Emory Thompson for White Co. Commissioner - District 3

06/08/2026

County Budget??

I have found (with help from a friend) line items that appear to be vague. Look for item 399 or 499 in each department. Other Contracted Services & Other Supplies & Materials. In the Parks & Rec Dept those two items make up over 50% of that total budget. If they can detail multiple other items why not detail this also?

06/05/2026

If you are in district 3 I would love to connect with you and earn your vote. Early voting begins July 17 and Election Day is August 6.

As part of our continuing Election 2026 coverage, we’re revisiting our Meet Your Candidates profile on Emory Thompson and his campaign for the District 3 seat on the White County Commission.

The series gives voters a closer look at the candidates seeking office across White County ahead of the August election cycle, including their background, priorities and goals if elected.

Read more in the link in the comments - brought to you by Tennessee Credit

06/03/2026

I’m ordering shirts for the campaign. Message me with your size if you would like one.

05/12/2026

I am tossing around an idea of a question and answer session. It would be for those interested from district 3. I’m hoping to meet more people here is our district. Let me know what you think and/or if you would be interested.

04/30/2026

I am truly interested in opinions and ideas about property taxes, sales tax, & wheel tax.
Property Tax - $1.41
Sales Tax - 9.25%
Wheel Tax - $42

The county provides essentials not limited to the following:
County Offices - Deeds, Assessor, Clerk, Finance, etc..
County Roads
Convenient Centers
Sheriff’s Dept.
White Co Jail
Emergency Management Services
Parks & Recreation
White Co School System
Animal Control/Shelter

Here is my legitimate questions:
Without taxes how do we fund the above needs?
Which of the above services can we diminish?
Are there county services or offices we can just close?

Last part:
If we want to lower taxes where do we find funding for our county services?
If so many seem to not understand the sales tax increase positivity, is there another source for funding?
What is your suggestion about how to better our county, keep the needed services and lower taxes.

04/20/2026

For tomorrow night.

📅 The County Commission Full Court meeting will be held on Monday, April 20th.

🔗 View the agenda and details for the meeting here: drive.google.com/drive/folders/1M3TxFLkKNGzAWdBCsoVzMqTvf1GC0bo-

ℹ️ On the agenda in the link above, you will see Resolution 14-04-2026, which allocates the potential increased revenue if the referendum on the May 5th primary passes. The resolution coming from the budget committee states that $400,000 would toward property tax reduction and $100,000 toward additional property tax relief for individuals that qualify. This leaves an unknown amount unallocated (approximately $300,000-$500,000) and this would be dispersed through the normal budget process.

04/18/2026

I began this journey over two years ago. I started right here with the link below. I started to comb through the minutes of meetings. I noticed who was present and how they voted. I began to formulate opinions of how I would have voted and why. I will appear as an independent candidate on the August ballot and I would appreciate your vote. If you have any questions or want to meet please reach out.

Stay informed about the latest actions of the White County Commission. Minutes of Commission meetings and other required public notices are at your fingertips. *Adobe Reader is required to view the news files.

04/15/2026

Early voting starts today. This is the primary vote so you have to decide republican or democrat. The democrat ballot is blank so no reason to choose that one. I dont appear on this ballot but I will appear on the one in August. Please go vote. I encourage you to VOTE in FAVOR of the Sales Tax Referendum. This will greatly help our county. The commission is looking to use part of the extra money for property tax relief. Before we can use this we must pass it. If you have any questions please reach out to me.

04/15/2026

Early voting starts today! Please consider voting for the Sales Tax Referendum. This will help to lower property tax if it passes.

02/21/2026

I had the chance today to visit the White County Animal Shelter. Meeting Mike Sparks was truly a treat. His passion and care for the animals along with his staff is evident from the first sentences of our conversation. Here is what I found out for myself.

1. The animals are well cared for and loved on each day. They follow strict schedule for feeding and enclosure cleaning.
2. The donations of dog food is wonderful from those in our county. I saw the food room and it was well stocked but don’t stop donating.
3. The main dog area is concrete with nice pens and the ability pet the dogs through the fence and keep it clean.
4. A year or two ago an additional dog area was added that is covered but on gravel. It makes this part harder to clean but volunteers help a lot with that task each week.
5. There is a nice dog walking area and outdoor space for the dogs to play.

Overall I was impressed with the care of the animals, dedication of the staff, and faithfulness of the volunteers (around 30 each week).

When I asked what was the most pressing need Mike responded, “We need a permanent location for a new animal shelter that is bigger than what we have.”

This is what I saw and spoke about for over 2 hours today. If elected I was I’ll work to facilitate solutions to the number one need expressed by Mike.