2002 Candidate Position Questionnaire

Otto Slater's Response

1. What is your occupation? (Please list both primary and all secondary.)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon

2. Please list all schools, colleges, and universities that you have attended and all degrees you have earned.

Bearden High, Purdue University (B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology), University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, Medical University of South Carolina (Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Certificate).

3. Why have you chosen to run for office?

(1) Opportunity, as Commissioner left office

(2) Interest in County Government

(3) Republican Executive Committee Member

4. What do you see as the three most critical issues facing Blount County?

(1) Budget

(2) Growth

(3) Economic Health

5. How do you propose to address each of these three issues?

(1) Conservative, sound fiscal management.

(2) Growth linked to revenue.

(3) Capital outlay for major expenditures.

6. What is your vision for Blount County/Maryville in 5 years?

Even better than the wonderful place it is now!

7. What is your vision for Blount County/Maryville in 20 years?

Same!!! [as answer to number 6]

8. Do you support the extension of the Pellissippi Parkway from Old Knoxville Highway (SR 33) to US 321?

c Yes or c No [no answer]

If you checked "yes", is it because (check all that apply):

c You believe it is a "done deal" with T-DOT, and that the County government cannot affect the outcome either way.

c It will benefit commuters to Knoxville, both for shopping and employment.

c It will enhance Maryville/Alcoa businesses.

c It will open up new areas for development, both because of access and because the sewer lines will follow the interstate.

If none of these apply, please explain why you support or oppose the extension.

I do not want the road to run farmers like the Kellers out of business. Many, and perhaps most residents in my district desire the road.

9. How do you intend to address the development pressures this extension will bring, including impacts on Blount County's secondary roads, schools, public services, air and water quality?

I want to see an EIS and a comprehensive road plan.

10. Would you support or oppose the Proposed Interstate 140 By-Pass (Southern Loop) around Maryville and within the County? Why?

[no answer]

11. What do you plan to do to prevent or encourage the completion of the Southern Loop?

I want to review the route and EIS.

12. Are you familiar with the County's Five Primary Planning Guidelines, which were formulated from a Land Use Study conducted in 1998? How would you incorporate the results into your own decision-making in your new or renewed position?

I must review these.

13. What is your position on the annexation compromise (Public Charter 1101)?

It is not clear to me that the airport may be legally annexed. What is also very concerning, however, is the Airport Authority's taking county property off the tax rolls.

14. What is your opinion of the Cities and the County working together in land use planning? (As the Knoxville Metropolitan Planning Authority operates.)

I would consider any proposals as such.

15. What do you see as the best way to protect the rural nature of Blount County?

(1) Dedicated county parks

(2) Subdivision regulations

(3) Encourage local farming

16. What do you see as the best way to protect the unique environmental features of Blount County (Little River, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, etc.)?

[no answer]