KNOXVILLE - South Knoxville resident Julia Tucker launches her write-in candidacy for City council District One with an eye to gain the seat currently occupied by City Councilman Joe Hultquist. As a write-in candidate in the general election, all Knoxville registered voters will have a chance to cast their vote for the familiar figure whose past accomplishments as an AIDS acitivist are well known.
“Everyone should have a choice when they go to the polls,” asserts Tucker whose aim is to address problems of concern to South Knoxville residents and ultimately the entire city. “This is the democratic process at work.”
Tucker believes that her friends and neighbors want safe homes, good sidewalks, high-quality schools for our children, as well as quiet neighborhoods. She pledges to remain accessible. Supporters point to her integrity and concern as reasons they expect her to keep that promise.
Tucker has been involved in the GLBT community for a number of years. Following the death of her son, William, at age 31 from complications of HIV/AIDS, she has participated in community organizations such as Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) and AIDS Response Knoxville (ARK.) She stands proud in support of another child, a daughter, who is a lesbian.
Knoxville cannot have too many representatives on City Council who are truly supportive of the entire Knoxville communithy. Tucker pledges her support for the local GLBT community.
In addressing the immediate concerns of her neighborhood in the Island Home area, she points to congestion and traffic on Hillwood that needs correction, the future of Fort Higley, and the disposition of old South High School, currently vacant and deteriorating. In addition, she is concerned that qualified persons retain their right to have home offices.
Currently, her opponent voted against approval of home offices for those who do qualify, when the issue arose from recommendations set forth by the Metropolitan Planning Commission.
Dianne Draper, well known to many of us as part of the Gyrlgroove staff and member of Whosoever Fellowship has known Tucker for many years.
Draper notes,“As a Knoxvillian and former member of Broadway Baptist Church, I first knew Julia as my Sunday School teacher. Returning to Knoxville and meeting her again after so many years was absolutely wonderful. I discovered that she is a loving, supportive friend. Neither of us attends Broadway now, but the friendship we have has lasted all those years, and I know Julia to be a woman of her word. She will take on a project and see it through for all of us.”
“Don't vote for her because she has friends in the GLBT community. Vote for her to put someone on Council who is intelligent, personable, communicative, reachable and accessible, concerned and compassionate - truly concerned about all of Knoxville,” says Draper.
To cast a vote for a write-in candidate in early voting or on Election Day, simply go to the polls and request a paper ballot. Tell the officials that you wish to cast a vote for a write-in candidate. You will then use the paper ballot for your entire voting slate and will not vote on the machines.