All the candidates running for the office of Sheriff in Sevier County sat in front of an audience in the Seymour Middle School Auditorium ready to introduce themselves and offer their reasons for running for office.
The candidates appeared in the following order; Steve Layman, Dean Lewis, Brad Lowe, James McMahan, Kim Pierce and Ron (Hoss) Seals.
Most of the candidates gave a detailed background of their experiences, training and reasons why they would be the best candidate in the upcoming election February 5th.
First up was; Steve Layman (Rep)– “I’m running because I want to give you what I gave you for the last seven years.”
A second attempt at seeking the office of Sheriff, Layman says he’s running because he wants to give you what he’s given for he last seven years.
He says nobody here knows more about the kids who are in trouble or about the drugs on the street and about the crime.
Layman encourages all to ask a neighbor, or someone you trust what they know about him because he says, “I don’t think you will find anything bad about me.”
Next was; Dean Lewis (Independent)– “Our safety is important, our children are important.”
Also a second attempt at seeking the office of the Sheriff, Lewis listed his credentials in support of his qualification.
Next came; Brad Lowe (Rep)– “This election is going to be the most important election that Sevier County ever sees – because if effects each and every one of you.”
A retired TBI officer, Lowe stated that today we are faced with a crisis in our government which shakes the very foundation of our constitution and our civil rights.
He suggests that he will unite the community.
For every dollar that Sevier County has to pay out is taken away from each citizen each family and the children – the children are denied parks for the children to play in and larger schools with low student teacher ratios and most importantly a county that is safe from predators, home invaders and murders.
Next came; James McMahan (Independent) “I think that our seciety is in terrible trouble.”
McMahan believes that our society is in terrible trouble and we need to stop home invasions. He says we should start caring for and loving our neighbors.
He says he has honesty and integrity – “I’m proud of who I am.”
Next came; Kim Pierce – (Dem) “I consider myself a public servant, not a politician.”
A second time attempt at running for the office of Sheriff. Pierce signed up as a Republican, Democrat and Independent when she first placed her name is the running.
Pierce believes community service and involvement is the most important thing a citizen can do. She is a firm believer in teamwork, in that there’s nothing we can’t accomplish.
“I can’t promise that I can solve every problem, what I can promise is that I will care and try to do the right thing.”
Next came; Ron Seals – (Rep) “Our officers are facing more dangerous situations on the streets today than I have ever seen in my 34 years of service.”
An impressive 34 years of service as a law enforcement officer, Seals outlined all of the new services implemented since he took office.
Seals was installed into office by the Sevier County Commissioners upon the death of the former Sheriff Bruce Montgomery.
Seals served under three different Sheriffs including Montgomery.
Since taking office, Seals has implemented several new programs, both in the schools and on the streets which have garnered the praise of many citizens.
The DARE program officers are more involved the program has been expanded.
A internet crimes against children investigator has been trained and placed on the Sheriff’s staff to help fight the growing internet problem. This program is very instrumental in protecting the children against internet crimes.
Seals says the department enjoys a good working relationship with the local, state and national law enforcement agencies.
Seals asks that you look at this qualifications, his experience and his dedication to the job as he has put 34 years of law enforcement experience to work for the community.
Following the presentations, the public was asked to meet the candidates and ask them any questions that they might have.
The evening gave a glimpse into the way in which the candidates would operator if they are given the opportunity to run the Sheriff’s Office.
The question the people have to answer is who do they want as their Sheriff. Do they want a known quantity that has a track record, or are they willing to try the unknown.
For many, this is a simple answer.
Remember to VOTE FEBRUARY 5th.
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User Comments
Is Steve Layman oblivious that someone is sending out emails about the certain activities of he and his wife? That would be considered bad don't you think?
Talk about opening pandora's box. Rumors aside, photos are worth a thousand words. Half of Seymour got those emails about Steve layman during the last election. Looking into his closet for skeletons could cause some discomfort for him, the President of Tennessee State Bank and for the head of Sevier County Utilities and no telling who else among the Sevier County self proclaimed royalty.
So...why haven't these 'certain activities' been reported on? Or are these 'activities' of such a nature that they are private and don't affect the candidates' performance? Sounds like a lot of B.S. to me.
