Woodward: Why are you running for office of mayor?

Padgett: Knoxville is at a critical turning point.  We need a Mayor who’ll build on the successes of the last seven years and take Knoxville to the next level. I believe my hands-on experience as CEO of a successful small business, my experience in the Bredesen Administration and my vision for Knoxville make me the person who can lead our city forward.  I believe people from across the globe one day will look to Knoxville as a leader, a prime example of a community building a vibrant future for its people, for its small businesses and industries, and for generations to come.
 
2. W: What are three issues you see as the most important?
 My priorities:
 
• Growing our jobs base by supporting businesses that already call Knoxville home, recruiting world-class companies to relocate here, and establishing Knoxville as a great place to start a business.
 
• Creating more user-friendly city government, which spends tax dollars wisely and efficiently, makes services more accessible, and connects and strengthens our communities.
 
• Investing in a vibrant, growing downtown – “everyone’s neighborhood” – by promoting continued conservation and restoration of historic buildings and encouraging residential and commercial development.
 

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