Emotional Farewells from Five Knox County Commissioners
Knoxville, TN – Last week, the Knox County Commissioners held their final meeting together, marking a poignant moment for five departing members. The emotional farewells were not originally on the agenda, but the sentiments shared by Dasha Lundy, Carson Dailey, John Schoonmaker, Richie Beeler, and Kyle Ward touched everyone present. Each commissioner took a moment to reflect on their experience and express gratitude as they concluded their time in office.
The evening was filled with heartfelt speeches and appreciation from fellow commissioners and the community. The five departing members will be honored with a special dinner alongside the remaining and newly elected commissioners, celebrating their contributions and service to Knox County.
Reflections of Service
Carson Dailey, who steps down after two terms representing South Knox District 9, was surprised by Knoxville Vice Mayor Tommy Smith during the meeting. Smith described how he and Dailey worked together for their district, often giving each other advice even when they had differing opinions. As a token of appreciation, Smith presented Dailey with a sign found on a county road right-of-way, symbolizing Dailey’s dedication to keeping the community clean. Dailey has been a strong advocate for reducing roadside trash and cleaning up local junkyards.
As the meeting proceeded, each commissioner had the opportunity to share a few words. Richie Beeler, a minister by profession, expressed his deep gratitude. He acknowledged each of his colleagues, calling Lundy a “warrior for her community” and praising Schoonmaker and Dailey for their exemplary service. Beeler described Ward as “a great friend and a brother from day one.”
“I love you all,” said Lundy, who thanked everyone for the opportunity to serve. She expressed her appreciation for the experiences they shared together.
Kyle Ward, who spoke briefly, noted the unique gifts each commissioner brought to the table. He reflected on how, despite their differences, “We’ve become family.” He expressed gratitude for having shared this chapter of his life with them.
Personal Memories and Gratitude
John Schoonmaker shared his journey from being appointed to the commission to serving a total of nine and a half years under two mayors. He relayed how attending every commission-related meeting was rewarding, and he thanked former Knox County Commissioner Charles Busler for his guidance. “This is the best job I ever had,” Schoonmaker stated, wishing the next group of commissioners as much enjoyment in their roles as he had.
Dailey emphasized his commitment to Knox County, saying, “All my votes have been for the best of Knox County.” He acknowledged that while there may have been disagreements during meetings, they always put aside differences once they left the room.
A Look Back
Knox County Chairwoman Terry Hill also shared her reflections, stating she would not seek re-election for her position. She recounted significant events from the past four years, including a devastating tornado, a severe snowstorm, and the passage of the Advance Knoxville initiative. Hill’s remarks showcased the challenges the commission faced and their determination to work through these issues for the betterment of the community.
As these five commissioners move on to the next chapter in their lives, their contributions to Knox County will surely be remembered. The bonds formed during their time together reflect the commitment to public service and the shared experiences that will last beyond their tenure.
