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‘School’maker: Citizens embarrassed by County government
Alan Sloan - Thu, Jan, 24, 2008
John Schoonmaker said he’s ready to put 23 years as a resident of the 5th District to excellent use as your next Knox County Commissioner, 5-C.
The Farragut Republican said his experience as regional sales representative for Optovision USA, an international manufacturer of sports optics, “has prepared me with many skills” to become a County Commissioner.
As for being in touch with voters’ concerns, Schoonmaker points to his service as president of Council of West Knox Homeowners, where since 1997 “I have worked side-by-side with citizens, homeowners, neighborhoods, [municipal planning] commissioners and County Commissioners.”
One point of pride for the candidate includes lacking “personal or corporate ties that would influence my vote” should Schoonmaker win the Feb. 5 primary against fellow GOP candidates Thomas Baer, Richard Briggs, Jim McEvers and Kyle Phillips. The winner faces Indepen-dent candidate Don Sproles in the Aug. 7 County General Election.
Having appeared with the other five candidates during a question-and-answer forum among voters at A.L. Lotts Elementary School Tuesday evening, Jan. 15, Schoonmaker playfully noted that his name be associated with “School”maker in terms of having a pro-education platform.
Playfulness aside, Schoon-maker said he’ll “work to ensure that education remains a top priority” in Knox County.
Other major issues the GOP candidate said he would focus on include “neighborhoods, parks, roads, safety and security” and to meet regularly with constituents among “at least” 20 hours a week he promises to devote to commission duties.
As for recent Knox County government controversies that have included term-limit office upheaval and Sunshine Law violations, Schoonmaker said at the candidates’ forum: “As I go door-to-door, the number one response of you the public is that you’re embarrassed of Knox County government. It is an embarrassment that neighboring people are making fun of our government.”
Schoonmaker and his wife of 28 years, Heather, have two children: Laura, 20, a 2005 graduate of Farragut High School who attends Furman University, and Justin, 17, a junior at FHS.
Heather Mays contributed to this story
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