On Saturday, December 16, five brand-new Knoxville City Council members will be sworn in. That means five current members, all term-limited, are on their way out. Before they go, we wanted to hear about their experiences, and get advice for their successors. Interviews were recorded by WUOT's Brandon Hollingsworth and Victor Agreda.
District One: Nick Pavlis
District Two: Duane Grieve
District Three: Brenda Palmer
Councilwoman Palmer was unable to join us for a recorded interview, but responded to our questions in written form.
What accomplishment(s) are you most proud of from your time on the council?
"When I ran for the Third District seat eight years ago, one of my goals was to maintain or accelerate economic development for the city so we could meet other needs in all parts of the city. We have moved toward those goals by
· supporting redevelopment such as the brown field at Fulton Bellows into University Commons;
· growth of the Urban Wilderness to bring recognition as a destination city for tourism which reaps positives for all parts of the city;
· extending management of city facilities to Chilhowee Park and the Coliseum complex by SMG has increased use and revenues at these venues;
· expansion of youth services in Lonsdale and East Knoxville;
· focusing on private public partnerships that benefit all parts of the city;
· listening and assessing the message all voices, not necessarily the loudest voices."
What did you want to get done, but didn't?
"Western Avenue (SR62) has not been completed; construction began during my first year in office and was to take three years. The inconvenience to the residents who have navigated construction has been disappointing; their patience has been unbelievable. On the positive side, real estate values are increasing for residential properties and commercial development and redevelopment is coming to the corridor."
What's your advice for your successor, Seema Perez?
"Serving on City Council is as time-consuming as you allow it to be. Your Third District constituents need to be able to contact you easily and receive a response. You are elected to represent a specific district as well as the entire city, and sometimes those needs and wants do not align. Perhaps most important is to remember that the loudest voices are not necessarily correct; listen to those who do not speak. Serving is rewarding and frustrating. Enjoy your service."
District Four: Nick Della Volpe
Councilman Della Volpe turned down WUOT's requests for an interview.
District Six: Daniel Brown