Doctors, lawyers, a college student and even a priest turned out Tuesday at a fun little fundraiser for Nathan Rowell, a Republican candidate for Knox County law director.
Rowell brought “awws” from the crowd at Blue Coast Grill & Bar on Market Square when he told how he decided to enter the race. Seems he had been approached by several people — mostly lawyers — who were concerned about the direction of the current Knox County law director’s office. But Rowell really couldn’t imagine entering the race. After all, unlike the current law director, a former Knox County Commissioner, Rowell had never been a politician or run for any office.
As more people approached him, he thought and thought about it. Finally, unable to make a decision, he left it up to a higher power. “Give me a sign,” he asked on a Sunday during a quiet time at Church Street United Methodist Church where he is a lay leader.
The very next day he ran into another lawyer friend at the Bistro on Gay Street. The friend mentioned the late Robert Watson, a founder of Rowell’s law firm, Watson Roach. “The week before Robert was diagnosed (with pancreatic cancer),” the friend told Rowell, “he said he was going to talk to you about running for law director.”
It was Rowell’s sign. Robert Watson had been his long-term mentor. “I always did whatever Robert said,” Nathan told the crowd on Tuesday. “And I still did what he told me.”
Alan and I do not normally get involved in local political races except for those involving folks in the Haslam and Duncan families, since we have been close to them for so long. But we decided to make an exception in the case of the race for Knox County law director, and we volunteered to help the Nathan Rowell campaign.
Rowell is running for law director for all the right reasons. He wants to bring his 20 years of experience in governmental law to a position that requires a very high level of legal expertise and professionalism.
As Rowell says, he is a professional, not a politician. The issues that confront county government require someone in the law director’s job to have a keen intellect, excellent training, expertise and the ability to rise above politics.
Rowell is the only person in the race for law director who has that type of experience. He has represented Knox County, the Knox County Board of Education, the City of Knoxville, Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee and scores of other cities and counties. He was a clerk for two judges on the Tennessee Court of Appeals before joining Watson Roach in 1997.
Friends, a law director needs to stand above politics, not be a tool of it. The issues are too important for advice that shifts with political winds. The people of Knox County deserve representation that is based on the best legal advice possible — independent of special interests.
The Republican primary is March 1. To vote for Rowell, you need to vote in the Republican primary — there is no Democratic candidate.
Early voting starts Feb. 10. Election day is March 1. Please vote in the Republican primary and vote for Nathan Rowell.
Thanks for sharing the pictures and info about Rowell. He does sound like a professional, not a politician!
Rusha: Thanks for your comment. Please spread the news to all your friends. The incumbent is an old time politico — and all that that implies. Nathan is truly a much better qualified candidate.
If there were ever a time to rock the vote, it’s now! Very impressive candidate and gentleman.
Maria: You are absolutely right! Thanks so much for all your help with the party.
Good man! Will try to get as many votes as possible. He did well on Channel 10 last Sunday.
Thanks, Lillian! We are very concerned about name recognition, so please talk him up!
Cynthia, I hated to miss the party Tuesday night! We have a yard sign, but still need to mail in our contribution. Can you provide the campaign address or should I message Lou directly? Thank you!
Vote for Nathan – I served on the Wesley House Board with him. His intentions are pure & integrity impeccable. Sorry I missed the party but my support is in tact!
I have taken scores of depositions with Nathan over many years. I can definitely attest to his legal knowledge and professionalism. He will make a great law director.
Jeff Rusk
Jeff Rusk Court Reporting & Video
Thank you, Stacey, Vicky and Jeff for your supportive statements.
Everybody: Checks should be made payable to “Committee to Elect Nathan Rowell” and mailed to The Committee to Elect Nathan Rowell, 850 Volunteer Landing Lane, #105, Knoxville, TN 37915.
Thank you so much!
I had already planned to vote for him! Seems exceptionally well-qualified.
That’s great, Sandra! He is so very qualified. Thanks so much. Spread the word!
Cynthia I am planning to vote for Nathan. He is very impressive.
Cynthia I am planning to vote for Nathan. Very impressive young man.
Proud to say that Nathan was a student in my Communication Law class at UT, and I was one of his earliest campaign contributors. Will definitely vote for him.
Thanks, Fay and Dorothy! He is very well qualified and a great guy.
About the Author
What You’re Saying
What’s Hot
My Favorite Blogs
Archives