Letters to the editor
Dear Editor,
Community leader Johns endorses Alex Cain for Mayor, Joey Ruffalo for Alderman North, and Greg Wiberly for Alderman South.
It has been four (4) years since I have submitted anything to our Town’s “paper of record,” the award-winning farragutpress. I will be brief:
The Town of Farragut 2026 election is not "rocket-science." The major issue is getting complacent registered voters to the polls to join the rest of us. Make sure you know your voting location as there have been changes.
Now for the topic at hand:
1). If you like urbanization, apartments, more traffic, more “homeless” on our streets and greenways, decreased home equity, bureaucrats and bureaucracy, special interests (apartment / commercial developers) over citizens, funding money-pits (Campbell Station Inn and a “future” event center), Town Center 2.0 (property between Town Hall and Kohl’s), dangerous roads, and a leadership team where public administration principles, law, and ethics are secondary to personal ambitions and personal relationships, then this is your slate:
Louise Povlin (Mayor), Dian Hall (Alderman North), and Joe LaCroix (Alderman South)
2). If you want the urbanization nightmare to end and all of this other “bravo sierra” to stop, then this is your slate:
Alex Cain (Mayor), Joey Ruffalo (Alderman North), and Greg Wiberly (Alderman South)
I am supporting the end of urbanization of our community. I am supporting Cain, Ruffalo, and Wiberly.
Bill Johns,
Farragut, TN
Dear Editor,
In the upcoming election for Town of Farragut Mayor and South Ward Alderman, Alex Cain and Greg Wiberley do not support the TOF plans for Turkey Creek and Evans Road greenways. Pedestrians and cyclists on these roads face grave dangers. If the Town’s proposed greenway connections are completed, residents of South Ward will have a continuous off-road route from their homes to both McFee Park and Anchor Park, providing significantly safer access for walking, running, bicycling, and family recreation. Greenways are consistently viewed in community surveys as one of the top quality of life features of Farragut. Vote for Louise Povlin and Joe LaCroix to support their expansion.
Bill McAdams,
Farragut, TN
Dear Editor,
I am pleased to offer my wholehearted support for Louise Povlin in her campaign for Mayor of Farragut.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with and communicate with Louise Povlin, and numerous Fox Den homeowners and HOA board members on issues affecting our community. One of the most significant concerns has been the proposed development off Champions Point, South Fox Den Drive / Kingston Pike. Throughout these discussions, Louise has consistently demonstrated a thoughtful, fact-based, and community-focused approach to local government.
As residents evaluated the potential impacts of the proposed development, concerns were raised regarding increased traffic volumes, pedestrian safety, visibility at access points, cut-through traffic, impacts on neighborhood character, and the overall quality of life for existing residents. Community members also expressed concerns about the effect of additional vehicle traffic on South Fox Den Drive, an area without sidewalks that is heavily used by walkers, cyclists, and golf carts.
What impressed me most was Louise’s willingness to listen. She engaged residents respectfully, sought to understand the details behind their concerns, and demonstrated a genuine commitment to balancing growth with the preservation of established neighborhoods. Rather than approaching these issues from a predetermined position, she focused on gathering information, evaluating facts, and ensuring that residents had a voice in decisions that directly affect their homes and families.
Farragut continues to face important decisions regarding growth, transportation, infrastructure, and neighborhood preservation. These challenges require leadership that is practical, collaborative, and committed to protecting the qualities that make our community such a desirable place to live. Louise possesses those qualities.
I believe her experience, integrity, and dedication to public service make her exceptionally well-qualified to serve as Mayor. She understands that responsible development must consider not only economic opportunities, but also traffic safety, neighborhood compatibility, and the long-term interests of Farragut residents.
For these reasons, I am proud to support Louise Povlin for Mayor of Farragut and respectfully encourage others to do the same.
Sincerely,
Drew MacDonald,
Farragut, TN
Dear Editor,
Campaigns including advertisements, signs, social media, and Letters to the Editor are preparing us for the upcoming Farragut election.
As a resident for 52 years, one of the seven people identified as a founder of Farragut, former Alderman, and a citizen still interested in our community I am concerned about the Town’s future.
I am voting for and support Alex Cain for Farragut Mayor and Greg “Coach” Wiberley for South Ward Alderman.
Growth is normal and has continued uninterrupted since the Town’s beginning. But the growth the last 8 years is out of control. Development of property is an owner’s right, but not to the extent it adversely impacts current residents. Residents are not given proper consideration.
Farragut town meetings limit citizen speaking time to 3 minutes. Elected officials have no time limit. Citizens often don’t have an opportunity to express their complete opinion.
Former Vice Mayor Louise Povlin voted to increase allowable apartment heights from two stories to four stories and supported and voted to approve 781 apartments.
Ms. Povlin voted to spend millions remodeling Town Hall, a project that resulted in the elimination of the receptionist, no directory for visitors, and staff working behind closed, locked doors. These employees work for the citizens and should be readily accessible.