Don't allude to these "certain activities", spell them out(or post the email). The Seymour community may have received these emails and it might be common knowledge there but other communities may still be in the dark. Everyone deserves to know.
Instead of thinking that all the churches in the area should have changed or cancelled their services, why not schedule this even for another night? Which really makes more sense?
I never saw the meeting advertised, this is the first I knew of it.
Seymour is the largest voting district in Sevier County. It has been said for years that if you carry Seymour, you win the election. Next election the citizens of Seymour need candidates from Seymour to run for office.
Find out why Seals would not answer questions about Lintner at www.seviercorruption.com
Health Insurance is the same across the board for all Sevier Co. employees, The Steve Laymon was the T*tty Gate scandal, just a picture or 2 from a day at the lake, nothing bad. Lowe will sling as much mud as he can to try to win the election, but thier isn't enough mud in Sevier County for him to sling he has no chance. you could double Lowes votes and he will still lose. You could multiply Kim's votes by 5 and she still wouldn't win. Laymon is Hoss only compitition and neither one of them are out spreading crap, Hoss gets my vote, Laymon is a good guy but has no practical experiance, now he may have a good shot in 2012 but as for now Hoss is the man to beat. Linter was hired by Bruce, I look for him to be unemployeed after the election, if he gets fired now it will look like Hoss is knuckling under to lowe which he isn't
Joe Karl, the conjecture and lies of # 7, a convicted criminal, has no place in your paper. If it stays we know where your alliance is. You are publishing liable!
It's a shame that My Word doesn't believe in our constitution. I fought to protect the right of citizens to participate in the discussion of how my government should be run.
The poster of item #7 is simply bringing to light the actions of our local sheriff who has allowed someone convicted of financial wrong doing to manage finances in the county jail.
Let's weigh the consequences.
Perhaps My Word would prefer living in a country where he/she can't participate in government.
Lintner going to jail is winning for me,thats all I need, vendication,,,,,,,
Alot more people in Sevier County than just Lintner need and deserve to spend some time in jail. This place is a cesspool of political corruption. We could fill several paddy wagons at the next county comission meeting, then several more at the next planning comission meeting, then move on to the so called "ethics" committee - and that is just a start.
This is an open request of the TBI and the FBI to please come to Sevier County to investigate all elected and appointed officials.
Start with the corrupt mayor and work your way down. Please don't stop until you have overturned every stone.
Joe Karl, how can you give hoss most of the news on your paper, when he's taking money from a felon. Are you going to write about that? Come on Joe do the right thing.
How about some investigative reporting about what's going on around here?
So many people are bringing up issues. Someone should work to tie up all the loose ends and present the whole enchilada to the citizens of
Sevier County.
He is obviously the most qualified. Do not fall prey to the thought that only Steve Layman can compete. Why? Because his Mom was the county whatever or because his step dad is the town's version of Otis or because his step brother is Larry Waters butt boy? Make a difference and vote for Brad Lawe
The word I hear is McMahan is gaining ground slowly sneaking in the picture. Maybe Lowe and Layman better watch out.
Being able to watch each wanna be sheriff give their speech is great.
Now I know for sure how I'm going to vote.
If Seymour is the carrier of the winner's then all you people hear in Seymour need to step forward and make the change happen. We all know Sevier County is one the most crupt political counties around. You can be Saint Mary but after you get mixed up in the politics in Sevier County you are screwed. You either on the in or outbounds when it comes to doing the right thing. Politics run this county so now is the time for you all to make a difference, starting with the Election coming up. Lets all ban together and start deleteing the crumption that has taken us over. Its time for a new Sheriff new blood and keep going. Vote all these so called good o boys out the door. Just think we could be voting on a New Superintendent in the future. Now I know that makes us all get excited it can happen. You must keep believing and taking 1 at a time. PULL TOGETHER
Does anyone know if Ron Seals is related to Jim Keener??? The Jim Keener that was hired this school term as a Transportation Coordinator.
There is a sign over on chilhowee school rd in seymour ,that says politics 10, safety 0. I think it's time to make changes. vote em out.
The winds of change are blowing across Sevier County!!
