Visit My Website!

It has once again been sometime since I have
updated everyone here, but we now have a
website that will give you even more insight as
to who I am and what I am here to do. Please
visit www.matthewjones.us today. My blog
will be posted there and I will put more effort
into keeping you informed on a daily basis about
the campaign. Thank you for all your support!

Just Plain Wrong!

$502.09 at Kohls, $626.73 at Dillards,$399.44
at Parisian, $144.93 on shirts from Tommy
Hillfiger.....Are you serious. This is just one more
example of people who don't care how other
people's money is being spent as long as it is
being spent on them. If you want clothing on
the county dollar it seems to me like you would
be searching for the cheapest clothes possible for
the taxpayer's money..right? If I want a pair of
pants I go to Old Navy where I can get them for
$20 or less not Parisian where I would spend
$50. I shop on the clearance rack, and this
is with my money. This is rediculous, we need
some new perspective on the budgeting of our
citizen's tax money, because we are not getting
enough out of it.

Hubert Smith Radio Show

I will be on the Hubert Smith radio show
this Sunday the 11th from 4:00pm to
6:00pm. Hubert's show airs on AM 850
the Horne Radio Network. I will be joined
by Hubert, Commissioner Thomas "Tank"
Strickland, and Joe Armstrong a past Knox
County Commissioner and current state
representative. We will be discussing some
current issues as well as the upcoming elections.
I would love to have you listen to the show, and
you are encouraged to call in and ask us some
questions. This is a way for me to get my message
out that when it comes to the running of Knox
County "Less is More". We need LESS politicians
and MORE public servants. I hope you enjoy the show.
VOTE MATTHEW JONES FOR COUNTY
COMMISSION DISTRICT 6 SEAT A.

I am still with ya!

I know it has been some time since I have
written and for those of you who check this
blog periodically I apologize. I am still very
much in this thing and I am trying every day
to get my name out there so that all of your
support will not be in vain. I have purchased
some yard signs and I am preparing for the
Powell Christmas Parade which should be a
lot of fun and will be a great opportunity to
get out amoung the 6th district citizens. I
have dropped back my participation a tad
in party meetings, because it is my firm
belief that knocking on people's doors and
meeting new people, and getting new people
registered to vote is what is going to get all of
us the government we deserve. I am still in
dire need of money for this campaign so if any
of you out there want to help or know someone
who might want to help please contact me at
uvbinjonesd@comcast.net I have yard signs
coming next week and I would love to put one
in your yard if you would like to have one please
call my cell phone number at 865-254-3581.
This is a very important time for Knox County
and all the people it is home to, and we must
make our voices heard. Get out there and vote.
Don't forget to do something to support the
candidate you trust whomever they may be.
Sincerely,
Matthew Jones

Hateful, selfish, cold hearted Republicans!

I tell you what, for TN to be a conservative
state, the word republican is not very popular here.
I have had many people look at me in a different
light since I have offered myself up to this county
election. I think people know how I feel on certain
issues, but it has apparently not touched home with
most people until I was seen publically in support of
the republican party. I think that the title of this blog
is the only idea that the public has when it comes to
describing a conservative. This is sad, because it means
something much different to me. I am a republican
because I believe that we live in the greatest land on
this rock, and that we should take some pride in keeping
it that way. This is a land of opportunity, and though
it may not mean that every man or woman can be a
multi-millionaire, each and every person can make a
life for themselves and their family that they can be
proud of. I believe that we should help those in need,
help them to get on their feet and give them the resources
they need to be whatever they CHOOSE to be, but we
should not allow them to live off of our government. We have
the duty, not the right, to take the life of someone who
is a threat to the safety or liberty of our people, and that is the
ONLY, time we have that duty. We have the right of choice,
but not the right to choose to abort the life of an unborn child.
I have the right to protect my family and my home, and I have
the right to the weapon to do so, because gun control only controls
those who have the right to own them. We welcome others who
wish to enter our country and become a part of this great nation
and have the same opportunities that we all share, but we only
welcome those that come to us legally and have proved their
loyalty to this country. We do not support the demoralization of
this nation under God by tolerating what some consider a holy union
of two people of the same sex. We are tired of seeing drugs, sex, and
violence glorified on our television sets and radio channels.
These are many of the reasons that I am a republican, and if
any of these make me a hateful, selfish, cold hearted republican,
then so I will continue to be. I am from a large family of democrats,
and they are good people, but most of them are democrats because
of one or maybe two of the above reasons, I am republican for all
of them and many more. Maybe it was becoming a father that
really summoned me to challenge the ideas that I had been taught
my entire life, I am not sure but I will always believe this way for my
children's sake and the sake of others.