Revising the ordinances increased maximum apartment’s height from 2 stories to 4 stories, reduced single family lot sizes significantly, and allowed commercial development too close to Kingston Pike. One consequence was this limited additional lanes/turn lanes in the future.
Former Vice Mayor Louise Povlin has stated she is doing what the founders of the Town wanted. Only 3 remain and as one of the original town founders I can verify this is not true.
We did not have the bad traffic problems 8 years ago we now have. It is not Lenoir City’s fault as was stated by the Mayor and former Vice Mayor. There is development and there is overdevelopment. We are seeing the consequences of overdevelopment in our town of Farragut.
I encourage everyone to vote. On Election Day the voting location for Farragut residents living south of Kingston Pike is at the Korean Church on Kingston Pike, 108 Farlow Drive east of Concord Road almost to Lovell Road. (Check your revised voter’s card.)
Early voting for everyone is the Farragut Community Center. Vote early.
Eric Johnson
Town Founder and 1st Farragut Alderman 1980
Farragut, TN
Dear Editor,
Voters will soon elect a new Mayor and two Aldermen. This may be the most consequential local election Farragut has faced in years as it is our opportunity to choose a new direction for Farragut. I believe many of BOMA's development decisions have reflected developers' priorities more than the preferences expressed by many residents. This situation has been a significant factor in the overdevelopment many residents have observed in Farragut.
What many residents may not realize is the extent to which campaign financing connects developers and other special interests with candidates supported by the current administration.
I encourage every voter to review candidates' campaign finance disclosures (past & present) as filed with the Knox County Election Commission. Those reports allow voters to see who has made the largest campaign contributions to candidates supported by this and previous administrations.
Transparency... During the 2024 Alderman campaign, one incumbent received nearly $10,000 in contributions from developers and
related interests just days before the election, but such was not publicly disclosed until October. This election is expected to generate significantly more donations than any previous election, but when will those be revealed to voters? In 2026 one incumbent candidate deleted all his social media accounts which prevents their review by voters. Is this their version of transparency?
In my view, permitting this developer supported alliance to maintain their voting majority on the BOMA allows their political coalition to continue advancing its preferred vision for Farragut as opposed to that of Farragut residents.
Biddle Farms serves as a stark reminder of the difference between what was presented to the residents and what ultimately appeared to better serve the developer's financial interests. Despite overwhelming widespread public opposition to the inclusion of four-story, high-density apartments in the Town Center.
A governing majority that exercises this degree of personal discretion despite significant public opposition should concern every Farragut voter. Allowing it to continue should not be permitted.
Campaign conduct should also be considered by voters. While public records are fair game in an election, KCS public records show that Alderman Cain's employment records were requested by a close friend of this administration, Michelle Hollenhead. Those records were later used in social media attacks that I believe unfairly characterized Alderman Cain's exemplary record while limiting his opportunity for effective rebuttal.
Independent candidates that will represent us!
JD Roberts,
Farragut, TN
Dear Editor,
When Alderman Joe Lacroix was appointed alderman last year to fill the unexpired term of the late David White, Joe promised to keep his constituents informed, and one way was to hold public meetings twice a month prior to upcoming Board of Mayor and Aldermen meetings.
Alderman Lacroix has kept that promise.
Twice a month Farragut residents of BOTH the South and North Ward come to these meetings to ask questions, voice their concerns, give feedback, or just to listen. Alderman LaCroix listens to ALL who attend. Joe encourages ALL Farragut residents to contact him if they need information or assistance.
As both a resident and Alderman, Joe is a vocal proponent of the town and has strived to increase the community’s understanding of the processes and procedures undertaken by the elected officials and town staff.
Joe LaCroix committed to being there for ALL Farragut residents; he has kept that promise and will continue to do so.
Alderman LaCroix is an informed, caring and knowledgeable Alderman and candidate for the South Ward. As a former Town employee, he has a unique perspective on how the Town of Farragut works, and he knows who to talk to on how best to address and solve problems.
As a resident, Joe attended Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Municipal Planning Commission meetings regularly, as well as budget hearings, strategic planning meetings, workshops, and other outreach efforts the town has made over the past 8 plus years.
Joe truly loves our town and our community. Joe is proud of Farragut and strives to continue our strong fiscal position, growth and development of our parks, greenways and sidewalks to connect the town, and maintaining the high quality and well-maintained infrastructure and commercial areas.
Joe feels these priorities must also be flexible enough to change as the town changes. The nature of these changes should be informed by public outreach and continuing to find better ways to keep our community informed.
Joe embodies the concept of a candidate who wishes to help and serve the Town, which is what should be the driving force of any campaign.
"Joe LaCroix - Serving the people of Farragut, YOUR TOWN YOUR VOICE!"
I am honored to be assisting Alderman Joe LaCroix in his reelection campaign and Bry and I are proud to vote for him!
