Candidate Survey - Keith Abner

Profile. Tell us about yourself, who you are, what your background is and why you are running for office.

My name is Keith Abner. I am a forty nine year member of the Republican party, a lifelong resident of Knox County. I have been married to my wife Darla Jean Smith Abner for 42 years. We have two children. Brian Keith Abner and his wife Frankie Hammons Abner, and our daughter Dana Carol Abner, three grandsons Benjamin Keith Abner, Samuel Franklin Abner and Tytus Caleb Abner. I have served two separate terms as magistrate in the second district, 2011 to 2014 and 2023 to current. I also worked in production and maintenance at Tremco Inc./Truseal Technologies for 35 years.

Economic Development. Knox County’s poverty rate remains well above the state average. Beyond general statements about attracting business, what specific industries or economic sectors do you believe are realistic targets for Knox County, and what concrete steps would you take to recruit them?

I believe we should continue to provide quality education and technical training for our students, offer tax incentive opportunities to possible incoming industries and businesses.

Workforce & Jobs. Many Knox County residents leave the area for work. What would you do to create conditions that keep working-age residents employed locally, and how would you address the skills gap between available workers and available jobs?

I feel we should continue to develop the Knox County Industrial Park and begin active recruitment of new industry and business to our county. I think we should also, as I mentioned in question (2) work toward education and training our young people.

Roads & Infrastructure. Poor road conditions are a persistent complaint among Knox County residents. How would you prioritize which infrastructure projects get addressed first, and what funding mechanisms — local, state, or federal — would you pursue?

We should push for more flex and discretionary dollars from the state legislature and actively seek more grant money for the improvement of our roads and infrastructure.

Fiscal Management. What is your position on the county’s current budget priorities? Are there areas of spending you would redirect, reduce, or increase — and how would you make those decisions while keeping taxes manageable for residents?

I do not see a reason to change the county’s current budget priorities at this time.

Accountability & Transparency. What steps would you take to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently and that residents have clear visibility into how decisions are made in your office?

By continuing to hold our fiscal court meetings in an open to public manner therefore allowing the public an opportunity to attend and hear the decisions made and be able to voice their opinions as well.

Measuring Success. At the end of your term, how should voters judge whether you succeeded? Name two or three specific, measurable outcomes you are committing to achieve.

By seeing improvements in things such as roads, infrastructure, the economy, and a qualified work ready workforce right here in Knox County.