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Bob Thomas announces candidacy for Knox County Commission At-Large Seat

By Tasha Mahurin

Tasha@knoxfocus.com

“I am excited to announce that I am seeking a countywide seat on Knox County Commission. It is my desire to help ensure that our Knox County Commission continues to be responsive to the people of Knox County and continues on a path of fiscal responsibility,” said Bob Thomas, best known locally as co-host of the morning talk show The Ed and Bob Show, with long-time friend Ed Brantley.

Last week, standing in front of Chilhowee School where he attended as a young boy, Thomas officially announced his candidacy for an At-Large seat in the upcoming 2014 elections.

Thomas was raised in East Knox County, attended Holston High School, Walters State Community College and The University of Tennessee. Throughout his adult life Thomas has lived in every corner of Knox County. He was raised in East Knox County on Holston Drive, as a young adult he lived in both Fountain City and South Knoxville, and later in life, he called West Knox County home where his three children attended Farragut High School.

“The experience of living in all areas of Knox County has given me a great perspective of this place we call home,” Thomas said.

He worked at WIVK for 20 years and for 16 of those years hosted the highest-rated midday radio show in America. For eight years, Thomas owned the Knoxville Cherokees hockey team and served as the Expansion Committee Chairman of the East Coast Hockey League during its growth from five teams to 22.

No stranger to service, he also served as the chairman of the Knoxville Christmas Parade for 16 years; was on the board of the Cerebral Palsy Center for Handicapped Adults for five years, two of those years were as President; and he has also served on the Board of the Screen Actors Guild.

Thomas intends to put that experience to use if elected to the seat. He says safety, education, and strong neighborhoods are all items which he considers priorities.

“We need to keep our schools safe while making sure our children receive a great education. Services for our neighborhoods and public safety are my priorities as well, “he added.

Thomas has been married to former local news anchor Kim Simmons Thomas since 1986. They have three children and five grandchildren.

Janet Testerman, a Knoxville native and daughter of former Knoxville Mayor Kyle Testerman, will serve as Thomas’ campaign treasurer.

For more information, visit www.electbobthomas.com or call 865-309-4364.