September 1 was on a Sunday, September 2 was Labor Day so Tuesday September 3 was the day for newly elected officeholders to be sworn in to office. The swearing-in setting was the Historic Tennessee Theatre, the location first used in 2020 due to the pandemic, allowing for social distancing. It’s as if the power(s) to be liked the distancing so much, the location has remained.
Knox County Law Director David Buuck was previously sworn in and was not a part of the pomp and circumstance.
Knox County Criminal Court Div. II Judge Hector Sanchez was administered the oath of office first.
Knox County Assessor of Property Phillip Ballard was administered the oath of office. His oath is longer as it deals with swearing to assess and keep lists.
Returning Knox County Commissioners former Madam Chair Courtney Durrett and Chair lady Terry Hill were administered the oath for a second term. The New Knox County Commissioners Damon Rawls, Shane Jackson, Angela Russell, Adam Thompson and Andy Fox were all sworn in separately with their families by their side.
Knox County School Board member Travis Wright was sworn in to a full complete term. He was sworn in after the primary and has served for 6 months due to the untimely death of Mike McMillan. New School Board Members Anne Templeton, Patricia Fontenot-Ridley and Lauren Morgan were sworn in.
Paul Harris, Pastor of Parkwest Church served in the beginning and the end of the ceremony. The Holston Middle School Show Choir performed the National Anthem and Buzz Buswell led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance. Everything was concluded in about 45 minutes.
At 1 p.m. the Knox County Commission reorganized and are now led by Chair lady Gina Oster and Vice Chair Kim Frazier. All the commission committees along with Chair, Vice Chairs of the Committees were accomplished.
At 4:30 p.m. the Knox County School Board re-elected Betsy Henderson as Chair and Steve Triplett as Vice Chair. Dr. John Butler was challenged to Triplett with a party line vote the 5 Republicans voting for Triplett and the four Democrats voting for Butler.
