Kevin Shepherd's Response to The Raven Society's Position Questionnaire

1. What is your occupation? (Please list both primary and all secondary.)

Attorney

2. Please list all schools, colleges, and universities that you have attended and all degrees you have earned.

LeTourneau University, Longview, TX, B.A. Public Administration

University of Tennessee College of Law, J.D.

3. Why have you chosen to run for office?

Because I believe that I have the education, experience and the heart to lead our county in well-reasoned, planned growth in order to leave our children a quality place to call home.

4. What do you see as the three most critical issues facing Blount County?

(1) Fiscal Responsibility.

(2) Economic Development.

(3) Preservation of Natural Resources.

5. How do you propose to address each of these three issues?

(1) By encouraging accountability among County office holders and by reminding others that "more money" for a budget does not necessarily translate into better services.

(2) By supporting business recruitment that is compatible with the needs of our County, and compatible with preservation of County's beauty and resources.

(3) By encouraging controlled, planned development that is consistent with proper land-use planning. This potential growth should enhance, rather than detract, the county's qualities.

6. What is your vision for Blount County/Maryville in 5 years?

Limited, but efficient, governmental growth that serves the County with strong schools, equipped law enforcement and efficient Court House services. However, current development which overburdens our schools and roads must be held accountable and encouraged to promote only development that can be sustained by our infrastructure and that complements our expressed land-use goals.

7. What is your vision for Blount County/Maryville in 20 years?

The same as the preceeding question except I hope we have economic growth with jobs that are high-tech, intellect intensive or involved with R&D.

8. Do you support the extension of the Pellissippi Parkway from Old Knoxville Highway (SR 33) to US 321?

c Yes or x No

If you checked "yes", is it because (check all that apply):

c You believe it is a "done deal" with T-DOT, and that the County government cannot affect the outcome either way.

c It will benefit commuters to Knoxville, both for shopping and employment.

c It will enhance Maryville/Alcoa businesses.

c It will open up new areas for development, both because of access and because the sewer lines will follow the interstate.

If none of these apply, please explain why you support or oppose the extension.

I do not believe it will enhance our quality of life or our natural resources. Also, I am not aware that our citizens even want this extension.

9. How do you intend to address the development pressures this extension will bring, including impacts on Blount County's secondary roads, schools, public services, air and water quality?

You are correct that this project will bring pressures for increased County Services, and I am not satisfied that we can satisfy the needs at our current tax rate.

10. Would you support or oppose the Proposed Interstate 140 By-Pass (Southern Loop) around Maryville and within the County? Why?

Unless I am convinced otherwise, my answer to this question is the same as answer #8.

11. What do you plan to do to prevent or encourage the completion of the Southern Loop?

As a representative of the County, I hope to receive significant citizen input to assist me in addressing this issue. I also hope to become better informed on alternative options.

12. Are you familiar with the County's Five Primary Planning Guidelines, which were formulated from a Land Use Study conducted in 1998? How would you incorporate the results into your own decision-making in your new or renewed position?

I do support these guidelines and believe all county officials need to be reminded of them. Hopefully, my answers preceding this demonstrate how these principles guide me.

13. What is your position on the annexation compromise (Public Charter 1101)?

I support the compromise as previously announced by our County Executive.

14. What is your opinion of the Cities and the County working together in land use planning? (As the Knoxville Metropolitan Planning Authority operates.)

It is essential that we work together with a shared vision if we hope to responsibly guide our County.

15. What do you see as the best way to protect the rural nature of Blount County?

I do not know what is the best way to protect our natural resources. However, our historical assets and public, natural assets must be safeguarded.

16. What do you see as the best way to protect the unique environmental features of Blount County (Little River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, etc.)?

I hope that individuals and companies can be educated and encouraged to donate land and resources to agencies and trusts that are designed to protect our natural, environmental resources. Developers should also pledge to build in greenway buffers and open spaces where high density developments are planned. Also, water and air quality must be monitored.