So the Seventh District of Knox County (Halls, Powell and Heiskell) has been named the Swingin’ Seventh by me during this May 3rd Primary season. Not because of the musical prowess that would generate the dance of Swing. Not because of any lifestyle choices that could be labeled as Swingin’ BUT because the rough and tumble political street fight that has virtual punches being thrown from opposite campaigns.
The first campaign that you least expect swingin’ is a School Board race but lo and behold it is the Knox County School Board Seventh District race in the Republican Primary between Sherri Garrett and Steve Triplett. It first began a couple days ago with this Compass story about Triplett’s activity as a Principal at a Private school in Ohio. He is now General Manager of the Fountain City location of the Chickfila. Triplett went to his Facebook page with a statement, here. On Compass Knox socials comments have been posted by at least a couple of former students, refuting Triplett’s version of what happened.
Then came some accusations of financial difficulties of the past of Sherri Garrett. She responded with a press release statement.
Since local news outlet CompassNews.com has now corroborated and reported on accusations of misconduct by my opponent in his previous job as a school administrator, some of his supporters, including a former School Board member, have circulated information about my past financial challenges. It is true that I have had my share of financial troubles.
Let me begin by saying I have never been accused of any kind of misconduct. One of the many things I’ve learned is not to live in the past and be a victim. 18 years ago, I had medical bills that I was unable to pay and had 5 children to feed. I made the best choices I could at the time.
Financial difficulties are something that many have sadly had to experience first-hand. And, if they haven’t experienced it personally, most know someone who has. Bankruptcies due to medical bills and misappropriation of funds are two entirely different matters. A person of character is not one who never makes bad choices or mistakes, but someone who learns from them. With all of my challenges, no one can honestly claim that I did not attempt to resolve any of those issues. I have no problem telling the truth about my past. I hope that my opponent and his supporters can say the same thing with the decisions they have made.
At the end of the day, let’s not lose focus on what’s at stake here. I am seeking this position because I have been there in our public schools fighting for our kids and families for almost two years now, I’ve been in the system and dealt with IEP and SPED issues for over 20 years. I understand the importance of our public schools because I went to them, sent my kids to them and now have grandkids in them. My opponent can say none of those things. I am ready to serve on day one.
Now it isn’t just the School Board in the Seventh where swingin’ is occurring. It is also happening in the Seventh District Knox County Commission race between Rhonda Lee, Allen Merritt and Chuck Severance.
It has been reported that the Merritt campaign has and was placing campaign material in mailboxes without them being processed through the USPS, which is a violation of federal law.
I am told that the Lee campaign or someone assisting the Lee campaign (since publication of this post, Rhonda Lee contacted me stating that she nor anyone with her campaign posted the picture/material using the campaign photo) posted material on Facebook using a Severance campaign photo. Photos that were taken by a professional photographer while that photographer also has legal expertise immediately responded with copyright infringement claim on the improper use of copyrighted photos. I am told the graphics and photos were taken down.
Early Votes are in and done. Tuesday is the Primary Election Day at your assigned Voting Precinct. If you are in Halls, Powell or Heiskell and you ain’t voted yet. You best do some research and prepare to take your swing between 8 am and 8 pm on Tuesday.
The Republican nominee for Commission is unopposed in the August 4th General Election. The winner of the Republican Primary for School Board will face Independent candidate Dominique Oakley on August 4th. I am sure she and her team are watching, reading and listening to the Primary.
