A group of non-partisan residents of Union County reached out to the 6 candidates running for the 5th District Commission seats and the 2 candidates running for Union County Mayor. We asked them for responses to 5 questions. We have provided the questions and unedited responses below. There is also a website www.voteuc.com where the responses, background information provided by the candidates, as well as other information related to the August 4 election is provided.

1. What do you consider the top two major issues facing Sharps Chapel and Union County? How do you plan to address these issues?

5th County district Commission Candidate response:

Jeff Brantley:
The top two issues facing Sharps Chapel and Union County are Education and Business creation. I'm excited about the new TCAT school coming. Not every student is a candidate for post secondary education. As vice chair of the Business and Industrial committee, I feel a real effort has been made by bringing the Farmers Market. Commissioners and the mayor have been collectively supportive.

Kevin Brantley : No Response

Greg Dyer:
One of the major issues that we face in Sharps Chapel as well as Union County is failure to protect and maintain one of our most valuable resources... our people.  Our local law enforcement, EMS employees, and teachers should not have to live in poverty as they protect, serve and educate our community.  We continue to lose these individuals to higher paying jobs in other counties.  I believe our community deserves the best and I will work to increase pay and benefits for our local law enforcement, EMS and teachers without impacting taxpayers wallets. 

Another issue is drugs in our community.  I feel that we can and must do better in securing resources and funding for substance abuse treatment programs in our community.  

Kenny Hill: No Response

Brett Pursel: No Response

Eddie Simpson:
One of the major issues facing Sharps Chapel and Union County is lack of funding for emergency services (police, ambulance and fire fighters).  Another issue is that the citizens of Sharps Chapel and the Speedwell community have been overlooked for years now.  I plan to work on obtaining additional funding for emergency services without reaching further into the taxpayers pockets.  I also plan to work hard to obtain much needed services in our community. 

Union County Mayoral Candidate:

Jason Bailey:
In my opinion, workforce development and access to reliable, high speed internet are two of the most important issues. When the county has a trained local workforce, I believe more industry and jobs will follow. I want to see our citizens earn decent wages right here at home. The addition of two college campuses (TCAT and WSCC) here in Union County will definitely improve our local workforce. In today’s world, broadband internet is as important as any basic utility. Union County is fortunate to have two utilities (KUB & PVE) bringing broadband to all their customers. Only two small areas of the county are not covered by these utilities. Grants are being submitted to cover these areas. This will ensure all UC residents will have access to broadband internet.

Michael Williams:
Union County should “focus” on the attributes that make us unique to other areas.
1. Norris Lake-keep it clean & protected.
2. Big Ridge State Park
3. Country Music History
4. Wilson Park & The Veterans Wall
5. Close proximity to a major city. – Knoxville
6. Rural Living

Instead of trying to copy other counties we should focus on strengths (see above list). We are in Wonderful position to have steady growth if we advertise our strengths. To build a Strong county you have to have a Strong Foundation. We are a great place to work, play & retire. But placing business in rural settings isn’t the avenue to take. We have an Industrial Park for businesses.

2. In Tennessee’s 2022 county profiles Union County’s overall rank is 89 out of 95 counties (www.gov/tcc/data-and-research/county-profiles.html). What policies and programs do you support to improve the county’s situation?

5th County district Commission Candidate response:

Jeff Brantley:
the ranking...
Until more revenues appear from recreational or industrial sources, school system as the county's largest employer, this ranking will continue.

Kevin Brantley : No Response

Greg Dyer:
I believe that education is an important factor in improving the economic situation of our county.  Our children should have options in terms of post high school education including college, vocational/trade schools such as TCAT (Tennessee College of Applied Technology) as well as apprenticeship training programs within our community.  I fully support the TCAT program that is coming to Union County.  Our children will greatly benefit by having a vocational training facility close to home.  

also need more support for community outreach programs to help identify families in need as well as appropriate resources and services available to assist them to overcome their obstacles and ensure their basic needs are met. 

Kenny Hill: No Response

Brett Pursel: No Response

Eddie Simpson:
There are many issues that our community faces. I feel our community needs funding and access to drug treatment programs and a full time ambulance service in Sharps Chapel.  These are a necessity to our community. 

Union County Mayoral Candidate:

Jason Bailey:
Union County has not experienced any major growth or development in many years. I believe the accomplishments during my first term in office will help to improve our standing. We will now have two colleges, a sports complex, broadband internet, and more tourism opportunities (to increase local revenue). These accomplishments, along with interventions in the school system and our local health department, will only help our county improve in terms of health, education, and overall well being.

Michael Williams:
County needs to Focus on:
A. Health care for the citizens
B. Should establish a 24-hr Urgent Care Center in our county. This center would help stabilizing an injured person or a person in critical condition due to health issues.
C. Education needs to be broadened to include training for a changing economy. Examples Technical-computer skills
Vocational Ed. – Examples: Heat & Air - certification
Welding – certification
Plumbing – certification
D. Union County should also focus on the reasons people move into our county & why do people move away from our county. The more we know about what our strengths are the better we can stay on that path. Also we as a county need to know about tour weaknesses. What do our citizens want? What are their economics? What can our government do better?

3. What is your position on bringing some sort of planned development to Union County to ensure economic development is balanced with the environmental impact it may cause?

