Eddie H. O'Brien, 66, of 1034 W. Vann Road, is a candidate to fill the vacancy in the 8th Greene County Commission District.

O'Brien, who is single, does not have local family members.

He stated in a questionnaire that he attended local schools, including high school.

He is retired.

He said in the questionnaire that he received many honors and awards in 4-H and the Young Farmers and Homemakers organization.

Under "community involvement," he stated that he has done "a lot of direct work behind the scenes."

O'Brien: To show what I've been taught in living on a fixed income. To work for not increasing taxes at all and showing Greene County Mayor Alan Broyles who can do a better job. To trim staff in the county and city budget affairs and cut some positions in government.

Sun: How do you believe the county should address the overcrowding at the Greene County Detention Center?

O'Brien: Actually, the county mayor should be ousted or demoted by all commissioners since Mr. Broyles is in trouble by not watching this point of need and wasting money over a period of 20 years on the Greene County Partnership that he helped invent in 1992.

Sun: Other than the jail overcrowding problem addressed above, what three issues do you believe are most pressing for the county government at this time? Please summarize your position on these issues.

O'Brien: Don't waste education funds. Economic development funds is my top priority for building jobs here. Metro government will be on the ballot soon.

I would propose one school system for Greene County and cut the County Director of Schools' salary to $40,000 per year and have that position elected by the voters and taxpayers.

Sun: Do you support the County Commission's recent decision to increase property taxes? Why or why not? Under what circumstances, if any, do you believe you would support another property tax increase in the next two years?

O'Brien: No. I firmly believe that no tax increase at all is needed.

No taxpayer dollars will be spent on jail overcrowding if I am elected.

Sun: Do you have confidence in the effectiveness and ethics of the current County Commission? How do you believe the public's level of confidence in the County Commission can be increased?

O'Brien: No, I don't. That is why I need to run and have a true voice in public service.

Sun: What are three goals you would hope to accomplish during your time in office?

O'Brien:

1. A new Eddie O'Brien Regional Justice Facility and 100 percent federal and state funding.

2. A Greeneville and Greene County Regional Metro School System.

3. $300 million federal jobs development act passed by the commissioners for Greene County.

Sun: Would you be open to questions and concerns from the public? How would you make yourself available to the public for questions, complaints, etc.?

O'Brien: Yes, I will be open and have open door meetings twice a month, for 24 a year.

Sun: What qualities make you a good candidate for this position?

O'Brien: I am a job developer, and am getting ready to open a statewide delivery service very soon in all 95 counties.

Brief final comment, if you wish.

O'Brien: I deeply appreciate my rights to run for public office, and yes, I will be up again in 2014 to run for mayor on the same commission to get more jobs here as a public official.