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My name is Leon Humphrey. I graduated from Elizabethton High School in 2012 and went on to graduate from Northeast State Community College in 2017 with an associates of science degree in criminal justice. After that I took a job working for a locally owned company as a security officer. I have ensured the security of over 50 employees for the past five years.

I am a young person and after talking to many young people in our community they believe that they don’t have any voice in our local government. I hope to change that as well as possibly be a way for the generations to come together for the single goal of a better future for us all.

My father, Leon Sr., ran for mayor my freshman year of high school and held the position for eight years. Over those eight years I saw up close and personally that while the mayor is a major voice for the people of Carter County the mayor isn’t the all-powerful Oz.

We need a leader who is willing to listen to the people of Carter County, not take credit for others’ hard work, and truly have the best interest of Carter County in mind not just for themselves and the title of mayor. I bring to the table youth, energy, optimism and a New Style of Leadership for a Better Tomorrow.

I have told many that I don’t know everything, and I don’t know anyone who does. However, when Henry Ford was running Ford Motor Company there was a time when he was questioned on his limited formal education and ability to run the company. He simply replied “let me remind you that I have a row of electric push-buttons on my desk, and by pushing the right button, I can summon to my aid men who can answer any question you have.” I believe with the people of Carter County I have that same row of buttons.

My plan if elected mayor of Carter County
The county’s general fund budget has been well over $17 million over the past three years. 22.4% of our county’s population are 65 or older. These folks sometimes must choose between paying for their medication or their property tax. I wish to eliminate wasteful spending to help our aging community not have to make such a hard choice.

I would also like to create a grant office to secure state and federal grants. These grants would bring in millions of dollars to help alleviate much of the tax burden.

We have many small businesses in Carter County. These businesses are our friends and neighbors not huge corporations with a corporate office in different states. They need our help to open, stay open, and thrive!

These businesses are hindered by some regulations that are just a bit too much. I would like to provide them the best incentives possible to help them open and thrive within Carter County.

We have some of the most beautiful outdoor scenery in the world right here in Carter County. I think with the proper marketing campaign highlighting this scenic beauty and the countless recreational opportunities such as hiking, fishing, rafting and historic tourism we can open Carter County to great economic opportunities.

The Elizabethton/Carter County Animal Shelter is an extremely important asset. At no time should it go unfunded. I will do everything in my power to make that fighting stop, plain and simple.

Poor working relations with Nashville has cost Carter County tremendously over the years. I will strive to keep our working relationship with Nashville a good and prosperous one.

High-speed connectivity is as important today as the Interstate Highway System was in the 1950s. It is an absolute must that we expand high speed broadband service to all of Carter County.

Working together we can make remarkable things happen, with young, energetic, and optimistic leadership!