5th County district Commission Candidate response:

Jeff Brantley:
believe that all want a clean Union County. I will report any and all situations that deviate from that. I do not support zoning Sharps Chapel ( totally or partially). Many folks I have spoken with prefer the Chapel to stay Agricultural and Recreational. I couldn't agree more.

Kevin Brantley : No Response

Greg Dyer:
I am not for zoning in Sharps Chapel.  I feel that with proper planning, communication and cooperation of all areas of our local government, we can better control development and economic growth while protecting our farm land, our lake and the serene and peaceful country living setting that we all love in Sharps Chapel that makes it "Home" or as I have heard many refer to it as "God's Country". 

Kenny Hill: No Response

Brett Pursel: No Response

Eddie Simpson:
I do not support zoning in Sharps Chapel. We can have development and growth within our community but with communication and cooperation between all arms of our local county government and proper planning, we can protect our investment and continue to enjoy the peaceful farm land that our community provides. 

Union County Mayoral Candidate:

Jason Bailey:
Our county is known for the large amount of untouched farmland and natural beauty. At this point, I feel the county has a great balance when it comes to development vs. environmental impact. As the county grows, local government should constantly monitor this type of impact and the effects on local communities. If concerns arise, several measures could be considered to maintain the county’s desired balance.

Michael Williams:
Tourism is the major source of revenue for Union County. Our Lake, Big Ridge State Park, the local marinas all provide plentiful outdoor activities for travelers. Any industry considering our county must be examined closely to make sure it doesn’t hurt the local communities or environment in our county. Industry should be recruited that will provide safe, secure and long term benefits for our county. Also the citizens of our county have a right to know when an industry or company is considering a move here.

4. How would you solicit input from the community you serve? And, likewise, keep the community informed on a timely basis?
5th County district Commission Candidate response:

Jeff Brantley:
I feel I have more than complied with keeping citizens informed through social media. I have also offered my personal email address.

Kevin Brantley : No Response

Greg Dyer:
I plan to have open communication with the community by providing my direct contact information to all citizens and request that citizens attend and participate in monthly community meetings that I plan to organize in order to obtain valuable information, ideas and concerns from citizens that I may present during county commission meetings.  While out campaigning for this election, I have been presented with lots of great ideas from citizens.  I have also been informed of many needs within our community that have been ignored and neglected for years. I plan to address both when elected.   

Kenny Hill: No Response

Brett Pursel: No Response

Eddie Simpson:
 After elected, I will solicit input from the community by communicating directly with the citizens.  Citizens will be able to contact me directly with problems or ideas.  I will have regularly scheduled meetings within the community in order to gain insight into the needs of the community and ideas citizens have and so I can take these issues or or ideas back to the county commission meetings and advocate for the citizens I serve. 

Union County Mayoral Candidate:

Jason Bailey:
I always welcome input from the community. Citizens may contact me by calling my office, scheduling a meeting, email, UC Mayor Facebook page, or the UC Website. Information is shared to the citizens using social media, local newspapers, and by live streaming monthly public meetings, especially county commission meetings. Citizens are also able to voice concerns to the commission during the public comments section of the meetings.

Michael Williams:
-I fully support the citizens having a voice in the activities of their government.
-Public meetings are one avenue to keep the citizens informed of any major developments.
-Using local news outlets provide another way to inform the public.

5. Explain why you are the best candidate for this position.

5th County district Commission Candidate response:

Jeff Brantley:
There shouldn't be any doubt that I am the most qualified candidate in my district. The transparency of my term has always been centered on saving the taxpayers money. I have stood alone to be a voice for my district. Don't let a mean Tweet or FB post bring more regulations from folks who moved here to get away from it.
Vote Responsibly

Kevin Brantley : No Response

Greg Dyer:
I am the best candidate for county commissioner of the 5th district because I have owned and operated a successful business for over 20 years and want to utilize this business experience to serve my community.  I am trustworthy, honest and dependable.  I am hard working and most of all, I am ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for the citizens of the 5th district.  I would truly appreciate your support and vote on August 4, 2022. 

Kenny Hill: No Response

Brett Pursel:

Eddie Simpson:
I am the best candidate for county commissioner in the 5th district because I am honest, fair, passionate and have a desire to be a servant to the Sharps Chapel and Speedwell communities.  I would appreciate your vote on August 4, 2022. 

Union County Mayoral Candidate:

Jason Bailey:
Four years ago, I was honored and humbled to be elected as your Union County Mayor. I have made it my mission to improve our great county in terms of workforce development, community development, and tourism. This simply means to educate a workforce in our own county, give our citizens the same opportunities as surrounding counties (recreation and local services) and to attract tourists to our county to spend money. With the help of many, many individuals, and over 20 MILLION dollars of grant funding, I feel my administration has achieved this mission. However, we have lots more to do! I humbly ask for your vote and support so my administration can continue the amazing progress our county is experiencing. I truly care for this county and absolutely love being a part of all the great opportunities coming for our citizens.

Michael Williams:
- I welcome citizen input BEFORE making decisions that affect their communities and our county.
- Experienced Leadership- has overseen budgets during tough economic times, both at the state and local levels.
-Believe in a Balanced Budget, Reasonable spending and low taxes.