Sources |
- [S84] E-Mail, Buford Watson Jr. [iam-dave@hotmail.com], 30 Dec 2009.
- [S51] The Seymour Herald, (www.smokymountainherald.com), 26 Jul 2010.
Joe McCulley of Maryville, a Blount County Commissioner, has announced himself as a candidate for the 8th District State House of Representatives seat in the Republican Primary election to be held on Aug. 5.
McCulley is retired from ALCOA, Inc. and as the owner of a financial services office having been licensed as a real estate broker, an agent for all lines of insurance and as an investment securities broker.
He is a Vietnam veteran and active in the support of veterans and current military service members. He has received several awards for his service to veterans.
He is a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion and the United Veterans of Blount County. He serves as a member of the Blount County Veterans Affairs Committee.
As an employee of ALCOA, he served as the insurance and benefits chairman for members of the local union and on the Board of Directors of the Alcoa TN Federal Credit Union.
McCulley said he is the only candidate for state representative that has family roots in both Blount and Sevier Counties. The McCulley family settled in Sevier County in the early 1800's and his father was born in Sevier. His mother was born in Blount where her family was long time residents.
He has lived in the District for forty years. One of his opponents has lived in the District only a few years and the other two had to move into the District a couple months ago in order to become qualified as a candidate. He said he knows the District and its people.
"Unlike my opponents, I am financing my campaign", said McCulley. "I will not be obligated to the special interest groups and lobbyists in Nashville.
“These people give money to buy influence and connections with legislators. The only people I will be beholden to is the citizens of Blount and Sevier Counties. I will be there to represent them."
He added that he has always returned every phone call and responded to every letter and email as an elected official and he welcomes the opinion of each citizen on any issue of concern.
McCulley said in his opinion, the most important issue facing the state next year probably will be the budget unless sales tax revenue improves. The legislators will have to look at the governor's budget proposal and then make decisions concerning any changes.
It would be his position that the budget will have to be cut if there is a shortage of revenue after using some of the 'rainy day' funds. He said he will be against increasing any taxes. It would be his position that if cuts are to be made, funding the 'peoples' programs such as education and health should be maintained.
The candidate said having experience in finance as a retired securities broker and having served on the Board of Directors of Blount County's oldest financial institution as the Treasurer would be helpful on discussions about the budget.
He added that he is a fiscal and social conservative and voters can view his position on issues on his campaign website at www.votemcculley.com or email him with any questions or comments at joe@votemcculley.com
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