Letter to the Editor

Both parties are a mess, but some have integrity

I want to talk about something important, not necessarily end-of-the-world stuff but still important. I first registered to vote as Republican in 1994. If you were around in 1994, you would have understood its significance.

Does Newt Gingrich or the Contract With America ring a bell? It started out with high hopes, which is why I voted a straight GOP ticket that year.

By 2000, I had become disillusioned with them, and it continues to this day.

This year, I'm supporting, rooting for or working on the campaigns of the following: Mike Padgett for U.S. Senate; Scott Emge for Knox County register of deeds; Tona Monroe-Ball for state representative and Ron Paul for president - two Democrats, two Republicans.

I've known the Padgett family for almost 20 years. I went to school with Matt and Mark. I took the groceries out many times for Patty. They have a gorgeous daughter named Sara Beth.

Scott Emge is a fellow Halls High graduate (1981).

Even though I no longer live in Knox County, I still sympathize with them, and I just wish they would throw the bums out. Need I say more?

I know Tona Monroe-Ball from working with her on Ron Paul's presidential campaign during primary season. Yes, he is still running!

Tona is running for state representative in the 20th District in Blount County.

I vote for the person, not the party. Both parties are a mess. I instead hope there are at least a few individuals, regardless of party, who are decent enough to put civic duty over personal power, integrity over graft, public service before politics along with some intelligence, modesty and passion.

Check out these candidates and consider them when you vote.

Chris Fortner

Dandridge