OUR FLAGSHIP PROGRAM

CURRENT CLASS

Ten years from now I hope to see a continuation of intentional investment in and thoughtful development of our community. A shared goal I have with most I know is to help our region thrive both economically and in all forms of health - social, mental, spiritual and physical.

Definitely our clinic! For those uninsured we are an amazing resource! But for those unfamiliar with Knoxville I would say the quality of life overall. It is a very manageable and friendly city in a world that is getting faster, noisier and more cluttered. One can find great theater, music, food and sports for the size of the city. And there is a vibrant culture of being socially involved here, to do good, in many forms.

I would require sidewalks in every development and neighborhood. I would make Knoxville teachers the highest paid in the state. I would add playgrounds, not just pool houses, in every development and apartment complex area. I would add an express bus up and down Kingston Pike. I would bring back "Boarding houses" to create very low cost housing. I would encourage more walking culture - the ability to walk to grocery stores and restaurants through out the county and city. I would raise the ability to get Tenncare to 200 or even 250 FPL.

We moved away when I was 14 to the very cold north and I did not return until my late 40s. I have very fond memories of the Knoxville Zoo as kid. There was nothing west of West Town Mall then. It seemed very exotic and wild to go to the zoo. There seemed very few safeguards between us and the animals back then which also made it exhilarating. I have a picture of my brother riding the giant tortoise (not allowed anymore thank goodness..it was different time.)

Currently on my nightstand: Everything is Tuberculosis and Long Island Compromise. Generally I have one non fiction and one fiction going.

My father once said "what needs to be said gets said." He was simultaneously both forgiving me for saying something that was wrong/hurtful and teaching me about the power and intention of words. It was such a simple clear statement that could be construed in many ways - to justify callousness or clumsy words, or encourage action where needed. I was always struck by how he left that statement open to interpretation but his meaning was clear - his forgiveness and his reminder to use words carefully given their power.

Take a gap year and then go to your top choice university that you got into but didn't go to because you were afraid of the cost.