Candidate Survey - Steve Mills

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

Born and raised in Knox County, I am a proven professional, not a politician. With nearly a decade an and a half of boots on the ground experience, I have served in every role within our jail. As a DOC State Trainer, I have literally set the standard for facility operations.
I am running because Knox County deserves leadership, not a learning curve. I will keep our community safe, provide help to those who want it, and elevate staff training. I have done the work, I know the system, and I will lead on day one. Experience you can trust.

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?

Leveraging HB 5, I will partner with KCTCS to transform our jail into a training hub. Inmates will earn trade certifications through simulated workdays, mirroring real world employment. As a DOC state trainer, I am uniquely qualified to lead this initiative. This reduces recidivism, turning tax consumers into taxpayers and providing local businesses with a skilled, reliable workforce. By equipping individuals for long term careers, we break the cycle of poverty and save Knox County money.

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?

To retain our Deputy Jailers they have to be given a career, not just a job. As Jailer, I will bridge the turnover rate of employment by implementing a full time career development program for our staff.
I have good rapport with the Judge-Executive and Fiscal Court and am able to negotiate for competitive pay and better resources. By implementing this initiative I will create stable, high quality local jobs and a safer, more efficient 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?

To prioritize infrastructure, I will maximize inmate labor to improve our county while saving taxpayer dollars. I will maintain existing agreements with the County Garage and State Highway Department for road clearing and litter control.
My plan expands these services to include:

1. Graveyard Restoration: Cleaning and mowing local cemeteries.

2. Food Sustainability: An inmate garden to provide fresh produce and slash food costs.

3. Rapid Response Crew: A mobile team for immediate storm debris removal.

By continuing all work release and deploying these crews, we address maintenance backlogs without raising taxes, delivering real results for Knox County.

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?

To keep taxes manageable, my priority is fiscal accountability through smarter spending. I will work with the Judge-Executive and Fiscal Court to gain discretion over medical contracts. By replacing high cost outside providers with local facilities, we keep tax dollars in our community and lower expenses.
To further protect the general fund, I will utilize a grant writer to secure specialized funding for equipment, shifting the financial burden away from residents. Every budget decision will be driven by my decade and 1/2 of experience, prioritizing safety while cutting the waste that hurts taxpayers.

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?

To ensure fiscal efficiency and transparency, I will treat every public dollar with the same respect as my own hard earned money. I will implement a "Live Audit” approach, conducting comprehensive cost benefit analyses of all major vendor contracts to eliminate waste.

By prioritizing local services, I will ensure our tax dollars stay within Knox County rather than going to outside corporations. My decade and a half of experience allow me to spot hidden costs others might miss, ensuring every cent is spent to maximize safety and accountability. Transparency isn’t just a goal. it’s my standard for leadership.

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.

At the end of my term, my success can be measured by three outcomes:
First is enhanced public safety. I am committed to maintaining a secure facility with zero escapes, ensuring violent offenders stay off our streets.
Second is reduced recidivism. By utilizing HB 5 and KCTCS partnerships, I will implement trade training and rehabilitation that turns inmates into productive, tax paying citizens. Finally, staff experience. I will secure the competitive wages, modern tools, and professional resources my deputies need.
Success means a safer Knox County, a rehabilitated workforce, and a staff that finally has the support they deserve.