Who is Bill Rolen? The person I spoke with said she thought he was a former state legilsator?

Is the former state senator. He lives in west knoxville.

I Googled Mr. Rolen from what I see he seems to be active in the district. It looks like his grandson is a "star" football player at Central High School. I asked my father who at one time was very active in local politics before he got sick. My dad says he remembers that Rolen also came very close to beating Steve Hall back in the late 70's and was a sports anchor for one of the local tv channels. He told me he also remembered him to a really nice person. I know Renee she also is very nice. I don't think she knows the whole district, she is from California and a smart girl. I hope this helps you I found this site when I Googled the canidates looking for more info myself.

Bill Rolen was frequently confused with Mike Rowland, a local attorney who also served in the state legislature. Mike Rowland ran against Congressman John Duncan, Sr. in 1976.

Charles Thomas has also thrown his hat in the ring for this position.

I remember Bill Rolen from back in the day. He was some kind of TV sportscaster and he ran against a young female state Rep named Sandra Clark.
His slogans were "A Man earns respect" and "A family man speaks for families."
I didn't even know S. Clark back then, but his billboards were so offensive that I've never forgotten him.

Just off the top of my head, I'd say of the three Charlie Thomas would be the best pick. He's been on the Knoxville Transportation Authority Board and was president of the Knox Greenways Coalition. He was also on the steering committee for the James Agee Park, which is one of the ways that I first got to know him.

Thomas is a lawyer by trade and has a strong streak in him to stand up for those who might not otherwise have a voice. He owns a house in Lincoln Park and bought the lot across the street for back taxes after it was involved in a fire. He's made it into a green space for the community.

Full disclosure, from July 2005-July 2009 Thomas was my landlord. For most of that time he was living in Guatemala, but for some of it he was living upstairs from me. We did have some minor landlord-tenant disagreements, but nothing that I carry a grudge about. I don't see him often these days, but do consider him a friend. I currently live in the Fourth District.

I'd never heard of Rolen until his name came up here. He sounds like a nice enough guy, but I'm not sure that's all the council needs to be looking for.

I've heard of Renee Hoyos over the years and meet her at a party a couple of weeks ago. I'm not under the impression that she has a strong across the board knowledge of the issues. I know that her sister ran an unsuccessful race for the Second District County Commission seat a while back.

So, does anybody have any more insight into background of these folks and what might be best for the Fifth District?

And I just saw Bean's post about Rolen's billboards. He doesn't sound like a nice guy. What is he thinking? I don't think this council will be impressed if they either remember or are reminded about such campaign efforts.

Renee is an excellent candidate for this position. She has quite a bit of experience with local government, having appeared before County Commission, City Council; and state government, too. Charlie is a good guy, as well, and made a credible run for City Council about 7 years ago, although he's been out of the country so much that I'd lost track of him.
Either would be excellent.
We may see another candidate or two before the cutoff date.
And, no, Renee and Cortney are not related.

Looking back through the prism of 2011, it was kind of screwy.
Rolen, a paleo-Democrat, v Clark, a progressive Republican. He was a Teaparty kind of guy before it was cool.

But it was sooo long ago I'm not sure anybody'll remember but a couple of old farts like me, and Clark, of course.

I've heard from pretty reliable sources that there will be another person vying for this position. A strong candidate too, who I will probably support.

Although I like both Charlie and Renee myself.

I'm not sure anybody'll remember but a couple of old farts like me, and Clark, of course.

I believe the kids and MBAs call that "institutional memory" these days. Unfortunately it's leaking it into the memory hole all over the place.

Aaah - another one of Rachel's riddles - with only one clue this time.

My guess - Dr Kelley - the former school board member.

So what was the purpose of that post? It was likely to encourage speculation which might interfere with your candidate's anonymity.

BTW I'd like to ask you to not share my name on this blog.

Sorry to hear about Dr Kelley. He served your community well, Betty.

Dr. Kelley and his wife, Norma, are the best.
So was his late school board colleague Cecil Kelly, a twinkly-eyed, humorous fellow who just died a few days ago. I really admire those Kelley/Kelly guys -- they personified integrity.