Markli answers late financial disclosure issue; is ‘transparent’
Similar to time used by Alderman Ron Williams, candidate for Farragut mayor, during his speech before Farragut Gun Club Monday evening, July 9, his mayoral opponent, Alderman Bob Markli, also wanted to clear the air on a few issues.
“Our great community paper has given me this opportunity, as it did my opponent, to refute ‘untrue opinions.’ I will be brief,” Markli stated in an e-mail Monday, July 16.
“First, as seen in my 21-plus-year record including nine years as alderman (and most importantly, as defended by founders and key community leaders), I have never had in the past, present or future any conflicts of interests,” he stated in an e-mailed response to farragutpress.
“I have ALWAYS been 100 percent transparent, giving full disclosures and insisting ethical practices in all activities,” Markli further stated.
A few days past deadline to file his financial campaign disclosures with Knox County Election Commission, which was due Tuesday, July 10, Markli said the deadline “just snuck up on me” when interviewed Saturday, July 14, adding he had been busy “wrapping up” his campaign.
Chris Davis, assistant administrator with KCEM, said Friday, July 13, state law requires anyone running for executive office, such as “a mayor-type position,” to file financial disclosure forms, which notes all moneys spent and received during the campaign.
“There are no punitive consequences” for failing to file reports on time, but candidates could be assessed a fine by the state, Davis added.
About Markli being late to report, Williams said, “I’m not making a big deal out of it.
“I hope nobody else does.”
Markli also pointed to “critics who believe I should attend every ribbon cutting or class/meeting that I already hold qualification/expertise in (and/or are being attended by others who can represent our Town’s interest), need to understand that is not my style.
“I AM an effective, non-bureaucratic leader, not a micro-manager,” he added. “... I will be honored to deliver this value to you as your next mayor.”
Early voting for Thursday, Aug. 2, Town of Farragut election, Knox County general election and state and federal primaries continues through Saturday, July 28, in Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. Times are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday.
