05/14/2026
JAILER MARY HAMMONS’ RESPONSE:
Profile. Tell us about yourself, who you are, what your background is and why you are running for office.
I am a Christian who believes God has a plan for us. I have tried to follow His direction for all that I do. I taught school for 34 years before I became your Jailer. I care about people and want to help those in need. As your jailer, I have made differences in the lives of the population I serve. I have dedicated my time and energy to running a safe, clean, and efficient jail. I have the experience, qualifications, training and knowledge to continue operating our jail. I am asking for your vote, continued support and prayers.
Economic Development. Knox County’s poverty rate remains well above the state average. Beyond general statements about attracting business, what specific industries or economic sectors do you believe are realistic targets for Knox County, and what concrete steps would you take to recruit them?
My role as Jailer is to look how our jail and inmates can help our community attract businesses. I believe having a workforce to pull from will be needed. We have done many things to prepare our inmates to go to work. We partnered with Southeast Community Technical College and KCEOC. They offer inmates educational opportunities including classes in carpentry, welding, peer support, computer, and fiber optic. We will continue finding more ways to prepare them for work after release
Workforce & Jobs. Many Knox County residents leave the area for work. What would you do to create conditions that keep working-age residents employed locally, and how would you address the skills gap between available workers and available jobs?
At the jail, we provide inmates with opportunities for rehabilitation and to build practical skills that improve their chances of employment after release. Work crews support the local animal shelter by helping maintain its facility. Inmates receive training in kitchen operations, and food preparation, producing more than 300 meals, 3 times each day. Another crew maintains the jail grounds, including w**d eating, trash collection and mowing. We also partner with the state highway department. County work crews are utilized on various projects throughout our community, providing valuable services while helping them develop responsibility, teamwork, and job readiness for all.
Roads & Infrastructure. Poor road conditions are a persistent complaint among Knox County residents. How would you prioritize which infrastructure projects get addressed first, and what funding mechanisms — local, state, or federal — would you pursue?
Our work crew contract with the state highway department is overseen by the state. We follow all established guidelines and plans, and the state determines each work assignment and location. Our county work crews get their assignments through fiscal court.
Fiscal Management. What is your position on the county’s current budget priorities? Are there areas of spending you would redirect, reduce, or increase — and how would you make those decisions while keeping taxes manageable for residents?
I review the budget to cut waste because I want our tax dollars spent wisely. Medical expenses are a priority. It’s a large portion of our budget. I work diligently to identify inmates who require care and medications. During COVID, we secured grant funding to cover the cost of essential cleaning equipment and supplies needed for proper disinfection, and we continue to use those resources.
Staff salary is something I would like to see increase. Our officers carry substantial responsibilities and deserve competitive pay for the work they perform. Salaries are determined by the county judge and fiscal court.
Accountability & Transparency. What steps would you take to ensure that public funds are spent efficiently and that residents have clear visibility into how decisions are made in your office?
We have yearly audits that ensure our funds are spent by the state regulations. We have passed all financial audits since I took office in 2011. Inmates have a commissary fund that they can monitor with their families. I have managed a large budget with accuracy, responsibility and accountability. I have also passed all Department of Correction inspections since I took office. I maintain a clean and safe jail for our employees, inmates and families.
Measuring Success. At the end of your term, how should voters judge whether you succeeded? Name two or three specific, measurable outcomes you are committing to achieve.
I want our community to remember outcomes from our county jail. I opened a new jail that is now a model across the state, including during COVID, when we followed strict protocols and avoided major outbreaks. We successfully managed inmates and staff through the crisis while expanding programs. We added a GED testing center and library, helping more than 60 inmates earn their GEDs. We also offer college courses and state approved classes, including MRT programs. Parenting, anger management, mentor, thinking good, trauma, untangling relationships, along with AA/NA, and religious services. We are not just enduring---we are thriving!
Profile. Tell us about yourself, who you are, what your background is and why you are running for office. I am a Christian who believes God has a plan for us. I have tried to follow His …
