Mike in the News

MAY 19 - FORMER KNOX COUNTY CLERK MIKE PADGETT RUNNING FOR SENATE

By JOEL DAVIS
The Daily Times

Mike Padgett isn't done yet.

After 20 years serving as the Knox County Clerk, Padgett was ousted from office in January 2007 when term limits were upheld. Now, he's back on the political scene, running for the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat currently occupied by Sen. Lamar Alexander.

"I'm not through with public service," Padgett said. "I enjoy being with people, taking on new tasks."

Padgett was ousted when the state Supreme Court upheld the county charter and its term limits provision, forcing out officeholders who had served more than two consecutive terms. He said he's ready for more service.

"Our country needs strong leadership," Padgett said. "We need people who have aggressive modes of problem solving."

He was first elected to the Knox County School Board in 1984 then as Knox County Clerk in 1986. During his time as clerk, Padgett managed over 130 employees and an annual budget of $57 million. This has prepared him to serve as senator, he said.

"Everybody knows county government is the form of government that touches more lives than any other form of government," Padgett said. "We don't just sell license plates or marriages licenses. We listen to people's problems ... We listen when it costs $4 a gallon for milk or gas."

Padgett, 59, said his first priority, if elected, would be to tackle the country's energy problems. He wants the country to investigate alternatives to the dependence on foreign oil, such as wind power and solar energy. He is also against continuing the occupation of Iraq.

"We've given them a democracy," he said. "Let them decide their own fate. We are not nation builders."

Better access to health care is something else that Padgett supports, saying he wants health coverage for all children under 18 and affordable health care for the middle class.

"I don't like to use the word 'universal'," Padgett said.

Although he may not be as familiar to voters as Sen. Alexander, Padgett is hoping they will listen to his message.

"I realize that I'm running against the favorite son of Blount County," he said. "I realize that Sen. Alexander is a household name, but I believe if people were to take a good look at my Web site, they would see there are alternatives to the old ideas."

Prior to serving in elected office Padgett was a small business owner. He founded and operated Homestead Restaurant and Catering, employing over 25 people. A Knox County native and graduate of Rule High School, Padgett earned his bachelor's degree from Calvary College in Letcher, Ky. He is an ordained deacon and member of First Baptist Church in Knoxville.

Padgett and his wife Patty have been married for 37 years. They have three adult children, Matt, Mark and Sara Beth.

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