Oak Ridge Today

Biloski seeks re-election to County Commission

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Robin Biloski

Robin Biloski

Anderson County Commissioner Robin Biloski is seeking re-election to Anderson County Commission in the Aug. 7 election. Biloski represents District 8 in Oak Ridge, which includes the voting precincts of Emory Valley, Hendrix Creek, and Woodland.

During her tenure, Biloski has helped secure and complete energy initiatives for the county that are sustainable and save taxpayer money, a press release said. It said she secured donated funding to repave the county’s offices in Oak Ridge by working with the County Clerk and Trustee to open a drive-through operation and actively supported the expanded and updated Dental Clinic in Oak Ridge, which are all within District 8.

“I feel very positive about my contributions to Anderson County these past eight years, and seeing the expansion at Roane State and the beginnings of the new facility for Emory Valley Center shows the continued growth within District 8,” Biloski said. “Acting as a resource for city/county inquiries is what I most love doing as an elected official. I have always considered myself a professional, independent, and educated voice in my service to all county residents. I humbly and respectfully ask those in District 8 for their vote in the upcoming election.”

Paul Spray is again Biloski’s treasurer for her campaign, the press release said. [Read more…]

Creasey has meet-and-greet Saturday

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Jerry Creasey

Jerry Creasey

Supporters and family of Jerry Creasey, a candidate for re-election to the Anderson County Commission in District 7, have a meet-and-greet on Saturday in Oak Ridge. It’s scheduled from 2-4 p.m. Saturday at 130 Ridgeway Center.

Ridgeway Center is located across the street from the Methodist Medical Center, behind the Security Square Shopping Center. There will be road markers to lead the way, a press release said.

“Jerry is looking forward to meeting you and seeing old friends,” the release said. “This is a free event, and all are welcome. Refreshments will be served.”

Call (865) 483-5845 or (865) 742-4401 or visit www.jerrycreaseyforcountycommission.com for more information.

Auto repair business owner running for Anderson County Commission

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Mike Marsh

Mike Marsh

Michael Marsh is running for Anderson County Commission in District 7 in the Aug. 7 county election. His District 7 voting precincts include Glenwood, Pine Valley, and Highland View.

In a press release, Marsh said the commission has made many contributions during the last 28 years.

“I feel with an open seat in District 7 now is the time to bring fresh ideas and new strategies to our county,” he said in the press release.

Marsh said county officials must work together to reduce taxes and attract new jobs and affordable housing, tourism, and opportunities for small family-run businesses. [Read more…]

No change in Anderson County property tax rate, officials say

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Anderson County Commission in June 2014

The Anderson County Commission is pictured above during its Monday night meeting. (Photo by Sara Wise)

CLINTON—The property tax rate will remain unchanged in Anderson County in the fiscal year that begins July 1, officials said.

Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank and the Budget Committee had both presented a no-tax-increase budget, and on Monday, the Anderson County Commission set the property tax rate for the 2014-2015 fiscal year.

The tax rates for the new fiscal year will stay the same as the rates for the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. Property owners within the city of Clinton will pay $2.50 per $100 of assessed value on their property, Oak Ridge property owners will see a tax rate of $2.347 per $100, and property owners in Lake City, Oliver Springs, Norris and unincorporated areas of Anderson County will pay $2.529 per $100 of assessed value.

While Anderson County Commission voted to approve the tax rate resolution, the legislative body has not yet approved an operating budget for the new fiscal year, the Anderson County Mayor’s Office said in a press release. [Read more…]

County Commission to continue budget discussions July 15

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Anderson County Commission in June 2014

The Anderson County Commission is pictured above during its Monday night meeting. (Photo by Sara Wise)

 

CLINTON—The Anderson County Commission voted on Monday to continue considering the county budget proposed by Mayor Terry Frank. A special meeting for budget review will be held July 15, ahead of that month’s regularly scheduled meeting on July 21.

The budget proposal came to the County Commission after the budget committee’s recommendation to increase the minimum fund balance by $500,000, to $4 million.  That measure would require a supermajority of the County Commission—or 11 of the 16 commissioners—to approve any expenditure that would take the so-called rainy-day fund under the $4 million mark.

Frank said the budget is “not an exciting budget,” as there is little change from the last fiscal year, “but it is a budget that allows the people of Anderson County to keep more of what they’ve earned.” She also asserted that the county government would maintain stability and services through the proposed budget, which balances at $25 million and maintains property tax levels. [Read more…]

Kevin Rice running for Anderson County Commission in District 7

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Kevin Rice

Kevin Rice

Kevin Rice, an Oak Ridge High School graduate, is running for Anderson County Commission in District 7, which includes the Highland View, Glenwood, and Pine Valley precincts, a press release said.

Rice has served on the Anderson County Jail Committee and now serves on the Anderson County Beer Board, the press release said. He also volunteers as a Neighborhood Watch block captain and as a district leader for the Watch Group in the Jackson Square area.

Rice is a member of the Oak Ridge Quarterback Club, Football Boosters, and Oak Ridge Boys and Girls Club Alumni. He is also a member of the Anderson County Underage Drinking Task Force.

Rice said his goal as a commissioner is to cut taxes by recruiting high-tech jobs, small businesses, hotels, and tourism.

