by Beth Maples-Bays
Equality Herald - Editor and Publisher

This fall's election cycle kicks off tomorrow with the Knoxville races for mayor, three City Council at Large seats and the 5th District seat.

You can view the entire roster of candidates here.

The only candidate who filled out the questionnaire and returned it to the Equality Herald is Ray Abbas, candidate for the Knoxville City Council at Large Seat A. You can read Ray's answers here.

Knoxville's current mayor, Bill Haslam, responded as follows, " Thank you for contacting me. After serving in this office for nearly four years now, I have made the decision not to fill out questionnaires but rather let my record speak for itself. Serving the citizens of Knoxville as mayor is a great honor for me and I hope I am given the opportunity to continue making Knoxville a great place to live."

Judge John Rosson declined to answer, citing the necessary impartiality of his office. No other candidates responded.

Be alert for future articles regarding the February 2008 elections as the Equality Herald reports on those candidates and their responses to issues of concern to the LGBTQ community.