Katina Sharp announces run for Knox County Commission, frames campaign on housing, schools and infrastructure

Katina Sharp, a candidate for Knox County Commission at-large, Seat 10, announced her campaign and centered her platform on housing affordability, stronger public schools and forward-looking infrastructure planning.

Sharp opened by identifying herself: "Hi, my name is Katina Sharp and I am running for County Commission at large seat 10," and said she has been a "40-year resident of Knox County." She framed her candidacy as community-driven, saying she does not come "from as a person in politics" but as "a person who cares about my neighbors."

Drawing on professional and family experience, Sharp said she began her career as "a mental health and substance abuse counselor," later pausing to raise four children who attended Knox County schools. She identified her current role as pastor of Powell Presbyterian Church and said that work has exposed her to residents' struggles with family, health and economic challenges.

On policy, Sharp made housing costs a central concern, telling listeners that many are "having to choose between buying food and uh our medicines or our housing because the housing is so very expensive right now." She said long-time residents and workers are being priced out and called for steps to help teachers, first responders, social workers and first-time buyers afford homes in Knox County.

Sharp also focused on education funding and school capacity, saying she wants taxpayer money "kept in public schools" and stressing that teachers should "have the supplies that they need" and that families should feel confident that "your kids are safe when you send them off to school."

On growth and infrastructure, she argued that planning must precede development: "We need the infrastructure to be in place before we begin building," including schools, roads and stormwater systems to prevent overcrowding, congestion and flooding as the county grows.

Sharp closed by asking for community support and participation: "I'm asking you to join me as we look and ask, what are the needs of Knox County? What are the needs of the most vulnerable? What are the needs of the middle class?" She said the goal is to "make a plan to serve everyone."

The remarks were a campaign platform statement rather than a policy proposal with specific ordinances, budget items or formal actions; no motions or votes were recorded in the transcript.