“The potential for increased tourism in the county is abundant,” Rice said. “However, added attractions would be beneficial to the city and county in many ways. Our young people, as well as our treasured senior citizens, need a variety of activities to keep Anderson County the best choice to work and live, now and in the future.” [Read more…]

Spotlight: UT designates local official as certified public administrator

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Steve Emert CPA

Anderson County Commissioner Steve Emert of District 3 is pictured at right above. (Submitted photo)

KNOXVILLE—The University of Tennessee has honored Anderson County Commissioner Steve Emert of District 3 as a certified public administrator at a Capstone event at Montgomery Bell State Park on April 11.

To achieve the designation, each of the officials completed 80 credit hours in the County Officials Certificate Training Program, or COCTP. The program is administered by the UT County Technical Assistance Service, or CTAS, and is available to every county employee in the state.

“No other state in the nation provides county employees with such specialized training,” said Bob Wormsley, executive director of CTAS. CTAS is an agency of the statewide UT Institute for Public Service. [Read more…]

Guest column: Tax hike will hurt city’s ability to recruit DOE workers

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The Oak Ridge Schools are requesting a substantial property tax increase to fund items they see as essential to their future.

Yet an Oak Ridge tax hike will markedly reduce our city’s ability to recruit new U.S. Department of Energy workers. According to the latest DOE report, Anderson County is losing over $300,000 per week to Knox County in DOE payroll. That loss rate is increasing, and a tax hike would make this serious problem worse.

Unfortunately, our city has a DOE “isolation fence” around it. In most cases, new workers are sent by the DOE system directly to Knox County—mainly to Farragut. And as a result, their important housing decisions are made without talking to an Oak Ridge realtor. They never get an opportunity to find out how wonderful it is to live here.

The new Kroger store won’t affect this uneven playing field. A property tax hike (of any size) will simply make the problem worse—giving Farragut an even greater advantage over us. [Read more…]

Reporter cleared after investigation into mayor’s missing keys

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Chris Silcox, Rick Meredith, Jay Yeager, and Terry Frank

Clinton Courier News reporter Chris Silcox, back left, and Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank, right, are pictured above at the May 19 meeting of the Anderson County Commission. Also pictured are Commissioner Rick Meredith, left, and Law Director Jay Yeager.

There was no evidence suggesting that a Clinton reporter intentionally took the county mayor’s keys after a recent Anderson County Commission meeting, and there is no evidence that a criminal violation occurred, authorities said last week.

The case is now closed, the Anderson County Sheriff’s Department said in a six-page supplemental report.

Clinton Courier News reporter Chris Silcox had been suspended from the county government beat at the weekly newspaper during the investigation. Courier News Publisher Allen Handley has since put Silcox back on the beat.

The missing keys report was filed by Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank after an Anderson County Commission meeting on May 19. She told investigating officer Harold J. Crowley that she was unable to find her keys after looking under benches and bench pads in Room 312 at the Anderson County Courthouse after the County Commission meeting that night. She soon learned that Silcox had her keys, and he returned them, although some were still missing, the mayor said. [Read more…]

Theresa Scott to seek election to Anderson County Commission in District 7

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Theresa Scott

Theresa Scott

Theresa Scott has announced her candidacy for Anderson County Commission in District 7. The seat is non-partisan and represents the Highland View, Pine Valley, and Glenwood precincts.

Having run previously in 2010, Scott said in a press release that she has been strongly encouraged by community residents to run again for County Commission.

“I am very humbled to see that people in my district continue to show their approval for me to step into this position. I want to be their choice,” Scott said in the release. “My platform remains the same—speaking up for and on behalf of the residents, taxpayers, homeowners, and voters of my district.” [Read more…]

Jimmy Bouchard announces John Iacovino as treasurer

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Jimmy Bouchard, a candidate for Anderson County Commission, has announced that John Iacovino will serve as his campaign treasurer.

Bouchard is running for County Commission in District 7, and he said Iacovino also lives in that district and is a well-respected Oak Ridger.

“I am very blessed and appreciative to have someone of John’s character and reputation join me in the role as my campaign treasurer,” Bouchard said in a press release. “John will be a tremendous asset to me, and I look forward to working with him during the next few months as I work to earn the support of my District 7 neighbors. John is someone I’ve known nearly my entire life, through St. Mary’s Church, where we both attend, as well as through business relationships built between John and my grandfather.” [Read more…]

Myra Mansfield running for County Commission in District 8

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Myra Mansfield

Myra Mansfield

Myra Mansfield has announced she is running to serve as an Anderson County Commissioner for District 8 in Oak Ridge. The district includes the Emory Valley, Hendrix Creek, and Woodland voting precincts.

Mansfield is a native Oak Ridger who grew up in the district where she is asking to serve, a press release said. She attended Woodland Elementary School, Jefferson Middle School, and is a graduate of Oak Ridge High School. After high school, she received an associate degree in accounting and a bachelor degree in business management. Later in life, she returned to school to receive her master’s degree while studying counseling.

The release said Mansfield has invested her adult life in business and nonprofit leadership, government and community service, parenting, writing, and public speaking. As a hobby, she has been involved in numerous multimedia projects. She loves history and historical research. Over the years, she found herself being offered a series of opportunities to use her leadership skills to bring positive transition to organizational structure, the release said. [Read more…]