Johnson City holds public interviews for commission vacancy; appointment set for Thursday

Johnson City held a special meeting at the Municipal and Safety Building to interview five candidates for a vacancy on the city commission. The panel heard 45-minute interviews from Tricia Koraid, Beau Westmoreland, Whitney Getz, Timber Aldridge and Seth Thomas; each candidate had time to introduce themselves, answer commissioners' questions and ask the commission questions in return. Commissioners told candidates the appointment vote will be part of the commission's regular meeting on Thursday, when members of the public may speak.

The meeting was organized as an open interview series. According to the process announced by the commission, letters of interest and resumes were accepted through noon on Friday, Oct. 9; commissioners each selected two candidates to be interviewed, producing some overlap and a final set of five interviewees. The commission scheduled 45 minutes per candidate — roughly 35 minutes of questioning by commissioners and about eight minutes for candidate questions — and planned a 20-minute recess after the second interview. Commissioners said the overall process would take approximately five hours.

Why it matters: The appointment will add a fifth vote to the five-member commission and shape decision-making on near-term priorities including the city budget, infrastructure, housing and downtown development. The commission emphasized that Thursday's meeting will include a public-comment period for residents who want to weigh in on the appointment before commissioners vote.

What happened at the interviews

- Tricia Koraid, a recent arrival to Johnson City, described herself as someone who chose the city after “looking at data, after visiting, feeling the community,” and said she has the time and energy to serve. Koraid said commissioners should focus on long-term strategic guidance rather than day-to-day administration, and called for rebuilding trust with communities that feel disconnected from city government. “We do not live in a microcosm without external influence,” she said, arguing commissioners should use relationships and connections strategically.

- Beau Westmoreland, a local dentist, emphasized local roots and civic involvement. Westmoreland said his priorities would be public safety and infrastructure, and that transparency means voters should know where tax dollars are spent. “There will never be a doubt where I stand on any topic,” Westmoreland said, adding that he has adjusted his dental practice and schedule to make time for public service.

- Whitney Getz, executive director of the East Tennessee State University Alumni Association, framed her candidacy around public service and institutional relationships. She highlighted “excellence in city government” and constituent service as focal points she could add, and said she plans to step back from full-time work to make room for public service.

- Timber Aldridge, who currently serves on the planning commission and the historic zoning commission, pointed to experience in property management, economic development boards and school-related nonprofit work. Aldridge said housing and infrastructure are the most pressing issues and noted the city must balance growth and the costs of roads, utilities and other public works.

- Seth Thomas, a small-business owner and musician, emphasized support for small businesses and the arts, walkability, and connecting public spaces. Thomas highlighted the importance of city support for small-business processes and said Johnson City should prepare now for shifts in technology and workforce trends that could affect the local economy.

Discussion themes and questions

Commissioners asked each candidate about the commission’s role in a council-manager government, budget priorities, when property-tax increases might be appropriate, the city’s role in addressing homelessness, civic engagement of younger residents and how to balance growth with preservation of green space. Candidates repeatedly returned to two cross-cutting themes: preserving the city’s quality of place while planning for housing and infrastructure needs, and improving civic engagement and constituent communication.

Process next steps

Commissioners told candidates they will consider the interviews, letters of support and other public input before meeting Thursday at the regular 6 p.m. session to deliberate and appoint a replacement. The commission asked candidates to attend that meeting; the new commissioner, once appointed and sworn in, will then take a seat and the commission will organize leadership (including election of a vice mayor) at the same meeting.

Quotes

“I feel called to do this now,” Tricia Koraid said as she explained why she sought appointment.

“There will never be a doubt where I stand on any topic,” Beau Westmoreland said when asked about transparency.

“I've always had a heart for public service,” Whitney Getz said, describing her career and reasons for seeking the seat.

“I fell in love there,” Timber Aldridge said of her decision to make Johnson City home and work in local education and development.

“It's a great place to land,” Seth Thomas said, explaining why he has remained in Johnson City and wants to help the city grow.

Ending

Commissioners reiterated that Thursday’s meeting will be the formal venue for public comment and for their appointment vote. The commission said staff will provide the agenda packet for Thursday’s meeting in advance; residents who want to comment on the appointment were asked to sign up in advance of that meeting.