The fact that Ron Seals issued a statement claiming that everything happened before he became sheriff is proof positive that he has no business upholding the law. He has blatently violated the trust of the citizens who depend on him to set an example. To condone the continued violation of law is unexcusable.
He should be removed from office and should be disqualified from the race because he has proven that he is condones breaking the law.
Mayor Waters should step in and provide leadership that this county so desperately needs.
Mayor Waters, where are you?
they got the sheriff in chattnooga today???
Ron Seals I think you may have lost the race all on your on. Way to go now if all the rest of the good o boys would stand up as you have get out before the fire gets hotter. We are on the road for a County Championship 1 out some more to go and we can do it guys. My hat is off to #19 you are right it can be done especially if Seymour Votes determine who is in office. One would think the county would be catering to Seymour. Yeah right they get our Votes and off they go creating jobs for their buddy's and not protecting anyone or giving jobs to Seymour resident's. Turn the tables Seymour you have your right choose it wisely. Lets get some of our Seymour people the easy high paying jobs in Sevierville. We owe it to our children they are the future of tomorrow. Wouldn't it be nice to see someone from Seymour be the next Superintendant, Sheriff just knowing it can be done and we are in control smells like fresh bread baking.
With ole Hoss taking money from a criminal, wonder how the fraternal order of police are feeling about their indorsement. Hey Karl why don't you go and ask them?
Hey Karl, you might want yo go ask the Masons and the shriners too. How do you like Ron Seals NOW! Seals is going to jail.
Ron Seals I trusted you and you let me down. Taking that money was wrong. you should of told lintner to pay back that Sevier County Business man. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG.
Back when I was growing up nobody cared about Seymour, last when it came to money for our schools. one cop car,citizens had to wait for a deputy to get to there house. stand up seymour people. lets tell them who calls the shots now.
Both Ron Seals and Steve Layman are part of the same bunch. The choice we have in Seymour is either Brad Lowe or James McMahan. Seymour, let's vote Brad Lowe into office! He has stood up to all of them!
Yes, Brad Lowe has stood up to all of them. #32
Yes, I think Layman and Seals are of the same bunch.
I vote to bring the sheriffs department in line with national standards.
In a word Accreditation. Mr. Seals is wrong when he says things like: Do you want someone else telling us what to do?"
The answer is, of course, Yes! I want your department to adhere to the highest of standards. I do not want you to run your department however you see fit (like unwritten rules, nepotistic and cronyistic back room deals and policies that are enforced solely to keep citizen involvement and oversight at a minimum).
Does anyone see a pattern in Sevier County management?
It's rarely the crime that makes one fall. It's the cover up afterwards.
I was at an event an heard a comment that when Seals is asked a question he doesn't like he blows you off. It seems if you want to win an election, you might want to give answers.
Seals will be the sheriff hands down, Linter isn't an officer he's just hired help, and thats not illeagle, would he work for me, heck no, but Hoss isn't going to jail he's going to be our next sheriff mark my words, and Lowe is freaking crazy plain and simple, Mcmahan is a nice guy but not a sheriff.
I bet that Lintner is against accreditation too.
#38 you have got to be kidding if the people in Seymour takes a stand then sorry dude Hoss will not be the Sheriff. Its not going to stop there either, the people of Seymour are tired of all the BS and political crap. We are not going to forget about all the promises the commisoners made to the Seymour people so you all get ready your day is coming to. Superintendent what a day it will be when the people of Seymour ban together and show the Board Members its time for us to take control. Its time to start electing our Superintendent not let Jackie Parton be appointed anymore and see how the good o boys squarm. As for the insurance for Sevier County being the same for all employees. WRONG I know that for a fact guess you do not have to wonder how.
bs
The regime is ripe for change. The folks who are moving in know how government should be run and it isn't the way it's done here.
Vote!
Tell the current regime that you're "Mad as hell and you're not going to take it anymore!!!"
Sevier Co pays the same amount for all employees, except for elected officials, which i suppose you are correct, but htey would pay the same if the sheriff was hoss or a 25 year old bodt builder, and whait and see hoss is the next sheriff, I've lived in Seymour my whole life, The good ole boys aren't going anywhere. Tell the board members all you want that you want to elect the school superintendent, i would actually love to see it but thats not going to happen either.
