Stephen’s Platform

Putting trust back in the Knox County Trustee’s office.

Knox County deserves a Trustee that is fiscally responsible, transparent, and accountable.

Recent findings from the Tennessee Comptroller’s Office revealed serious misuse of public resources and ethical lapses within the Trustee’s office, which resulted in indictments and official misconduct charges against county personnel. These findings are unacceptable. Taxpayers deserve better in handling their hard-earned dollars.

“I am running for Knox County Trustee to restore integrity, reinstate ethical standards, and rebuild public confidence in the office. I will fight to make sure your government works for you. Knox County citizens deserve ethical leadership that protects our community, our taxpayer dollars, and our trust in local government.”

Review all office policies and procedures to ensure they’re clear, enforceable, and of the highest standard to prevent misconduct and misuse of funds.

One of my first acts as Trustee will be to take a comprehensive look at the office’s operations and make adjustments where needed. We will determine whether policies are up to date and easily understood, with no ambiguity. Any gaps or high-risk areas will be identified, revised, strengthened, and monitored for compliance and integrity.

Champion transparency and regular reporting so the public can see exactly how their tax dollars are handled.

As Trustee I will promote openness and clarity in how funds are collected, allocated, and spent in a way that’s easy for the public to access and understand. Transparency goes beyond reporting numbers; it includes explaining decisions, highlighting variances between planned and actual spending, and openly addressing problems or taking corrective actions when issues arise.

Engage with other department leaders and auditors to support accountability, seek opportunities to cut spending, and to better utilize existing resources.

Collaborating with other departments will help the Trustee’s office identify any underused assets, or redundant spending, and explore ways to streamline processes, share resources, and reallocate funds to other county needs. Working with auditors will also help shed light on inefficiencies and cost-saving opportunities. This collaborative approach will promote transparency, cost awareness, and efficient use of existing resources.
Stephen Hood is proudly endorsed by Shane Jackson, Knox County Commissioner for District 4.
Stephen Hood is proudly endorsed by Karyn Adams, Knoxville City Councilwoman for District 1.
Stephen Hood is proudly endorsed by Debbie Helsley, Knoxville City Councilwoman in county-wide At Large Seat B
Stephen Hood is proudly endorsed by Kat Bike, Knox County Board of Education Member for District 4.
Stephen Hood is proudly endorsed by Tennessee Advocates for Planned Parenthood (TAPP).

  • Primary Election:

    • Absentee Ballots may be requested between February 4 and April 25, 2026

    • Early Voting takes place between April 15 and April 30, 2026

    • Election Day is Tuesday, May 5, 2026

    General Election:

    • Absentee Ballots may be requested between May 8 and July 27, 2026

    • Early Voting takes place between July 17 and August 1, 2026

    • Election Day is Tuesday, August 6, 2026

    See the full schedule at knoxvotes.org.

  • Check your Tennessee Voter Registration status here.

    Monday, April 6, 2026 is the final day to register to vote before the Knox County Primary election.

    Tuesday, July 7, 2026 is the final day to register to vote before the Knox County General election.

    Register to vote here.

  • Get ready to vote by previewing your ballot at Vote411.org. Enter your address and receive a personalized ballot for your voting area.

Election & Voting Resources