South Knox officials combine efforts

By Mike Steely

Senior Writer

steelym@knoxfocus.com

A few years ago construction on Chapman Highway slowed South Knoxville to a crawl. Skeptics thought the increased difficulty of access to the commerce and housing across the Tennessee River might ruin growth there.

But the businesses and neighborhoods in South Knoxville persisted and today the area has recovered and is growing. City and county efforts helped to promote and develop the area with park improvements, school access, new businesses and thriving neighborhoods.

Two people represent South Knoxville and South Knox County and their duties, on Knoxville City Council and the Knox County Commission, often overlap and sometimes both local representatives combine their efforts together.

County Commissioner Carson Dailey, a Republican, is in his second term and leaves office in 2024. Dailey was elected to replace 9th District's Mike Brown. City Councilman Tommy Smith, a Democrat, was selected to replace resigning 1st District Councilwoman Stephanie Welch in 2020 and was elected in 2021.

The Knoxville Focus caught up with both local elected officials and asked several questions.

What are some of the projects or concerns you have both worked on?

Dailey: We have worked on litter and signs in right of ways that are illegal in the city and county. Roads and right of way are cleaner due to working together.

Smith: We both understand how design and cleanliness impact everyone's quality of life. Litter and waste reduction is something we collaborate on often. That has led to less illegal roadway signs, new waste bins at bus shelters, and an official County Environmental Officer. We want to make sure the visual appeal of South Knoxville aligns with the desire of its residents.

How is South Knox growing and where?

Dailey:  County is growing along Governor John Sevier Highway, Chapman Highway and Alcoa Highway in residential. Some business growth around Mountain Grove area with the new Covenant Health Care and a new strip mall at Mountain Grove.

Smith: South Knoxville has as much growth, and unique types of developments, as any part of our community. The good news is that we both agree on the need for balance. We encourage new developments that replace abandoned and blighted properties, but we also value preserving what makes South Knoxville special, including the Urban Wilderness, local restaurants, and connections between neighborhoods.

Where is cooperation between the city and county working in South Knoxville?

Dailey:  Mostly working on better education with shared program resources — Knox Ed and PTAs.

Smith:  When there is a need, we try to listen to the people raising the issue. We are both responsive and try to find practical solutions that improve the daily life of South Knoxville residents.

Name an event that you are both involved in.

Dailey: Both of us are board members of Vestival and Ijams Nature Center.

Smith: Vestival, Keep Knoxville Beautiful and the South Knoxville Cleanup (annual).

Ijams Nature Center (board)

Is Seymour actually a part of South Knoxville?

Dailey: Not so much as business or residential goes. If you add recreational, Bower Field has more Seymour residents playing sports than Knox County residents. How? Future plans for residential, commercial and an expanded sports area will bring Seymour South Knoxville as a destination.

Smith: Having split my youth between South Knoxville and Seymour, I realize the desire to group them together, but they are very different communities within our region.

How do differences in political parties hinder your cooperation with each other?

Dailey: Hardly at all. We may disagree on national issues but both agree that South Knoxville communities' betterment comes first.

Smith: I think we both realize that finding our differences is not as important as finding our agreements. We both disagree well and appreciate the need for that. If you speak with anyone long enough, you will find a path of disagreement. But if you stop at disagreement, nothing happens. No one's life is better. So, we both intentionally aim for the intersections where we agree. To be frank, we don't talk about political parties much. We talk more about ideas to improve South Knoxville. That may sound trite, but it is reality.

You are both term-limited. What are your plans when your term ends?

Dailey: Playing with my grandchildren but still active in my Bonny Kate Community.

Smith: I've tried to become an expert in helping people. That will never stop. But after City Council, I'll spend more time on my most important role, husband and dad.

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