Is there an honest politician in Sevier County?
I think not!
Will enough people from Seymour actually vote this time to make a difference. If we really want a change, we should be backing Brad Lowe who is the only one who seems qualified and who also seems strong enough to stand up to the rank and file of Sevier County. Just two months ago he called the County Commission corrupt cowards. Hoss and Layman are cut from the same cloth. They only care about the power involved not the actual citizens.
Brad Lowe is the one we should get into office. It would be the beginning of a house cleaning that should not stop until we get rid of all of them.
I can't support Brad Lowe when he is the only one knowingly breaking the law on campaign signs. Everyone was informed about the law allowing campaign signs on the right of ways, and everyone else is following the law except Brad Lowe. If Brad Lowe is elected Sheriff, is he going to enforce all the laws or just the ones he wants to enforce?
I understand a 15 million dollar lawsuit has been filed by an inmate raped by Lintner.
The lawsuit was filed Friday and is specifically against Seals, Lintner and several others.
I'd like to know what Sheriff Seals has to say about it.
A lawsuit was filed and all the local papers and TV stations have the info. Lets see which ones report it tonight or tomorrow (before the election.) Any bets on Stan?
Mark my word we are seeing the 25 year history of sevier county's downfall. we need to elect honest individuals that are going to stand for something.
#42 Superdude you must have lost your mind if you think they pay equal insurance. How do you like it Sevier County School System hiring full time Sub-drivers for school buses and they get paid rather they drive or not and also they have the same insurance. What the hell do you call this are you happy knowing if there are no subs needed to drive they get paid for staying home. Put that in your back pocket and sit on that one. Mind you our tax dollars are paying for this. BS
Superdude sounds like you may be one of the good o boys. Well I hope Seymour takes a stand trust me I will be taking mine. It is time for a change and if you have lived here all your life then you must be a hermit. I have lived here all my life and I have seen wrong doing. My vote will not go for anyone who has previously served. Its my right and I will use it to the fullest. I hope to see you licking your wounds when your buddy Seals do not get elected.
I wonder who's gonna fall in the cover up of the alleged rapes at the SC jail. I bet the plaintiff gets a nice fat settlement, a house on Legacy Mountain and then in a few years, he'll suffer a tragic "accident."
Lintner will probably get an award. After all, Seals claims he is a model employee.
I wonder how many times Larry visited the jail?
Several web sites have a copy of the suit posted. I believe that Channel 8 and 10 in Knox. have it posted.
Great video
thanks I couldn't be there but I felt like I was.
Larry is the leader of the movement that says we don't want outsiders telling us what to do, just like Seals states in his campaign. That is the GooD Ole Boy networks' mantra. It translates to: We don't want to be accredited because we want to be the ones to decide everything for you. We don't want to answer to anyone. It means... We don't want to be held accountable to anyone. It is so old time, smoke filled room politics and they hope you will just accept it.
Seymourdude is right about the insurance
Its Seymourdude not superdude, Sevier Co pays the same amount for all non elected positions, elected positions are the same amount, no matter if it is Ron Seals' insurance or a 25 year old elected offical, and thats the truth,I am a Sevier Co. employee with an outstanding work record, I AM NOT A GOOD OLE BOY, I'm just stating my opinion, I think Hoss will be sheriff, thats my right just as its your right to vote for anyone you choose and I applaud you for getting out and voting,everyone should. I'm not a hermit either. Sevier Co does have problems and I personaly think that they should look into contracting out the school buses. Like I said i'm not a hermit and yes I'm a county employee. No I'm not a good ole boy. Seals isn't my buddy, I know him and I think he's a pretty nice guy. Do I think he will be the best sheriff we've ever had, no not at all but I think he's the most qualified and the best choice. Politics are dirty and there are 2 sides to every story. I would love to see Waters get beat and I would love to see the school superintendant reclassified into an elected position, I'm jst stating the Hoss will be sheriff. Change needs to happen but Brad Lowe isn't going to get it done by slinging mud everywhere. Laymon is the only real threat to Seals, and inthe next election he may beat him but not in this one.
