Knox County Law Director
Candidate Name: Richard Armstrong
Party: Republican
Address: 400 Main Street Suite 612 Knoxville, TN 37902
Campaign Phone: (865) 474-9593
Web Site: http://www.electbudarmstrong.com
Email:
Candidate Name: Nathan Rowell
Party: Republican
Address: 850 Volunteer Landing Lane, #105 Knoxville, TN 37919
Web Site: http://www.nathanrowell.com
Email:
Q: 1. What are your qualifications to serve as Law Director?
Richard Armstrong: I meet all legal qualifications for election as Knox County Law Director; I am a life long resident of Knox County and a licensed attorney in good standing. I have over 35 years experience managing legal professionals. During the last 4 years, I've significantly improved the the Law Director's Office and saved millions of dollars for the taxpayer. I've reduced Knox County's dependence on outside counsel, saving over 1 million. I've reduced settlement payouts saving taxpayers over 2.5 million. In addition to these qualifications, I received my Doctorate in Education from Columbia University with a focus on policy analysis, institutional analysis, fiscal analysis, and management science. My broad experience and education provide the right perspective for leadership, advocacy, and counsel required in the Law Director's Office.
Nathan Rowell: I have represented cities and counties throughout east Tennessee for 20 years. My practice has involved almost every aspect of governmental law. I have the highest peer review rating attorneys can achieve. I have a bachelors and law degree from the University of Tennessee. I also served as a law clerk for two judges on the Tennessee Court of Appeals. I am active in the profession, my church, and the community.
Q: 2. Given that linguistic minorities are rapidly increasing in Knox County, what are your plans to make Knox County's services more accessible to those who have low English proficiency and meet federal Title VI requirements?
Richard Armstrong: Knox County is proud to provide multi-lingual individuals to assist persons with limited English proficiency. I take my role as advisor to all other county offices regarding Title VI compliance very seriously. While I believe all offices are currently in compliance, I encourage improvements that make services more accessible all citizens. I look forward to working with members of our growing community to address any accessibility issues they may have.
Nathan Rowell: As Law Director, I will ensure that all departments of the County meet all federal and state laws.
Q: 3. What will you do when other elected officials disagree with your legal positions?
Richard Armstrong: As Law Director my duty is to administer the legal affairs of the county and advise other elected officials concerning legal affairs of their offices. The Law Director does not create or adopt policy. Policy issues are a matter left solely to the elected official taking into account the advice given. When disagreements arise my responsibility is simply to advise and allow the official to make her own decision.
Nathan Rowell: I will be impartial and provide sound advice and opinions. My decisions will not be based on politics, but on the law. I will not favor one branch of government over another, but will endeavor to be fair and neutral in conducting the legal affairs of the Knox County.