Knoxville, TN – According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, the City Council approved a new, 13-member panel last night that will develop and present pension reform recommendations to the next Mayor of Knoxville. Knoxville faces increasing costs - estimated at $11 million this year with the potential to grow to $30 million a year by 2019.

In response, Mark Padgett issued the following statement:

“Knoxville is blessed to have community leaders from all ethnicities and walks of life. The City Council, Vice Mayor Joe Bailey, and City Council attorney Charles Swanson should be commended for putting together a new task force that reflects that diversity.”

Media reports were unclear as to whether or not task force meetings would be open to the public. Padgett reiterated his support for keeping all meetings open to the public.

“With substantial tax dollars at stake, Knoxvillians should have the right to attend and observe all task force meetings. This is a complex problem that’s going to require complex solutions. Public meetings will help inspire confidence in the group’s recommendations and help to ensure that we’re protecting taxpayers and honoring commitments to our dedicated city employees.”

For past campaign releases on pension reform, please visit: http://www.votepadgett.com/news-events/. 

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