A Well Timed Decision

I was forty years old when I got married because I did not allow myself to be pressured into making a commitment prematurely. Some have said that I'm a late bloomer, but I prefer to think of myself as someone who counts the cost before making a decision, especially the kind of decision that affects my life and the lives of others. For me that means looking at what has been done, what can be done, and how well I can reconcile the two.

One of the questions I've been asked during this campaign is, "What made you decide to run for City Council now?" My answer: I'm ready to make that commitment. I've made a critical, well thought out decision to step up and position myself to be an agent of hope. Now I'm asking you to do the same.

In five days, on September 22nd, you will have the opportunity to go to the polls and make a critical decision that will affect the present and future generations of District 6 and the city of Knoxville at large. I'm not asking you to marry me, but I do believe that we can create a harmonious partnership that satisfies both the required and the desired in this proposed relationship.

Don't Count Me Out

People sometimes make all kinds of assumptions. Many times, people assume that because I'm an attorney I make lots of money, drive a fancy car, and live in a posh neighborhood. Well, I do drive a BMW (it's an '88, with a cracked dash, but it's still pretty fancy to me). I actually live in one of the more depressed areas of East Knoxville, and most of the cases I take are cases no one else wants: abuse and neglect; delinquent and unruly children; domestic disputes. Why do I drive an old car, and take these kinds of cases, and live where I live? Let's just call it preservation. I see something of value that needs to be preserved.

'Location, location, location.' is said to be the number one rule in real estate. Do you know what happens when people lose interest or pride in an area or no longer see real value in it? It becomes dilapidated. The same is true of cars, buildings, agendas, and even people. As I look around District 6 I see a lot of dilapidation, but I choose to live here because I see something worth preserving. Someone has to be willing to deal with the abused and neglected, the delinquent and the unruly, and the domestic disputes, even if it means trading in the wingtip shoes for a pair of well-worn sneakers. Someone has to be willing to look past the sometimes shabby exterior and see the real value in our location and in the people who make up our location. I'm willing. How about you?