Rounding Up the Community: Barry Neal running for District 9 County Commission

By Jamie Schnell

schnellj@knoxfocus.com

Barry Neal, a native of South Knoxville, is running for Knox County Commission in the 9th District. On Monday night, he hosted a Meet and Greet at the Round Up Restaurant in South Knoxville.

District 9 incumbents Commissioner Carson Dailey and school board representative Kristi Kristy both attended to show their support. Knox County Law Director David Buuck, Rocky Glenn of Raceway Ministries, and some of Neal’s former classmates from South-Young High’s first graduating class of 1977 — Johnny King, Gary Morrissey and Clifford White — also mingled at the South Knox restaurant.

During the event, South-Young classmate Dennis Hunter described Barry Neal as a “born politician.” After high school, Neal obtained a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in education from the University of Tennessee. He then spent 34 years at the university as program coordinator for the Department of Conferences and Event Services.

Barry Neal shared his homegrown values and his plans to achieve a high quality of life for residents in the 9th District by addressing critical issues with economic growth, investment in infrastructure and education, healthcare and homelessness (which include mental health and drug issues).

Neal has been active in South Knoxville for several decades – a habit he promises to continue by working towards ensuring the community’s safety and integrity through supporting first responders and the strategic development of neighborhoods.

He also promises to hold quarterly “Breakfast with Barry” sessions to get feedback from the community and to address their needs.

“This election is about the voters and their future, their families’ future, and the future of Knox County,” Neal pointed out.

The primary election day is on March 5, 2024, and early voting begins on February 14. To learn more about Barry Neal and his campaign, please visit www.votebarryneal.com.