Dear voters,

As a candidate for public office, I expect a fair election; just as you do - as voters. The Knoxville News Sentinel ran a story today about Teresa Kirkham engaging voters directly across the hall from the Election Commission’s office. Link...

As usual, the courthouse was an early voting location. Let me first say that I support an open door policy in government and also realize that official courthouse business has to carry on. However, Ms. Kirkham’s actions and statements, during an election, are not related to official Property Assessor business, instead her statements were campaign related by saying "remember me", "don't forget me", etc. The Election Commission received complaints similar to the numerous calls that I received. In the KNS article it states - “Charles Holiway, the county's administrator of elections, said his office "had a couple of complaints" about Kirkham campaigning from her office, but no formal written complaints were filed.”

Even though this appears to be a violation of election law all I want is for Ms. Kirkham to comply with the requirements as I have. I don't want her in trouble; I just want her to give the people of Roane County a fair election. The law institutes the 100 foot boundary requirement in T.C.A. 2-7-111(b)(1). It is the opinion of the State of Tennessee Coordinator of Elections that “the display of” actually means showing or making something public within the 100-foot boundary and that “Solicitation of votes” includes all verbal and non-verbal campaign or politicking. It appears evident that Ms. Kirkham’ actions of attempting to engage passer-by voters with her statements is not official Property Assessor business, therefore, it appears to be campaigning within the boundary.

I have Poll Watchers working on Election Day and I am also counting on those in charge of the election to be watching too. The democracy of this Country is rooted in fair elections. I, along with the residents of Roane County expect a fair election. I want to know that I either won or lost within the rules. I don't want any doubt about the election results because of Ms. Kirkham's actions.

In response to Rebecca Shaw-Wells concern regarding my December 2011 campaign disclosure - it is unfortunate when a neighbor, who is campaigning for your opponent, turns over private internal organizational records for political gain. As a matter of clarification, I do not receive income for serving as President of the Association, as the by-laws waive those fees. In a separate function, I maintain the Associations books for which I receive $125/quarter, but not as an accountant as I am not one. Ms. Shaw-Wells knows this is the fact as she is also an officer with the Association. She has a legal fiduciary responsibility to the Association in relation to our internal business, not to my opponent. I am confident that I am in full compliance and see this for what it is.

I, along with the residents of Roane County expect a fair election. We are way overdue for a change in Roane County, please vote this Thursday.

David