Mayoral candidates quizzed at LWV forum

By Mike Steely

Senior Writer

steelym@knoxfocus.com

The League of Women Voters hosted a forum for the candidates for Knoxville Mayor Tuesday at the Public Works building. The four candidates spoke briefly and then answered several questions in a mostly civil but animated gathering moderated by Jesse Fox Mayshark.

The candidates will meet again in a LWV forum today at West High School at 6:30 p.m.

Appearing were Indya Kincannon, Constance Every, R.C. Lawhorn and Jeff Talman. Questions touched on issues such as crime and safety, the proposed Alternative Response Task Force, development, rising rent prices, and dealing with the LGBTQ community.

The four were seated behind a table facing the crowd and Constance Every stood each time to give her replies, twice calling out incumbent Mayor Indya Kincannon on issues. Mayshark gave the mayor 30 seconds to respond but Kincannon did not reply to Every’s remarks

 

KAT and Trolley Service

Notable in the questions was one dealing with changes within the  “KAT Reimagined.” Kincannon talked about the progress in switching to electric buses. Every said the trolley system should remain in service, especially in South Knoxville and along Broadway.

Lawhorn said he supports keeping the trolley buses and building a new bus station, plus he suggested holding off on buying more electric buses until the cost of those vehicles comes down.

Talman said that visitors to Knoxville like the trolley system and use it, but were never asked for suggestions. He also wondered why a rider survey included the percentage of Black passengers in its results and said a survey should be based on need.

 

Police Transparency

When asked about transparency and the Knoxville Police Department, Lawhorn called for a “certified auditor” for the department. Talman mentioned the hiring of the police chief and said the city didn’t need an outside search firm.

Every said there should have been a “public vetting” and called Chief Paul Noel’s hiring “unethical.” She said the police department is corrupt.

Kincannon defended hiring Noel and the outside search consultant and called the process “the most public process ever.”

 

Knoxville College

When asked about the future of Knoxville College,  Talman said, “I don’t have a plan” but said there is an opportunity for development of the 40-acre campus. KIncannon said the city will work to “find a path forward” and said the state is being asked for an investment there.

Lawhorn said state grants should be sought by working with the state legislature and suggested a Go Fund Me campaign. Every said the city should work with the state and “apply for that money.”

 

The Homeless Problem

Mayor Kincannon said she is “real proud of our effort.” Lawhorn said “one location” is needed to treat the homeless and that more affordable housing, including “tiny houses” would help.

Talman said a mental health facility is needed and added the city “has nothing we can be proud of” in dealing with the homeless. Every said shelter is needed and mentioned many surplus properties that could be used.

 

The Missing Middle

All of the candidates responded to the need for homes and apartments for middle-income families. Lawhorn said that a “Zero Lot” policy that allows more homes on one lot is needed and also mentioned using container homes for housing the homeless.

Talman said he sees opportunities around the city for building more housing. Every said Recode “allowed the butchering of our housing.” She pointed to the cost of the new multi-use stadium as money that could have been spent on housing.

Kincannon, who said she lives in a duplex, touted the city’s effort and said a recommendation will be before the council before the end of the year.

 

LGBTQ

Asked about a city policy for the LGBTQ community, Talman said that law enforcement should be committed to protecting them and all people in the community. Every mentioned the diversity of the city and Kincannon said she has stood up for love. She mentioned the city now has an LGBTQ liaison.

Lawhorn said the city needs a “better understanding” of that community and a “respect for people’s rights.”