January 19, 2010

(Knoxville, TN) Knox County mayoral candidate Tim Burchett announced today the first in a series of policy changes he intends to implement if elected mayor focused on restoring trust and bringing real transparency to county government. Upon taking office Burchett would immediately and indefinitely suspend all county purchasing cards (P-cards) that are within departments under the direction of the Mayor and encourage other elected offices to also take this action.

"Good government begins with trust and transparency, and I believe this action is an important first step" said Burchett. "but it is only a step. The real issue is changing the culture that allowed these past abuses in the first place. As Mayor I will make restoring citizens' confidence in local government my top priority. We have to get this right. The best policy ideas will fail if the people do not trust those in leadership."

Both the county and city have operated without purchasing cards in the past and although some will argue that p-cards make purchasing easier on employees, Burchett believes that ease of use does not equal efficiency if the ease allows for abuse or lacks public confidence. In addition to the indefinite p-card suspension, Burchett will call for a full review of all county purchasing procedures and policies to ensure the most accountable and efficient system possible is put into place.

Speaking to all who might choose to join the mayor's race Burchett added, "As candidates seeking to earn the vote of the people, we cannot simply propose standards that merely meet the letter of the law or rise to the lowest acceptable ethical bars. The next mayor must be someone the voters know they can trust and who recognizes that the public expects and deserves standards and policies that leave no hint of suspicion and no wiggle room for abuse."

For more than 15 years in the state house and senate Tim Burchett has earned a reputation as a leader the voters can trust and he will bring this same focused commitment to honest straightforward leadership to the mayor's office on day one.

Burchett is seeking the Republican nomination for Knox county mayor in the May 4, 2010 primary. Early voting starts April 14. Individuals interested in helping the Burchett campaign should visit www.electburchett.com.