By way of e-mail from reader Victoria...

What: Meet & Greet

When: Saturday April 8 from 4-6pm

Where: New Salem Methodist Church across from Bonny Kate Elementary

Who: For every voter in South Knoxville

Hosted by the South Doyle Home Owners Association for all the candidates appearing on a ballot in South Knoxville

Why: Food, Entertainment, and Meeting public servants that are running for office.

Contact: Scott Ballard, 577-2635, or e-mail scottysir@comcast.net

South Doyle Home Owners Association has organized a Candidate "Meet and Greet" Public Meeting for all of South Knoxville that will be held Saturday, April 8th from 4:00-6:00 at New Salem Methodist Church outdoor pavilion. All of the candidates, who are running for an office that South Knoxville will vote on, have been invited. If they are serious about being elected, then we expect them to show up. We thank all of the candidates who have chosen to run. Many of us would never consider running for an office. Being in the political arena involves personal sacrifice, making tough choices, spending time away from family and friends, and developing a thick skin. We should be thankful that there are good people who are willing to be public servants.

That being said, it is my hope that all of you who are concerned with the future of the South Knox community and the City of Knoxville will show up on Saturday, April 8th to talk to the candidates and look them in the eye when they answer your questions. A "meet and greet" format provides an opportunity to walk up to the candidate and say, "John, Jack says he disagrees with Joe on this issue and I want to know what you think and what you would do." And at the end of the evening, you can walk away saying, "This is what he or she said to me," not "This is what he or she said to a moderator in a room full of hundreds of people."

Come and enjoy some food and entertainment by the Brown Mountain Boys. This is your opportunity to get to know the candidates as well as folks in your community. We can’t wait to see you there. If you have any questions or comments, then call Scott Ballard, 577-2635, or e-mail scottysir@comcast.net