Here they go again

The Cawoods are at it again, handing out
government money with no remorse to the
taxpayer. This time they have joined forces
with Mr. Huddleston. They have said that
the money was given for a good cause, but
guess what....you knew you were going to be
tossed from your positions so the money wasn't
yours to give. These discretionary funds need
to be done away with. It is just one more way
for our officials to transfer our tax dollars into
votes for themselves. Yes...don't think for one
second that we the people believe that you were
handing out this money at the last minute for any
other reason but to increase your voter turn out.
You can see the guilt in Mrs. Cawood's face, but
no suprise there, and Mr. Huddleston even said he
did it before the ruling because he thought he might
be losing his job. How much are we going to let these
people disfigure the rules to make them work in
their favor. I don't care if this money was going to
the greatest of causes it was wrong for it to be
dispursed in this manner, just like it is wrong for
these appointees whose positions could not stand
up in court to seek reappointment. Do you scoundrels
not hear what the people are saying. I guess
you would have to care about the people to care about
what they are saying. You are going to
mess around and cause an uprising. I am sick of
seeing your faces in the paper, and that my greedy
little friends is plenty enough motivation to get
myself elected in your place. Thank you and
enjoy the last days of your political careers.

No Appointments!

Knox County is fast approaching another
pride stripping government official appointment
ceremony. Don't you think that this whole
situation could have been avoided with a
special election earlier this year? They didn't
want it then and they certainly don't want it now.
MOST, and I emphasize most, of these guys won
their seats in elections with name recognition and
they figure that if we can read their name in the
news for the next year that they will get elected on
that same premise once again. The only reason
Sharon Cawood would even think of asking for a
reappointment to her seat is that she beleives that
if people see her name enough she might have a chance
in an election. I am not going to look for an appointment
because they are going to do it the same way they did
before, but the difference is they have had time to find
the friends that they want in those seats and have been
able to organize their efforts and get others on board.
Yep...you can bet that those appointed will be friends
or maybe even family of those who are so comfortable in
their current seats. The election is the only way to fix this
and I will be turning in my qualifying petition next week.
I support the recall amendment! We should have a firm

grip on the leash of our government officials, All of them.

Too Late to Play "Good Polititian"

I read that Commissioner Hammond is now
pushing strongly to have no county employees
be allowed to serve as elected officials. This of
course would oust me from this upcoming
election because I am a Knox County employee,
but lets look at what else it would do. It would
exclude over 2,000 Knox County citizens from
taking advantage of their RIGHT to run for office.
It would remove the insight into improper spending
within county departments that in some cases only
someone who works in that department could see,
and having an employee on commission would also
keep county department administrators on their
toes when it comes to proper distribution of county
dollars. It would take a good candidate out of the race.
I am sure that Mr. Hammond and all of the other
government officials would like to make some
revolutionary changes to make themselves shine through
the cloudy sky left behind by all the recent corruption of
late, but if you really what to shine a positive light on
the situation, resign now!
I will excercise my right to run for county office!

Term Limits Vs. The Right to Vote

I have heard many people say that
"Term limts do away with your right
to vote". This statement could not be
more false. Term limits don't take away
anyone's right to vote they do however
take away someone's right to stay in a
public office for 40 years and become a
dictator because they have a familiar name.
Polititians have banked on the fact that too
many of us voters just vote for a name, and
they have been successful because in too
many cases it is true. Term limits promote
voters investigating and getting to know who
they are voting for. No one is comfortable
voting for someone they have never heard of.
Term limiting elected officials insures
variety and accountability in government and
I am always in support of that. Don't hide
behind "it takes away my rights" republicans.
You should be proud of the service you have
provided and then conserve some dignity and step down!

