City Councilwoman Marilyn Roddy has made it official: She's really, truly running for mayor of Knoxville. This is something less than a surprise, considering that she named a campaign treasurer in July and has given every indication that she is serious about the race. Still, official announcements are official announcements, and that's what she has issued today. It means we can all stop calling her a "potential," "likely," or "all-but-declared" candidate, and just call her a candidate. It also means we're likely to see similar announcements in the near future from her potential, likely, and all-but-declared rivals.
Her first campaign event will be a kickoff rally Sept. 14 at the Tennessee Theatre, for which she says she has 147 co-hosts. That list of names will be interesting, since it has no doubt been assembled with the intent of putting some fear into others who may be thinking about getting in the race.
The full press release:
MARILYN RODDY RUNNING FOR MAYOR
Will focus on jobs, neighborhoods, diversity
Knoxville - Marilyn Roddy announced today that she is running for Mayor of Knoxville.
"The city is in excellent shape, and now is not the time to lose momentum," said Roddy.
The two term at-large City Council member will formally kick off the campaign with an event September 14th at the Tennessee Theatre. 147 people from across the community are serving as hosts for the event.
"It's humbling to have so many outstanding people join with me in a vision of what Knoxville can become," said Roddy. "I consider their support not just an endorsement, but a commitment to work together to make Knoxville a better place for all our citizens."
"Jobs will be a primary focus of my administration," said Roddy. "From the start we will create a Jobs Cabinet. It will include large and small businesses, minority owned businesses, women owned businesses, representatives from companies that have been here a long time and companies that have just recently started up or located here. Just as importantly we will have educators at the table, from K-12, the University of Tennessee, community colleges and others. If we fail to address excellence in education together, we will severely limit our community's future and the jobs we can attract and create."
The Council member says current economic development groups such as the Knoxville Chamber will be a part of the effort.
Roddy also promised to continue the focus on excellent city services and supporting neighborhoods that has been a highlight of her two terms on City Council.
"We live in a wonderful city filled with people who are dedicated to improving our community," said Roddy. "Whether it's an inspiration like the Love Kitchen or a market leader like Bush Beans...from the Scripps Networks to PetSafe...from Bandit Lites to the University of Tennessee, what happens in Knoxville makes a difference. Our community has enjoyed outstanding leadership to get us where we are today. Just as importantly we need proven leadership going forward as we face new challenges-challenges that together we can turn into opportunities."
Marilyn Roddy is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and has been involved in the Knoxville community for over 20 years. She has served citizens citywide for 6 1/2 years as at an At-Large member of Knoxville's City Council.
Marilyn has chaired the City Audit Committee, is a member of the City Investment Advisory Board and has served as co-chair of the Residential Neighborhood Traffic Safety Committee. She is immediate Past President of the Metropolitan Drug Commission and Vice Chairman of the Legacy Parks Foundation.
Marilyn is married to Patrick Roddy and they are the parents of three daughters, ages 14, 18, and 21. They are active members of the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, where Marilyn has served as a Sunday school teacher and leader for over 20 years.
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