News Summary
With Vice Mayor Tommy Smith not running for re-election, four candidates are competing for the Knoxville City Council’s District 1 seat in a primary on August 26. The candidates include Becky Jones, Charles Van Morgan, Lindsey Jaremko, and Karyn Adams, all presenting distinct priorities and perspectives for the future of South Knoxville. This election cycle is crucial as it will see the election of five new members to the nine-member council, shaping the community’s governance.
Knoxville – With Vice Mayor Tommy Smith not seeking a second term, four candidates are competing for the Knoxville City Council’s District 1 seat in a nonpartisan primary set for August 26. The two candidates receiving the most votes will advance to the general election on November 4. This election cycle is particularly significant, as it will result in five new members on the nine-member council.
The four candidates vying for the position in District 1 include Becky Jones, Charles Van Morgan, Lindsey Jaremko, and Karyn Adams, each bringing unique perspectives and priorities to the race.
Becky Jones, a lifelong resident of South Knoxville, aims to restore common sense to the council while advocating for frontline workers and police officers. She is concerned about a growing homelessness crisis, public safety issues, a lack of shopping and dining options, and high taxes. Jones is particularly vocal about her opposition to a proposed sales tax increase and argues for cutting wasteful spending and reducing property taxes instead.
Charles Van Morgan, another lifelong Knoxvillian, holds a Master of Arts in Criminology, a Juris Doctor, and a Bachelor of Science in Business. He advocates for accountability and honest leadership, addressing key issues such as the rising cost of living, crumbling infrastructure, and the absence of a homelessness plan. Van Morgan supports the proposed sales tax increase but proposes that it coincide with a property tax decrease to provide relief to working families.
Lindsey Jaremko, a licensed social worker and active community member, focuses on transparency, accountability, and fairness. She is committed to empowering constituents while raising concerns about the disconnection between residents and decision-makers, the rising costs of living, and the need for more public input in city governance. Jaremko opposes the sales tax increase and emphasizes the importance of reviewing current city spending before imposing new burdens on residents.
Karyn Adams, a mother, business owner, and community advocate with experience in planning commissions, prioritizes community engagement and sustainable growth. Her key issues include housing affordability, homelessness, infrastructure needs, and the preservation of greenspaces. Adams remains undecided on the proposed sales tax increase but calls for more transparency regarding tax expenditures from the city.
Another key development in the electoral process is the withdrawal of Jane George, a council candidate for District 4, from the election, although her name will still appear on the ballot. George has expressed gratitude to her supporters but noted personal reasons behind her decision to withdraw.
The upcoming primary and general elections present an opportunity for the community in Knoxville to make their voices heard as they select representatives who will shape the future of their neighborhoods and the city as a whole.
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Additional Resources
- Knox Focus: District 1 Candidates Answer Focus Questions
- WATE: Jane George Withdraws from Race for Knoxville City Council
- WBIR: Knox County Election Commission Votes Allow City Council Candidate to Run After Questions Over Residency
- KNI AKRLs: Knoxville City Council and Mayor Candidate Filing Period Opens August 25th
- Knox News: Knoxville City Council Candidate Jane George Drops Out of the Race
- Wikipedia: Knoxville, Tennessee
- Google Search: Knoxville City Council elections
- Google Scholar: Knoxville City Council
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Knoxville
- Google News: Knoxville politics
Author: STAFF HERE KNOXVILLE WRITER
KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER The KNOXVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREKnoxville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Knoxville, Knox County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Dogwood Arts Festival, Big Ears Festival, and Knoxville Asian Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Knoxville Area Chamber Partnership and United Way of Greater Knoxville, plus leading businesses in healthcare, education, and energy that power the local economy such as Covenant Health, University of Tennessee, and Tennessee Valley Authority. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREMemphis.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.