Karns Republican Club

The Karns Republican Club met last night
at Karns Middle and there was a great turnout.
Politians, candidates, and most importantly
conerned republican citizens were in attendance
to hear two republican candidates Phil Ballard
and Mike Lowe debate about their interest in
being elected to the property assessor position
next year. After both men had about 7 minutes
to sell themselves it was time for questions.
A vocal and very loyal republican in the room
asked Mr. Lowe, in so many words, how do
you think it looks that you took a high paying
position in the same office you were term
limited from and are now running for another
high paying county office? As most professional
politicians have been known to do Mr. Lowe did
not answer the question directly. He continued on
about how good his office did when he was in it, and
how good this new one will be when he is elected.
There is no doubt in my mind the Mr. Lowe has
done some great things for Knox County, but this
is not about pride, it is about power and greed.
You have done your service, we thank you, and now
it is time to move on and give others the same opportunity
to serve. I am not picking on Mr. Lowe because I
believe this about all the officials that bounce around
from office to office to stay in power. Phil Ballard is
currently a county commissioner yes, but he worked
hard to get there, and has only served for a short time,
and I am convinced that he has seen an office where
his talents and expertise will be most beneficial to the people.
I truly believe that Phil Ballard is bringing a lot to the
office of property assessor, and he has my support and
my vote. I would like to invite you to the Karns Republican
club we meet the first Tuesday of the month at 7:00pm
at Karns Middle School in the Library. Hope to see you
there.

Now is the time!

The lawsuit is over, and the guilty have
been exposed. What now? Don't waste
your time worrying about a redo because
you can just about bet that they have all
prepared for that and have their second
best buddy awaiting their nomination
for these seats. The only way this situation
gets any better is when the voters return
the favor to these crooks and vote them out!
Find your candidate, make sure they are not
one of Lumpy's buddies, or related to the
Cawoods and that the loyalty they have is
to the people of Knox County.
Enough said now get out there and find
all of us who are running for election and
get to know us so you can vote and feel
good about the decision you have made.
Thank you!

Less is more

Here is a thought... we need less politicians
and more public servants. In Knox County
the word "politician" has become a dirty word.
I see it this way, if you are considered a
"good politician" which I have heard about
several of ours, it is time to step down.
Politics is not a career it is an opportunity
to serve, and once you have completed your
service it is time to move on and allow others
the same opportunity. We have term limits
so that the elected offiicial's drive to serve
the people does not over time become a
drive to keep themselves in power. Greed and
arrogance has taken over Knox County government
and it is high time to elect a new humble
front line of officials to lead this county until
the next dedicated public servants come forward.

Voting Blind Hurts!

I have just come to a revelation that is somewhat
disappointing. In the past 6 months I have given
my cell and home phone numbers to about..oh...
1500 Knox County citizens, specifically those in
the Powell and Karns areas. I can count the
number of those people who have called to see
what I am all about and why I am campaigning
to be their next county commissioner on one hand.
There are several reasons that this scares me but
mostly it shows me just how involved people are
in their elected representation over at the
city/county building. I am offering a suggestion to
all of you who are tired of seeing theives and liars
speaking for YOU on issues of YOUR well-being.
GET TO KNOW THE PEOPLE WHO ARE
WORKING HARD TO GET ELECTED. MAKE
AN INFORMED DECISION, AND VOTE FOR
POSITIVE CHANGE. The key word here is
positive because don't forget as soon as one of
these power hungry elected officials thinks they
might not win they will go out and get a close
friend or family member to run so they can stay
close to the power they have grown so fond of.
Thank you and please call us. My cell is 254-3581
My home is 938-7365. Sincerely, Matthew Jones

Is Matthew Jones qualified?