Wow so much anger, its funny that all this stuff comes up around an election, I'm just stating my OPINION, again i do know him, he is a nice guy, again he is the most qualified candidate, he had more experiance than Laymon, Lowe, Pierce and Mcmahahn combined, Hoss will carry District 6, 9, and 10. Thats my prediction, make fun if you want and if i'm wrong i'll be the first to admit it. I don't think he will do well in Kodak and I think he will do fine in Gatlinburg. Yes I can read and I also know history, history in this county shows when people raise hell and sling mud it backfires, change is done with intelligance not crap stirring. Again i'm not a good ole boy, i'm not an elected offical, I don't work for the sheriffs department. If there was a better candidate running I would vote for them, but I just don't think thier is, Change does need to take place but its not going to happen this time around. Bruce was a definate Good Ole Boy and he was one of the best sheriffs this county ever had, he had his downfalls but he did alot for the sheriffs department and county.He also carried just about every district in the county everytime he ran. Hoss was Bruce's pick to run the sheriffs department when he was gone, and just in case you have forgotten, you could take all of Bruce's opposition votes and doubled them and he still would have won, now Hoss won't get all of Bruce's votes but he will get enough. Hell if Bruce was on the ticket tomarroww he stil would get more votes than Kim Pierce and Brad Lowe.
For the record, every last one if the Sheriff candidates violated the campaign sign law. They were all out way to early
What you are stating is probably true, sadly. However, it is the people like you who tell everyone there is no chance to change anything, who are the real problem here. You state that maybe Steve Layman has a chance yet you know good and well he is the same as the rest of the crooks up there. He is a legacy in Sevier County politics. His mom is Jeannette Ballard and his step brother used to be Larry Waters assistant. So rather than tell everyone the sky is falling and there is nothing we can do, try to make a difference and encourage everyone to vote for an outsider. James McMahan or Brad Lowe. Brad Lowe at least will stand up to all of them.
The City of Sevierville only found Brad Lowe signs on right of ways in the city. The state has no law on how early campaign signs can be place on private property. The TCA prohibits private property on state right of ways. Everyone who has driven by Seymour Schools during the past two weeks sees only BRAD LOWE campaign signs ILLEGALLY on the state right of way.
I never said there is no chance to change anything, I know that Brad Lowe won't ever be the sheriff in Sevier Co. well I should say thats my opinion. He has lost more votes with his smear tatics than he has won, I guess we'll see tonight. Change has to be done with intelligence and cool heads, he has niether in my opinion. I took forever to get rid of Carmen Townsend and he was as crooked as a barrel of fish hooks. i say reserect Bat Gibson, I'de vote for him. If you haven't did so, no matter who you vote for GET OUT AND VOTE
If Hoss wins today and you people realize things aren't changing, will you start moving back up north? Just wondering.
Seals says that the lawsuit just filed is "politicaly motivated." Think how far fetched it sounds to say that a RAPE is politicaly motivated. The good old boys always want to shoot the messenger of bad news. After so many messengers come out with the same news shouldn't somebody start to question things. There are currently TWO lawsuits against the sheriffs department for sexual misconduct. No wonder Seals doesn't want to seek accreditation.
I want to hear more from #2....Is the Head of Sevier County Utilities Matt Ballard?
#68 Matt Ballard is the head of SCUD
Matt Ballard has got more skeltons in his closet than you can imagine.
seals is the next sheriff, 3 administrations worth of experience. layman for county photographer, heck, i would have taken all those pictures too...might ask that same group about their little "key parties" . makes the picture deal look quite small. if you want to change sevier county, fire larry waters first then trickle your way down...oh ya,,,how many applications were taken for the head of the youth detention facility.....one,,,yep only one...makes you wonder about laymans own back door politics.
Larry must go. Crooked as the day is long.
I agree with dan- Larry Waters has to go -then we can work on the rest. Until Larry goes, nothing will change. What a red letter day that will be in Sevier County's history.
If we really want to replace the good ole boys, then Seymour must stand behind one person for each position. Seymour has the most powerful vote in the county.
I don't have a radio or tv here at work.
As of 9 P.M. Hoss is leading Laymon by around 1000 votes, Brad Lowe has under 200, but only 3 precients reporting.
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