MOUNT VERNON — The two candidates for the Knox County Commissioner seat that commences Jan. 2, 2009, have a combined 60 years’ experience serving the constituents of Knox County in either appointed or elected positions. Both candidates, Teresa Bemiller, Republican, and John Booth, Democrat, are certain their past experience has prepared them to serve the citizens of Knox County.
“I wanted to run because I felt I had reached a level of leadership and experience [that fit the position],” Bemiller said. “I have 26 years of appointed and elected service.”
This experience, Bemiller said, is a perfect fit for the fiscal and administrative duties of the commissioner’s office.
“I have worked with a mult-million dollar budget appropriated by Congress through HUD,” Bemiller said. “I am very well-rounded in the experience and knowledge I bring to the seat.”
Booth feels his service on Mount Vernon City Council, as well as his years as union president and stewardship, have given him the right background to work for the residents of the county.
“I have 22 years of experience on city council and going on 12 years as president of council,” he said. “I would be a good fit because of my background and work experience. I am a worker for the people.”
Booth said he is excited about his opportunity to run for county office.
“I know if elected I can, and will, do a good job for the people of Knox County because I know to be a good leader you have to be a good servant,” he said.
Moving from council president of the county seat to commissioner doesn’t appear to be a big jump in Booth’s eyes; in fact, he feels like it would be a seamless transition.
“I have been going to commissioner meetings since April. For me, it would be fairly easy to step into that role because it is a continuation of previous work,” he said.
If elected commissioner, Booth said he would like to keep spending down, bring new jobs into the county, build a new senior citizens center and improve roadways, as that is “on everyone’s list.”
“I have been representing the city on the Area Development Foundation for the past 12 years, so I would work through ADF to bring jobs here. I want to see a senior citizen building somewhere as they have certainly outgrown the one they have now,” Booth said.
When discussing roads in the county, Booth believes connector roads could be established that would link existing roads to create the shortest route possible around the city of Mount Vernon.
“We can do this with a minimum of new land,” Booth said.
Bemiller plans to bring a fresh point of view to the board of commissioners.
“If elected, I will take the time to make sure [the commissioners] make the right choices for Knox County. I want to bring a new perspective to this particular seat. It’s time for new ideas, skills and experience,” she said.
The former executive director of the Knox County Metropolitan Housing Authority, Bemiller feels those years of experience are well suited for the commissioner’s seat.
“While at Metro, I worked with community organizations that provided serves to the residents of Knox County, like the United Way and Interchurch, organizations that actually assist the people,” Bemiller said. “I was able to see government work on another level with a different kind of service. This will make me better informed as a commissioner to serve the people.”
To help her transition to the seat, Bemiller has also been attending commissioner sessions, since beating out Tom McLarnan in the primary race.
“I have also visited county agencies and elected offices,” Bemiller said. “I went out to the Knox County Airport to talk about its budget. I want to make sure our county government is operating efficiently; are we spending wisely and does it meet the community’s need?”
In addition, she said, she feels it is important to look at all sources available for funding for county projects.
“I have dealt with federal programs and grants. I want to look at all the options for state and federal monies. I have worked with the Community Development Block Grant and I would like to see that expanded for other community developments,” Bemiller said.
Booth ran for commissioner two years ago as a replacement candidate for the party.
“I lost by just over 700 votes. Even at that time I thought being a commissioner would be a good fit for me,” he said.
Booth, a lifelong resident of Knox County, has been married for 47 years to his wife, Sharon; they have five grown children and eight grandchildren. He is a graduate of East Knox (Howard) High School, a member of the Knox County Farm Bureau, has 30 years of on-the-job experience working with management and problem solving, is a Kiwanis Club member, is chairman of The Salvation Army Advisory Board and has served on committees of the First Church of the Nazarene, where he has been a member for 47 years.
Bemiller, too, is a lifelong resident of Knox County. She is married to her husband, Greg, and they have one daughter, Heather. She is a United Way volunteer, eight-year president of the Knox County Board of MR/DD, and is a member of the Exchange Club, Knox County Farm Bureau and the Mount Vernon/Knox County Chamber of Commerce.
The winner of this race would serve with Bob Wise and the winner of the Jan. 3 seat, either Serita Harris or Allen Stockberger.