This issue of my qualifications for becoming a
Knox County Commissioner has surfaced lately
so let us see if I am qualified by our current
standards. I am not related to, even by marriage,
any of the current or past commissioners. My
daily decisions are not even slightly influenced
by the Mayor or the Sheriff. I do not have a
criminal history, and have never been a drug
dealer nor have I been charged or even accused
of any sexual misconduct. I have not been
advised to obtain a private attorney for any
ethical wrong doings. I like lobster, but I haven't
eaten it in probably 3 years or more. No one speaks
for me, but me. Most of the current and all of the past
government officials couldn't tell you who I am.
If we go by these qualifications then no I am not
qualified to become a commissioner.
Here are my qualifications:
I am a concerned citizen with two young children
growing up in Knox County. My desire is to let the
people of Knox County speak through me to allow each
of them a voice in Knox County government. I care about
people, and I love children. I want better schools, and
safer streets. I am not a criminal, and I am a registered
voter. I am tired of seeing my tax dollars wasted on
stationary and travel allowances. I am sick at my stomach
of this "buddy government" system that allows our
politicians to keep their positions for years past their terms
by giving them over to their friends and family until they
can run again. I am here to support change.
"Politicians and diapers should be changed often, and
for the same reason" - unknown author.
I think I am qualified. I know I am more qualified than
my opposition if not professionally then definitely morally.
Thank you all for your support and your vote!
Sincerely,
Matthew Jones

Cawood vs. Cawood vs. Cawood vs Cawood.....

Who are they kidding? Hey, if enough Cawoods
run for County Commission one of them has to win
right? Once again citizens of Knox County the Cawoods
are reaching out their hand of greed to you and slapping
you in the face by throwing another family member into
the bid for the election. They are just so power hungry
that they will do anything to win. If they keep up this kind of
open disrespect for voters then I won't even have to
campaign. Thanks Cawood family. It is absolutely
unbelieveable the way you people think.
It is personal now, and I would be safe in betting
that I am not the only one offended.
LETS BID FAREWELL TO THE CAWOODS...ALL OF THEM!!
VOTE MATTHEW JONES

I have the right to run!

One of the changes to the ethics policy laid out by the Knox County One Question
movement is that no county employee can serve on the Commission.
I am a county employee and I make about $35,000 a year as a juvenile
probation officer and I earn every penny.
So are we saying because of the unethical actions of a few that
I can't run for election of a seat in my own county government?
We all have the right to take a stance and be selected by the people.
I agree that there are some greedy people who don't deserve the
title of public servant, but that is not everyone. I don't believe that
I should be forbidden to serve if I am elected by the people. If you want
to avoid someone being over compensated for their county work set
a limit to how much you can make for the county and still serve, or how
about this.. cut the commissioner's pay by half, or you know what don't pay
them. It is an honor to selected to represent the people shouldn't that be
enough pay. We shouldn't have to change the ethics code, that is why we
hold elections, and I believe strongly in elections!
The people will decide!!

Stand firm, but be nice!

I need to apologize. I have always been taught to stand
behind what I believe, but to be respectful and courteous
while doing it. I would like to apologize to Greg Lambert
if it seemed like I was attacking him with my most
recent posts. It is not my intention to stain your reputation
in any way. I am not here to throw dirt at anyone, but I am
very passionate about these issues. I don't have anything
good to say about what I have seen out of my commission
in the recent past. I will try to focus my frustration on the
group as a whole. Thanks for your time.

What A Sad Display

I attended the 8/27 County Commission meeting and I have to say that I am
sorry to the people of Knox County. I am particularly sorry to those citizens of
the 6th district that expressed their concerns and begged the commission to
re-evaluate the rezoning of the Wyndham Pointe community to build a place of
business inside their community gates. These residents of Wyndham Pointe were
laughed at by their commissioners (Lambert, and Cawood) and then the commission
stood by as if it were entertainment when the developer's attorney pushed one of the
residents out of his way and interupted him.
This commission, this county government has lost its ability to properly lead the
progress of Knox County and its people. It is time to clean house and we need to
start with the main assembly room of the city county building. The commission is
just as corrupt as the mayor's office ever was, if not more. I was embarrassed to be
there and witness such a sad display. We need the meetings to be in the evening so
more hard working people can be there to see what I saw.....oh wait....maybe thats why
the meetings are during the day in the first place, so we won't see what is going on.
VOTE THEM OUT!!!

