Theresa Scott
Anderson County Commissioner Theresa Scott, who represents District 7 in Oak Ridge, is running for Charter Commission in the November 8 election.
In a press release, Scott said she thinks it is extremely important that the representation of Anderson County residents continues to be both non-partisan and knowledgeable of current government processes.
One of the proposals the Anderson County Charter Commission could consider, Scott said, is changing how the county attorney is selected, possibly making it an elected position.
In Tennessee, 91 of 95 counties appoint their county attorney, rather than electing them, Scott said.
“I have spoken with many representatives of those counties and agree that if we change from our current process, we could pollute our legal advice with politics,” she said.
Another consideration could be to abolish some of the county’s elected positions, Scott said in the press release.
“I am concerned that to do so would hush our voices,” she said.
Another proposal is to cut the County Commission in half, possibly reducing the size of County Commission from 16 to 9.
“Having just a handful of residents to serve would obviously be negative for the 75,000 people’s desires to be heard,” Scott said.
She said some of the proposed changes could remove some of the positive attributes of Anderson County. (None of the proposals that have been suggested this campaign season can officially be proposed, debated, or recommended by the Charter Commission, or approved by voters later, until after the November 8 election.)
Scott said she is a 16-year homeowner and resident of Oak Ridge. She is a fulltime employee of Y-12 Federal Credit Union. She previously worked in a law firm as a paralegal.
“As an elected official, I am just entering my third year of my first term in office,” Scott said. “I am not a lifetime politician as some may have categorized me.”
Scott was elected to a four-year term in District 7 in 2014. That district includes the Glenwood, Pine Valley, and Highland View voting precincts.
“Now, because the residents of our community continue to want to be heard, many encouraged me to run for the Anderson County Charter Commission,” she said. “I am very humbled to know that the people continue to show their approval of my being a strong voice for them. My platform remains the same—to research the facts and speak up on behalf of the residents, taxpayers, home and business owners of my district first.”
She said residents have appreciated and acknowledged her availability in the district and throughout the county.
“I also encourage others to get involved as well,” Scott said. “Our county has over 30 boards, commissions, and committees for residents to serve on. I applaud the 125-plus residents who have been volunteering their time to make this a better place to live, work, and play.”
Scott said she follows the rules, researches the issues, and is visible and available for the people, and she does not have a personal agenda.
“I very much enjoy working with the people in District 7 and look forward to your input on the issues before the Charter Commission,” Scott said. “I humbly ask for your vote as I am committed to your voice being heard for positive results for Oak Ridge and Anderson County.”
There are three candidates for the District 7 seat on Charter Commission. Besides Scott, the other candidates are Marjorie Mott Lloyd and David Stanley. You can follow our 2016 election coverage here. You can see the November 8 sample ballot, which includes Anderson County Charter Commission candidates, here.
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