We have just sent our only son, Briscoe, off to the war in Iraq. I ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers.

Since February, I have been busy going to all the Commission meetings and learning what I can about how our county is run. We find our county in hard times and I am challenged by the need to not raise taxes while providing you, the citizens of Knox County with the best in schools, police protection, and roads.

I have been working towards making our neighborhoods safer by holding a Neighborhood Safety Forum. I brought together KPD, the Sheriff’s office, 911, and various other organizations to meet with the citizens to discuss what we could do in this time of slow economy and high crime. 

We have had a lot of crime in the Fourth District in the last four months, including a police shooting, two robberies at gunpoint, and break-ins. My goal is to bring this to everyone’s attention so that we can work towards more police protection, more awareness from our neighbors, and more efficient 911 service.

I look forward to meeting you all during my walks around the neighborhoods. If you see me out and about, please stop and introduce yourself. I enjoy meeting everyone! Let me know what you are thinking about our county and what concerns you most. How can I do my job unless you tell me what Knox County and the Fourth District needs?

However, as much as I would like to take a break and reflect on my win, I must now begin moving forward to August and our next election. Again, I will need your help. I have already begun planning the next fundraiser and am working on several locations for the 4th District to meet with me. Soon I will be sending you letters asking for your help and your financial support. We won Tuesday and, with your help, we will win again in August.

Together we WILL have open, honest government that we can all be proud of.

I know you agree with me that this election for County Commission will be one of the most important events in our county’s history. Our government can and should be operated openly and honestly. There is no reason for back room deals or closed door meetings to continue. As a matter of fact, now we all know for certain that they are illegal. To borrow the words of an illustrious attorney, “Secrecy and speed are tools for a political machine. Notice, public openness and opportunity to debate are tools of democracy.”

If you believe, as I do, that it’s time for a change in county government, please read on:

We need a more stringent ethics policy to include the restriction of nepotism. No one should be voting on any resolution or amendment affecting any member of their family. Nor should county employees be allowed to sit on County Commission–either elected or appointed. It is a direct conflict of interest, and does not serve the best interests of the taxpayers.

We need to work toward safer neighborhoods. Security for our citizens and their property is a basic right in this country.

I support better eduction and funding for schools. There is nothing more important than our children’s education and the people who provide it. We must look closely at the budget and make sure that our money is going for the right programs. Also, in order to bring new business and families to our community we must have the best to offer in education.

I plan to strongly support senior citizen initiatives. We must provide programs for our senior citizens and their families. Most importantly, elderly daycare programs are necessary to help families in need.

Let me assure you that Knox County and its citizens are important to me. This is a wonderful town in which to live and work.

Our county commissioners were voted into office by the citizens of Knox County to be our voice in our government. We all know they have neglected to listen to the people they were elected to serve. Instead, they have served only themselves. This is wrong.

Please vote Ruthie Kuhlman for County Commission. I want to listen to your concerns, be your voice in your government and return Knox County Government to its people. Remember to vote early, January 16 - January 31 or on February 5, Primary Election
Day.

Thank you very much.

Ruthie Kuhlman
Candidate for County Commission
District 4, Seat A

P.S. I am always happy to hear your ideas and suggestions for ways to improve our government. You can reach me at 850-4955.

Besides the warm weather we have experienced, it is looking very merry around Knoxville. Everyone is in the holiday spirit.

We tend to get caught up in the busyness of the season and I am no exception. So many good things have been keeping me busy: going to events, meetings, door to door, etc. Its important, in this busy season, we remember what this is all about.

I have been very busy putting up signs all over the city and county. Everyone has been very supportive and I cannot tell you how much I appreciate that. Kingston Pike is beginning to look like Ruthie Boulevard. I am also sending out mailers and the response is overwhelming! This week I will have postcards printed that you can send to friends and family to urge them to vote and to vote for ME!! Please go to my volunteer section and we will get them to you; also, if you need a yard sign or want to make phone calls, we will be in touch. All the help you can give is greatly appreciated.

I want to thank everyone for all they are doing and remind you that we must change the system and bring our Commission back to the people. We are all for an open and honest government and that is what we need to remember. Please vote. If you need help getting to the polls, let us know. We will help.

