PRESS RELEASE

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.