Lumpy says "I'm Guilty"

I actually heard Greg "Lumpy" Lambert say three
very interesting things at the Powell Republican Club
meeting on 8/21/2007 and here they are:
Lumpy says
" I see us having a redo of the Jan 31st appointments in the near future"
" It (the redo) don't really make sense to me
because we will probably just appoint the same people"
" That day (Jan 31st) was one of the most uncomfortable
days of my life and I don't look forward to repeating it"
WOW!!!
I am just glad the law director John Owings was in attendance because Lumpy just
plead guilty to violating the Sunshine Law.
Let us look at these statements for a minute shall we.
The commission is expecting to give in to the News Sentinel,
because they will lose, not to save the county money
( we know they aren't concerned with that ). So, if they give in
and accept the redo, it is okay because they are just going to
appoint the same people they have in right now, so ha-ha KNS
they really tricked you. Hey Lumpy, if everything was
done the correct way and nobody pressured anyone to vote
for their choice replacement, why were you so uncomfortable?
"One of the most uncomfortable days of my life" you say. I can't
imagine that doing the right thing would make me so uncomfortable.
Maybe im just a little paranoid, but if I wasn't guilty, I don't
care what the cost, I wouldn't say I was.
I have more self-respect than that.
I also have small children that I would have to look in the eye and
explain myself to so maybe that is why I don't understand this whole mess.
Thank you for listening.

Powell Republican Club?

Mrs. Sharon Cawood and Greg "Lumpy" Lambert were the speakers
at the Powell Republican Club meeting last night, and what a treat it was.
I have grown to become ill at my stomach whenever I hear "Lumpy" say
"Your government is working the way it is supposed to" or " You only hear
the bad news because it is more interesting and that is what the media wants to
print". You know what Mr. Lambert when thousands of dollars are being squandered
by elected (appointed) officials because it has been happening for so long and they
don't know the difference, Government is not working they way it is supposed to!
Let me tell you one more thing, the media doesn't print the good stuff because
the citizens expect the good stuff, and deserve the good stuff. It would be like
the Sentinel printing that people drove their cars today, we expect that would happen.
They print "County Official's Stealing Taxpayer Money" because that is not supposed to
happen. I will take my hat off to Sharon Cawood, she has made a lot of friends in the
6th district both republican and democrat alike and spoke well on some Karns community issues. Good luck Sharon.

Who is at fault? We are!

Dear Voters,
In the News Sentinel today in the report on the oh so famous non-profit scandals
Commissioner Mike Hammond was reported as saying " we need to change the way we
do business ". I would like to submit that we need to change the people who are doing the
business. No offense Commissioner Hammond but it is time for change. The things that
are going on in Knox County government right now are leaving a lasting stain on what
should be a respectable position, of service to Knox County. I am running for County Commission district 6 Seat A and I hope that when I am elected in 2008 that the people will at least try not to associate me with this current group of commissioners. I really feel sorry for anyone in Knox County government that has any integrity and is trying to bring relief to the current situtation but you have difficult task at hand. VOTE THEM OUT!!!
VOTE IN FEB AND AUG 2008!!
VOTE MATTHEW JONES COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 6 SEAT A.

Where does it end?