I want to wish you all a Happy Holiday and a Happy New Year!!! I look forward to being your Commissioner.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kuhlman Files Qualifying Petition for County Commission Seat

September 28, 2007 - Today, Ruthie Kuhlman filed her qualifying petition to run for Knox County Commission District 4 Seat A.  The primary election is February 5, 2008 and the general election is August 7, 2008.

“As a newcomer to running for office, I am not contaminated by the back-room dealing and lack of public input that has been revealed in testimony during the Sunshine Law trial,” Kuhlman said after dropping off her petition.  “The citizens of the Fourth District are strongly supporting my candidacy, and I look forward to discussing the issues in this race during the campaign.”

“As I have knocked on doors across the district, I have heard loud and clear that citizens of my district are tired of business as usual and want people on County Commission who will restore confidence in their government.  I pledge an open and transparent process for my constituents while I serve on County Commission,” Kuhlman added.

Kuhlman said that when on county Commission she will concentrate on making sure that we get the most out of each tax dollar that goes towards education, public safety and economic development.

Ruthie has lived most of her life in the Fourth District.  She graduated from Sequoyah Elementary, Tyson Junior High and West High School along with her husband Russell.  She graduated from Sullins College in Virginia with an Associates Degree and attended UT.   She and Russell have been married 29 years this October and have two children – Hannah Gard 26 and Briscoe 23.

Ruthie is the daughter of Tom and Joan Stone (both deceased).  Both parents were very active in our community.  Her father was the first chair of the Airport Authority as well as President of the Chamber and very active in the Worlds Fair initiative.  Her mother was very active with the Dogwood Arts Festival and was also the first Chairwoman of MPC.  Her paternal grandmother, Mrs. Stokley Stone, was also very involved with local politics during her day.

Her work history includes working as Director of Public Relations and Marketing for the Dogwood Arts Festival and Executive Secretary to the Director of Public Affairs and the Deputy to the Mayor under Mayor Victor Ashe.

Community service is an important party of her live.  She has served as Elder and Deacon at Second Presbyterian Church where she still does volunteer work.  She is on the Board of Directors of the Second Presbyterian Pre-school and is a volunteer with Mobile Meals.

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For additional information, contact Ruthie Kuhlman at 850-4955.

I have lived most of my life in the Fourth District, attended its public schools, and graduated from West High School, as did my husband and children.  I graduated from Sullins College in Bristol and attended the University of Tennessee.  I have been married to Russell Briscoe Kuhlman for 29 years and have two children, Hannah Kuhlman Gard and Briscoe Kuhlman. 

My work history includes working as Director of Public Relations and Marketing for the Dogwood Arts Festival and Executive Secretary to the Director of Public Affairs and the Deputy to the Mayor under Mayor Victor Ashe.

Community service is an important part of my life.  I have served as Elder and Deacon at Second Presbyterian Church where I still do volunteer work.  I am on the Board of Directors of the Second Presbyterian Pre-School and I volunteer for Mobile Meals.

My family has a long history of civic involvement.  My parents, Tom and Joan Stone, served on many boards including MPC, the Airport Authority and the Chamber of Commerce.  I am a member of the Knox County Republican Executive Committee and have been active in Republican politics for many years.

I know you and I can agree that restoring the trust of the people of Knox County in the Knox County Commission is critical.  I hope I can count on your support and your participation.  If you have questions or comments, or would like to be involved in my campaign, please call me directly at 850-4955.  Thank you.

School Matters: The Knoxville News Sentinel launched a new social networking site that focuses on Knox County schools. Check it out at: KnoxSchoolMatters.com. For more information, check out the article on knoxnews.com. School issues focus of new Web site.

Billing discrepancies: A billing scheme that auditors said cost Knox County taxpayers thousands of dollars: Whistleblower seeks his share from county.

More auditing in Knox County: The State of Tennessee Comptroller’s office has offered to help with the ongoing audits: Comptroller’s office offers help in probe.

Recommendations will be released after an August 14th public hearing. The report was produced by the Howard H. Baker Jr. Center for Public Policy at the University of Tennessee.

The Knoxville News Sentinel has an article about it here: Knox report shows need for citizen involvement.

Check back for updates from local blogs.