Jonas Smelcer inspects Knob Creek Rd. for safety concerns. (The Herald/ Joe King)

Sevier County may not have the largest road system in Tennessee, but it is certainly in the top percentile which makes managing the infrastructure a challenging and necessary job.

Taking on that task, Jonas Smelcer has been the Road Superintendent for Sevier County since 1982.

“I first ran as an independent because there was already a republican running,” he said. “After I won, I changed to a republican and ran as one ever since.”

Although Smelcer’s experience working with TVA and as a Sergeant in the Marines formed some of the aspects of why he ran for elected office, it was really a concern for the condition of the roads that prompted the final decision.

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