of people that live in district 6 is already struggling to pay their bills. Now for some people it won’t bother them because they may be in a good place financially but for most it will definitely have a major impact on them. I apologize for getting back with you so late. I haven’t been feeling good nor has my wife. You have a blessed day.
Frazier: I do not support a tax increase, especially after the 3% property tax hike in 2023. Knoxville, like much of America, is dominated by the Baby Boomer generation, and we need to be mindful of their financial burdens. Our city’s budget, over $477 million, can be managed more efficiently. I look forward to working with other council members to streamline our budget and eliminate wasteful spending. For example, the city recently approved nearly $1 million for a “balance prevention program” with an out-of-state company. This is ridiculous, and I stand with Councilperson Parker in opposing such expenditures. That money could have been far better spent directly in our community, perhaps in areas like Park Ridge, to support local businesses or provide crucial training. More taxes aren’t the answer; cutting waste and prioritizing needs are.
Grant: I am opposed. Over the past few months of knocking doors and listening to residents, one thing has been clear: most people in District 6 are unsure about or outright against the sales tax increase. I haven’t heard strong support for it, and I believe your job as a city council man or woman is reflect the voices of the people we represent. So unless that changes, I’m standing with residents in opposing the tax. Leadership means listening, and that’s exactly what I intend to keep doing.
Johnson: This is something we need the voters to decide.