As I am sure most of you have already seen my favorite commissioner has made the front page of the paper again. Sharon Cawood has been pin-pointed for spending excessive amounts of taxpayer money on stationary. Come one people, we have to see what is going on. Someone came and set down in my office yesterday and said "well, good luck with the election, you know the Cawood's have a good name in the 6th district. It will be a tough one to win". We see what kind of power hungry officials we have been burdened with when they will insult our common sense by doing these things right in front of our faces. This will be the first of many times that you will hear me say this but, " I will take a poll at the end of my first term, and if the people of the 6th district are not happy with the job I have done, I will not run for re-election. Just give me a chance and VOTE THEM OUT for goodness sake.
VOTE MATTHEW JONES COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 6 SEAT A

Hubert Smith Radio Show

I had the great honor of being a guest on the Hubert Smith Radio show this evening. I got the second hour of his show to talk about teen drug and alcohol abuse and treatment. I had such a good time on the show and Hubert is a wonderful host. I do look forward to going back on his show to continue this segment and hopefully have time to talk to some callers next time. We have so far to go and the fight against drug and alcohol abuse in our children is one of the toughest battles we will ever be faced with. This is a difficult battle because our enemies are everywhere and they look like everyone else. Our greatest weapons against drug and alcohol abuse are knowledge and communication. We have to make the business of our young people our business. We have to intrude on their lives and be active participants. Parents TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN and show them you are interested. We must realize that nationwide numbers show young people using drugs and alcohol is declining slowly, but the ages of these children are also declining. This is good and bad because at younger ages children are more impressionable negatively and positively, but at younger ages there is a better chance that those impressions will be made by us, their parents.

Tennessee Juvenile Court Services Association

The Tennessee Juvenile Court Services Association (TJCSA) held it's annual conference at the Sheraton Music City Hotel in Nashville this past week. I am a member of the TJCSA and I serve on the training committee. This association offers scholarships to young people all over the state and training in many different areas to those who work with the troubled youth of this state. Some of this year's training sessions included MySpace and our youth, growing up in gangs, common sexual deviances, progression of bipolar disorder in adolescents, signs and symptoms of sexual abuse, and many, many more training options. These conference meetings also allow a great opportunity to communicate with workers and judges from other courts in the state to learn new ways to work with youth and to give advice and encouragement to our professional peers who are doing a very difficult and rewarding job. I want to thank the TJCSA and all of its dedicated officers and all of the juvenile court staff in the state who help to make the lives of Tennessee's children better one child at a time. The next annual TJCSA conference will be in Knoxville at the Marriot downtown on August 10th through the 13th 2008. If you would like more information about the conference please visit tjcsa.com.

Convicts day out at the Powell Station Park

Me and my son Turner were enjoying the cool water fountains of the Powell Station Park today when all of a sudden a Sheriff's department truck with what appreared to be four plain clothed prisoners and one uniformed officer who was driving pulled into the park. The truck parked about 40 or 50 yards from the park and the four men ALONE approached the water park area where about 12 young children and several parents were sitting around the water. The prisoners began picking up trash and working on the facilities and of course looking at the women around the park in a very upsetting fashion. I began to notice that parents were pulling their children close to them and one lady was packing up her belongings and her three children and leaving. We were all very upset that the Sheriff's department would bring criminals of any kind into our neighborhood park. One lady even approached me and said " I was glad you were here because that officer would not have had time to get over here and help us if one of those guys did something". I took it upon myself to contact my father who is now a captain with the Sheriff's department and he said that those prisoners were very low level security concerns and some of them are only in for a couple of weeks. He did not see any merit in my concern so I will be taking this to a higher level. I will be taking this concern to the people because we should be the ones that they are responding to. You know we would probably be able to afford a few extra workers to clean and maintain our parks if our government officials would quit stealing our taxpayer's money. Once again, a change is coming. Vote Matthew Jones County Commission District 6 Seat A

School is in session$$$$

Wow!!
I am going to have to take out a second mortgage to send my daughter back to public school this year. I am a young parent and really haven't even thought about the cost of sending our children to school. If we have to pay school fees to cover books, and we have to buy our child's school supplies, and we have to pay to get them into clubs and other school activites, well why do we pay so much in taxes? I have an idea, maybe it is because our schools have to beg for money from our government because they are busy cushioning their own lifestyles. Let's try not spending thousands of dollars on fancy dinners and vacations for "political dignitaries"and instead look at how we can quit wrenching our community's hard working parents for every little cent that you power hungry gold diggers can get your hands on. Don't worry, a change is coming. VOTE THEM OUT!!
THE COUNTY GENERAL ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD IN AUGUST OF 2008
VOTE MATTHEW JONES COUNTY COMMISSION DISTRICT 6 SEAT A

