letters to the editor
Markli’s views, votes, character praised
I was one of the seven founders of the Town of Farragut and served on the first Board of Mayor and Aldermen when Farragut was created 38 years ago.
Our idea was that a small local government was more responsive and could better serve the community than a large more distant government, and that with proper planning and limited services a property tax would not be required until the citizens demanded more services. Private companies compete for our fire protection and ambulance service, garbage pickup and brush and leaf removal.
Our Knox County property taxes fund the Sheriff’s department, which provides our law enforcement needs. Volunteer groups help at the (Farragut) Museum, and serve on many committees. The Mayor and Aldermen serve without a salary. We function with limited government dependency and continue to avoid a tax.
In recent years the Town began a new policy requiring the few remaining large landowners rebuild entire existing Town roads on which a part of their property fronted, and attempted adding a hotel-motel tax.
Only Alderman Markli opposed this unfair tax and new development costs. Other members of the Board say the Town needs more money. Alderman Markli says spend less money including reduced spending on the $6,000,000 McFee Road park improvements, and find private sponsors for the Campbell Station Inn (Russell house).
His position on new taxes and and unfair costs imposed on a few citizens of the Town, and Town spending, is different than the other candidate running for mayor. Since announcing his candidacy, comments were sent to the newspaper that were either erroneous or intentionally misleading. He does not have a conflict of interest because he builds homes. Records show he built only one home in Farragut in the past nine years, and he followed all the rules and regulations.
Bob Markli is honest and hard-working, dedicated to his family, church and country; and is very knowledgeable of our Constitution and federal and state laws, and Farragut regulations. His fiscal restraint and concern for all the citizens of Farragut is commendable. Bob is a highly qualified candidate for mayor and deserves voters’ consideration.
Eric Johnson
Farragut
