NEWS SENTINEL

"PADGETT'S KICK-OFF: Several hundred people attended the official launch of Padgett's campaign for mayor where he talked on four themes: growing jobs and the economy; stronger and safer neighborhoods; more accessibility and efficiency in government services; and continuing to grow Knoxville's downtown. Padgett, the owner of e-Government solutions, is the son of former Knox County Clerk Mike Padgett. Attorney Warren Gooch, well-known Democrat, described the attendees this way: "Twitter crowd to the mimeograph crowd." -Georgiana Vines, Knox News Sentinel

DAILY SUN

 “Padgett opened by saying his decision to run for mayor was not easy nor taken lightly. He then went on to say he wanted to continue the progress that was made in the past 7 years in Knoxville and the more he thought about it the more convinced he became that he was the man for the job. "It's not the time for the same old politics. It's time for change, new ideas and new innovation." 

While thanking his family and supporters he continued with a strong focus on local business growth and creating new Knoxville jobs. He highlighted his own experience in the business community by pointing to "eGovernment Solutions," www.mygovonline.com. At that he reinforced what he was saying by addressing the fact that he is a "step ahead" because he's the only person on the ballot who has actually created private-sector jobs. 

After a round of applause, Padgett continued his kickoff by focusing on a major concern for Knoxville neighborhood safety (an often overlooked yet vital part of any healthy local government). 

Next up was a detailed and passionate plan to continue revising the downtown area. Padgett detailed the key areas and projects he wants to continue throughout Gay Street, The Old City and all of downtown Knoxville while linking the projects to local jobs, more downtown visitors, and the urgency of continuing growth in the area. 

At that he explained that tonight was just the beginning, that he would have time to hit on more issues soon, and that he realized people were busy and didn't want take up everyone's night. With that he closed by thanking everyone for coming out and walked over to give his wife and child a long hug. 

Did Padgett deliver? Somewhat. He could have stood up there and done nothing more than thank his family and say how proud he was, but he hit on 3 of the 8 issues I am concerned about: With that he gained some respect and the benefit of the doubt. His passion is evident, along with his business experience and his support. While each candidate will be given a fair chance, Mr. Padgett is currently in the lead. We have a long way to go. The closer we get to election day the more the candidates will be scrutinized.” -John Disque, Knoxville Daily Sun