Jeanne Brykalski
Bry (Bob) Brykalski,
Farragut, TN
Dear Editor,
As a former Business Process Consultant in State and Local Government for almost 42 years, working with Louise continues to make me better understand her unique value and qualification to take the reins as Mayor. Think “Continued Competence” and Best Qualified by far.
Serving on the Berkeley Park HOA and then attending the 2022 Introduction to Farragut Class, I met Louise at every class and learned more about her skillsets and how Farragut works right along with David Smoak, our Town Administrator. Ron Williams shared with me that serving on the Farragut Municipal Planning Commission should be the goal of every graduate of the Introduction to Farragut class. Attend any workshop, and you see why Louise has been there since 2013. She listens, evaluates and guides to help get the right decisions made and then implements as part of BOMA.
When we were hamstrung by the MUTCD to get a traffic light at Grigsby Chapel and St. John Court, she supported our communities and St. John Neumann to give safe egress onto Grigsby Chapel. She met with homeowners whose properties would be needed to support implementation of the traffic light and, again, gained consensus, so safety can be restored. Our light is on track for a 2027 implementation!
This shows acquired knowledge and practiced PEOPLE and inter-departmental communication skills that make a vote for her a necessity if we want our Town to continue to BE the best that it can be!
My concern about the alternate of choice for Mayor is the assumption that his intent to DO the job well can’t be supported by his lack of experience. I have stood toe to toe with leadership at City of Atlanta to implement process improvement for stakeholders across multiple departments. It is hard to bring about change and the risks associated with getting it right. Louise has exactly what is needed to successfully carry the baton from Ron and keep us moving forward through every growing pain that will need to be confronted.
Louise Povlin is easily the best and safest choice!
Kim Frasch,
Farragut, TN
Dear Editor,
As a mother with children in Knox County Schools, including sons involved on the Farragut High School football team, I pay close attention to the adults who are trusted to teach, coach and influence our children.
That is one of the reasons I support Alex Cain for Mayor of Farragut.
I have seen how students respond to Alex. He was loved by many of the young people he taught and coached because he cared about them, encouraged them and treated them like they mattered. Teenagers are usually very good judges of whether an adult is genuine. The respect so many former students and athletes continue to show Alex speaks volumes about the kind of person he is.
Alex is also an approved Knox County Schools volunteer and continues to serve with the Farragut High School football program. As a parent, that matters to me. Schools do not simply allow anyone to work around students and athletes. Parents place a great deal of trust in the people who are part of their children’s lives.
Unfortunately, Alex’s opponents have chosen to turn this election into a campaign of personal destruction. Instead of focusing on traffic, growth, infrastructure, transparency and the future of Farragut, they have relied on old employment disputes, rumors and carefully selected information meant to damage his reputation.
That is not the kind of politics I want my children watching.
Candidates should be questioned about their voting records, their plans and their leadership. Those are fair issues. Trying to tear apart a man’s life because he chose to run for mayor is not fair, and it does nothing to help Farragut.
I have watched Alex continue to show up, speak with residents, serve the community and remain focused despite the attacks against him. He has handled an ugly campaign with strength and dignity.
As a mother, a Knox County Schools parent and a Farragut resident, I believe character matters. Alex Cain is an honorable man, and I am proud to support him for Mayor of Farragut.
Sincerely,
Kimberlie Parks,
Farragut, TN
Dear Editor,
I am voting for and support Alex Cain for Farragut Mayor and Greg Wiberley for South Ward Alderman. Our town desperately needs new management on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen. These strong candidates are that needed new management.
In the last ten years on the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, we have seen a steady decline in responsibility and representation to the people. Town leaders have ignored the goals and ideals that guided Farragut’s founding, and their actions have directly caused a dramatic increase in housing density and traffic in our community. Officials changed lot sizes from 20,000 square feet to almost 10,000 square feet, and they forced 781 four‑story apartments onto residents. The founders set the apartment limit at two stories.
If we look at the National Community Survey of 2025, we see the people of Farragut love the place they live in but give only fair to poor grades for the operation of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and the Farragut Planning Commission. Ron Williams and Louise Povlin have been the two key officials who have the most responsibility for these poor grades.
The politicians on the Mayor and Alderman tell us only to look at the good grades for the place we live and to ignore the grades for the government that are fair to poor. They tell us those grades do not matter. They matter to me. Do they matter to you?
What matters even more to me is the constitutional crisis of 2020 and 2021, when Mayor Ron Williams and Vice Mayor Louise Povlin locked the citizens of Farragut out of their own town hall and denied them their constitutional right to confront their elected representatives in person. They did this to ram through the Biddle Farm apartments. Were you aware this happened?
No other government in Knox County did what Mayor Williams and Vice Mayor Povlin did. Residents asked to come to the podium one at a time, they were denied. They asked to call in on the phone they were rejected. They asked to be on the Zoom meetings the town used, they were told no. The people of Farragut were restricted to email communication only.
The entire time this outrage occurred the gym that Vice Mayor Povlin owned was open to the public.
It is crucial this town have new management if it is to thrive.
Mike Mitchell,
Farragut, TN
