We don't think Wallace has a lack of intellectual curiosity. Again, this is based on our experiences talking with him, looking at what he's done and been involved in, his capacity to work with other people, his answers to our questions, etc. But obviously that's not how he strikes us. We wouldn't have endorsed him if he did. If he gets elected, he'll have opportunity to prove us right or wrong.

And I don't know which Victoria DeFreese you've been talking to, but she ain't the one running for office. I agree with you that she comes across as smart enough -- she's not a dummy -- but she's a true-believing hard-core conservative. Which is fine if that's who you want in office, not so much if you don't. Quoting from her answer to one of our questions:

I would define myself as a social conservative who would favor social policies aligned with Judeo-Christian beliefs. I also would define myself as a fiscal conservative who has an eye for social mobility through free trade, deregulation of the economy, and lower taxes.

Not a lot of wiggle room there.

Wallace's resistance to being involved in the Ridgetop discussions belies a lack of intellectual curiosity about the issues. His mind was already made up. So, without intellectual curiosity, what good is energy?

I haven't made up my mind in the Seat A race, but I think that George deserves a bit more credit. Yes, he bought the developer/homebuilder line 100% in the past. But when I talked to him about the issue recently, and asked him to go talk with the MPC planner, he did - immediately. And he seems to have learned something from that discussion. Maybe not enough to change his position on H/R - I haven't asked him - but enough to make him realize that everything his buddies were telling him wasn't even close to true.

Also, I know he's gone to meet with all the City Department heads. That sounds to me like somebody who wants to learn.

Look, the guy started with pretty much no knowledge of city politics or issues - or even geography outside of west knoxville - and he's obviously got a long way to go. But I see some evidence that he's interested in learning, and I think he should get credit for that, whether he gets your vote or not.

Thanks, was just curious, not angry. No need to be so harsh on the guy. I still think he has guts to get out there...more than a lot of other loud mouth know it alls who just spout off around here...including myself.

jump straight to the executive level like some other scions of prominent local families.

He's the only current candidate that meets that criteria. Perhaps you're referring to past candidates?

We're just trying to help them stay that way.

More information is never a bad a thing. And no matter how much people try to keep up with things, sometimes they miss stories. I know I do, and I get paid to keep up with all of this. If every commenter here has already read everything we've ever posted about the races, then I'm incredibly ecstatic.