Candidate Survey - Mike Mitchell

Profile. Tell us about yourself, who you are, what your background is and why you are running for office.

My name is Mike Mitchell. I’m married to my wife Elisha, and we are lifelong residents of Knox County. I’m a husband, father, and grandfather, and my faith guides my commitment to serving others. Over the past seven years, we’ve expanded our county budget to record levels without raising taxes—and even reduced taxes by 2% in 2024. We’ve secured major state and federal funding for projects like the Knox Sports Park, a 1,500-acre industrial park, and critical water and sewer improvements. I’m running to continue improving quality of life and creating opportunities for our families.

Economic Development. Knox County’s poverty rate remains well above the state average. Beyond general statements about attracting business, what specific industries or economic sectors do you believe are realistic targets for Knox County, and what concrete steps would you take to recruit them?

Knox County’s best opportunities are in our people and by focusing on multiple avenues to stimulate the economy we’ve already laid the groundwork with our 1,500-acre industrial park and infrastructure investments. My focus is continuing site development, expanding utilities, and aggressively pursuing state and federal grants. We will partner with regional and state economic development groups to recruit employers while also supporting local entrepreneurs. Growth doesn’t happen by chance—it takes preparation, relationships, and follow-through, and that’s exactly what we’ve been building.

Workforce & Jobs. Many Knox County residents leave the area for work. What would you do to create conditions that keep working-age residents employed locally, and how would you address the skills gap between available workers and available jobs?

This is done not by any one thing that we can do on the local government side but by supporting the organizations that are doing the work. I have supported and created strong partnerships with these organizations KCEOC, our schools, Southeast Community & Technical College, Union Commonwealth University and local employers to expand job training in healthcare, skilled trades, and technology. We’ll continue to promote apprenticeships, internships, and on-the-job training tied directly to available positions. My goal is simple: align training with jobs and make it easier for our residents to work and build a future in Knox County.

Roads & Infrastructure. Poor road conditions are a persistent complaint among Knox County residents. How would you prioritize which infrastructure projects get addressed first, and what funding mechanisms — local, state, or federal — would you pursue?

We will prioritize projects based on safety, traffic volume, and economic impact—focusing first on roads that serve schools, emergency services, and key business corridors. I will continue to aggressively pursue state and federal funding, including transportation and infrastructure grants, while responsibly using local funds to match and maximize those opportunities. Preventative maintenance has and will continue to be a priority to extend the life of our roads and reduce long-term costs. Infrastructure isn’t just about fixing problems—it’s about positioning Knox County for growth and making daily life safer and more reliable for our residents.

Fiscal Management. What is your position on the county’s current budget priorities? Are there areas of spending you would redirect, reduce, or increase — and how would you make those decisions while keeping taxes manageable for residents?

My approach is simple: responsible spending, clear priorities, and no surprises for taxpayers. We will focus on core services—public safety, infrastructure, and economic development—while evaluating all spending for efficiency and impact. I will continue to work to pursue funding, and ensure every dollar is used wisely. Any new investment must demonstrate a clear return for our community. We are moving Knox County forward without raising taxes for our residents by making smart, disciplined financial decisions and planning for long-term sustainability.

Accountability & Transparency. What steps would you take to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently and that residents have clear visibility into how decisions are made in your office?

Our audits speak for themselves they are clean audits with no scandals or investigations. The public deserves to know how decisions are made and how their money is spent. I will ensure budgets, expenditures, and major project updates are easy to access and understand. We have strengthened oversight, follow competitive bidding processes, and hold departments accountable for results. I also believe in open communication—regular updates, public meetings, and opportunities for residents to be heard. Transparency builds trust, and trust is essential to moving Knox County forward together.

Measuring Success. At the end of your term, how should voters judge whether you succeeded? Name two or three specific, measurable outcomes you are committing to achieve.

Success should be measurable. By the end of my term, I want to see:

1. An increase in local job opportunities and workforce participation

2. Measurable improvements in road conditions and infrastructure

3. New economic investments that expand our tax base without raising taxes.

If more families can work locally, our roads are safer, and our economy is growing, then we are moving in the right direction. That’s the standard I will hold myself accountable to.