County Profiles: Commission At-Large Seat 11: it’s Shipe, Frazier, Bridges
Kim Frazier
Republican candidate
(Each candidate in this race was given a maximum of 400 words to answer three questions)
• How will you, based on accomplishments, qualifications, and any other positives, be able to serve Knox Countians in a positive and productive way?
“Over 15 years, I have organized and served numerous community groups (Knox County Planning Alliance, Hardin Valley Planning Advocates, Hardin Valley Business & Community Alliance, Farragut Rotary), served on multiple boards (Junior Achievement, Paws & Badges, Knox County Rescue, The Restoration House, Hardin Valley Academy Foundation), committees (Hardin Valley Academy Advisory Council, Knoxville Knox County Planning Zoning Review, City of Knoxville Neighborhood Empowerment Education Series, Knox County Greenway Corridor Study, Advance Knox), focus groups (Planned Residential, TPO Transportation Study, NW Sector Plan Update) and discussion panels (East Tennessee Design Symposium, Ford Next Generation); was selected as an emerging leader by the Community Action Committee and served as vice chair of the Knox
County Government Ethics Committee.
“My interest and desire to continually learn inspired me to enroll and complete The University of Tennessee MTAS Elected Official Academy.
“I have been instrumental in bringing attention to traditional infrastructure needs like schools, roads, utilities and power supplies, recreational offerings, stormwater management, emergency services, law enforcement, mental health, housing options and student career exploration in communities in every corner of our county.
“Much of my time is spent educating and fostering relationships between citizens and officials to address fundamental needs and systems that support sustainable communities, economic prosperity, intentional growth and development, improved planning processes and impactful local and state legislative solutions.
“I have spent years helping citizens with issues and concerns impacting their daily lives, and as commissioner I will continue this work.”
• What are three things you hope Commission, with your help and leadership, need to help Knox County accomplish in the next four years?
“My ‘boots on the ground’ experience and ability to connect with people has gifted me with an understanding of the limitations and capabilities of local government.
“As an At Large Commissioner I will continue to seek outcomes that best reflect the communities that I hope to serve by:
“a) supporting the creation of a long-range vision and policy framework for economic and physical growth that will address responsible development with coordinated infrastructure, feasibility and cost analysis tools for decision making and fiscal impact, and impact on education and public safety;
“b) continue to foster private public partnerships;
“and c) provide community focused problem-solving.”
• What is at least one thing needed in the 5th District that you support, and what about funding to accomplish this?
“I support the exploration of a more resilient transportation network that will help disperse traffic, improve safety and encourage walkability. I would pursue funding from the Regional Transportation Planning Organization, state of Tennessee and County Engineering.
“In addition, I would work to bring awareness of school overcrowding and seek plans for short- and long-term solutions.”
Vivian Underwood Shipe
Democrat candidate
(Each candidate in this race was given a maximum of 400 words to answer three questions)
• How will you, based on accomplishments, qualifications and any other positives, be able to serve Knox Countians in a positive and productive way?
“As a community advocate for over 50 years, my experiences as a voice for the people will help me to continue serving from the other side of the podium. I bring to the table personal experience in many of the areas in which the Commission has to deal with and I will work collaboratively to bring change.
I have developed a CCC, a caring community cabinet made of community leaders, contractors, counselors, financial experts and others from all parts of the county. They will be my eyes and ears on issues so that when an issue is brought before the commission, I can make an educated, informed vote.”
• What are two or three things you hope Commission, with your help and leadership, needs to help Knox County accomplish in the next four years?
1-“I want us to deal with the mental health crisis proactively by setting satellite centers like the Behavioral Heath Urgent Care Center in order to reduce the number of mentally ill in the jails. I want us revisit the budget and include in it recurring funds or a separate crisis unit to respond to mental health crisis.
“I want to aggressively recruit counselors from other areas of the country to be a part of this unit.
“This unit will also be responsible for transporting those needing additional help to Moccasin Bend or Nashville, thereby leaving our officers free to stay on their beat.
“I also want every officer CIT trained.
2-“I want to examine how every year we just turn over millions of dollars to the Board of Education and ask for no accounting. I want the process to be changed so that there is a belief that every student can be helped.”
• What is at least one thing needed in the 5th District that you support, and what about the funding to accomplish this?
“I believe the current school situation needs to be looked at and if needed, funding provided in the budget to make necessary changes.”