What an honor it is

I have trouble putting into words the feeling that I am getting each time that someone shows approval about me running for commissioner. I talked with two ladies yesterday and they were just bubbling over with excitement and wanted to do things to help me get elected. I have to ask myself what does that mean? If it means that they are glad that someone like me could be the one to represent them and be their voice in Knox County government, if it means they trust me to do that, wow, it almost overwhelms me. What an honor... and watch out because I am starting to get greedy for that feeling. Thank you all for your support and I want you to know how much it means to me. I will not let you down.

Knox Young Republican meeting

The Knox County Young Republican club met last night at the Greene Hills Grill and although the scheduled speaker could not attend it was a very beneficial meeting for all and I was not the only candidate represented there. County Clerk candidate Foster Arnett and his wife Dottie were in attendance and Foster appears to be well prepared for the primary race approaching in February. The current county law director John Owings had three very supportive representatives at the meeting. The group mostly carried on discussions surrounding everything from the presidential candidates to the 1982 World's Fair. It was good fellowship and a good time. We missed you Brian.

Full Speed Ahead!

I am about four months into my campaign for Knox County Commissioner of the 6th district, and I have to say that campaigning is everything they say it is. I am tired, my family is tired, and the hardest part (fundraising) is just beginning. We are still extremely motivated and I get more excited with every hand shake, every encounter with a critic, and every smile and nod of approval for what I am trying to do. What I love most about campaigning is that even if you don't win, you still win. There is no way to lose because you get to meet so many people and you build relationships with those you would never have known because they work and live in different circles. We participated in the Powell parade celebration on the 4th of July and all I can say is "WOW". One of my favorite songs is My Hometown by The Boss and when we were walking down Emory road (downtown Powell) I felt like I was living that song. We were surrounded by smiling faces and proud families all sharing this day together as a community. We reached a lot of people on the 4th and I say reached because we do have a message to get out to the people. They have convinced us that they are the people who are supposed to be controlling what happens to the citizens of Knox County and we have allowed it to continue for far too long. We have seen the greed that comes with sustained power in the excessive waste of taxpayer money, and the outright slap in the face of this year's county government appointments. We can put a stop to it. Whoaa...where did that soap box come from. I will end with thanking all those who walked with me and showed their support for me and my family on the 4th, you guys were all amazing.

My First Blog

Welcome to the Common Courtesy Corner.

This is my first blog, and I was just recently introduced to the world of the blogger about a month ago. I have always been taught that in order to learn you just gotta get out there so here goes.

My name is Matthew Jones. I am 28 years old, have two children, and will have been married 5 years on July, 13th 2007. The rest you can get from the profile if you choose to spend that kind of time with me today. I made the decision about 6 months ago that my local government was in dire need of a makeover and that makeover needed to come in the form of newly elected, energetic, passionate, dedicated, and caring people whom have not forgotten how important honesty and integrity are when it comes to making decisions on behalf of the hard working people that make it to the poles to vote for them. I am currently running a campaign to become the next county commissioner for the 6th district of Knox County which includes the Powell and Karns areas. Why me? Because I have children growing up in these communities, in this county, and I want to be the one making the decisions that will effect them. My children, and all the young people of Knox County are my motivation, and I believe that it is time for us to put our focus back on their needs. I want to hear from the people of the 6th district. I want to know what you want from your government, and then I want to make it happen. I have lived in the 6th district for about 6 years now and these communities are like no others in Knox County. Karns and Powell still have that unique smalltown feel that assures you that you are home, and I want to preserve that. I have heard for a long time that " we need just hard working regular guys/girls in office" I want the chance to serve my family, my community, and my county as a common man. I don't have some fix it all plan that is going to shock the world, but I will provide a steadfast, honest, dedicated, and common sense voice for the people of the 6th district of Knox County. Thank you for taking to time to read my first and extremely too long blog post

Sincerely,
Matthew Jones