Mike Akard - Blount County Commissioner D2

Lately there’s been a whole lot of social media talk about AI data centers, with folks being urged to pack our meetings and speak out against them. And, since that’s exactly what “public input” is for, I would always welcome everyone to attend and share their opinion because the number of actual participants is most often non-existent.

But, with so much being said online, I’d like to take a moment to help set the record straight.

Neither the County Commission nor the county Planning Commission has ever been asked to approve, discuss, or vote on an AI data center. Never happened. Not once.

Now, there’s all sorts of nasty rumors floating around that a Data Center might be interested in buying the old Alcoa South Plant and it appears these rumors have merit….But if that day ever comes, any zoning or planning request tied to that property would go before the City of Alcoa, not Blount County. And from personal questions of staff members of City of Alcoa, I know nobody’s approached them either.

If there ever comes a day where a real vote is on the table regarding an AI data center, I’ll be among the first to put it out publicly that I'm planning to oppose such from taking place anywhere in Blount County.

Right now, we’re already looking at what legal options exist to make sure Blount County never becomes home to one of these AI data centers. We’re not asleep at the wheel. We’re watching it close.

In case you were unaware of programs that can help you fight high taxation in addition to casting your votes wisely, here are some details:

The ONLY choice that makes sense for people that aren’t interested in special interests getting supported at the expense of “We The People”

Take a serious, long look at every person on your ballot, and unless you’re among the parties that benefit from “special interests”, Jared Anderson for Blount County Mayor is by far the best candidate. He’s the ONLY choice that’s doing things to work for EVERYONE in Blount County as each of the others has a “special interest” group strongly pushing their choice to best serve THEIR interests instead of EVERYONE!

Hey Townsend/Walland VOTERS….It was just confirmed to me via his own post that Gordon Edward Wright II is another puppet running for office. He quite literally just proved it with a post on Facebook after all that has been happening in the area.

While Moon gets mega props as a veteran, his activity in local politics is damning for sure for anyone that’s been actually paying attention instead of grabbing press releases. Plus, as I mention, he’s 80 years old with no plans to finish the term if he wins the election. I didn’t make this story up, but I do feel the need to mention it as there is no good reason to leave a part time job from much higher office in Nashville to step into a lower level full time job at county level without there being an unmentionable plan.

Moon has always treated me respectfully outside commission meetings as we most definitely did not always see eye to eye while serving on commission when he was chairman voting to raise your taxes and denying me an opportunity to even discuss the reasons to vote against the property tax increase he led. If you don’t believe he took said action to prevent my comments from being made in the public meeting, please don’t hesitate to go watch the meeting videos from May and June 2015 that are shown online. By the way, this was the largest tax increase in Blount County’s history and he was actively involved in preventing me from speaking in public my opposition from my duly elected seat on commission.

Yes, real Americans proudly voted for a strong President who speaks truth to our enemies with the kind of straight talk and backbone this nation needs. Calling out crazy bastards and promising hell if they cross us projects the power and resolve that keeps America safe and respected on the world stage. Weakness invites aggression, and empty diplomacy has never protected our people or our interests.

What’s truly embarrassing is supporting leaders who choose to send billions of taxpayer dollars to adversaries instead of securing our own borders and rebuilding our military. That kind of failed approach signals frailty and only emboldens those who wish us harm, draining our resources while American families struggle.

It’s time to reject the politics of appeasement and stand firmly behind leadership that puts America first. Strength through clarity deters war far better than blank checks ever could. God bless the United States and the warriors who defend her.

I’ve always done my utmost to serve Blount County and never played politics. As your County Commissioner, my conservative voting record speaks louder than anything any opponent can say as I’ve always done my best to stand up for the tax paying citizens of Blount County with every vote I have cast.

I have already pulled my petition for re-election to Blount County Commission in District 2, but this election is a little bit different than in the past as I wasn’t personally intending to run again prior to being urged to serve one more term…therefore, I’m asking for your assistance to help make a statement as I pledge to remain your consistent voice.

I need fewer than 25 signatures from voters in District 2. Let’s be clear, that’s not at all difficult to find. But, since it’s different whenever one actually does the job in representing the voters that care about the big picture in Blount County (above ANY special interest group), I’m asking for your help.

So, here’s an opportunity for you to get more involved…If you live in my district (District 2) and want your name directly attached to conservative results, accountability, and real leadership, message me to include your name on my candidate application as I promise to continue my pledge:

* FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY
* NO TAX RATE INCREASE
* NO NEW TAXES - NO WHEEL TAX
* ELIMINATE WASTEFUL SPENDING
* NO SPECIAL INTERESTS
* NOT A POLITICIAN

I’ll begin collecting signatures for the application tomorrow.