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Frank Lane says his decision to run for the Hamblen County Commission comes from a desire to help guide the county through a period of rapid growth while ensuring residents remain informed about the decisions being made in local government.

Lane, who was born and raised in Hamblen County, has spent much of his career working in public service. Over the years he has held positions with the U.S. Marshals Service, local sheriff’s departments, and as a school resource officer. He holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and has been married for 24 years. He and his wife have two children.

With decades of experience in and around government operations, Lane says he has developed a practical understanding of how county systems work.

“I’ve worked in county government for twenty to thirty years,” Lane said.

His campaign message focuses on moving Hamblen County forward while maintaining a balanced approach to budgeting and infrastructure.

“I want to help move Hamblen County forward,” he said.

One of Lane’s top priorities is improving communication between county officials and residents. He said many people in the districts feel disconnected from decisions that affect their communities.

“People in the district sometimes feel like they’re in the dark,” Lane said.

He believes commissioners should make themselves more available and spend more time speaking directly with the residents they represent.

“We need to be available to them and talk to them,” he said.

Lane said transparency in government is essential for maintaining public trust. While information is often available through official channels, he believes there should be more effort to communicate clearly with citizens about how decisions are made and how funds are allocated.

“You have to keep people informed,” he said.

As he studies the county’s finances, Lane said he sees both strengths and challenges in the current budget.

“There are positives and negatives to the budget,” he said.

One of his main concerns involves preparing county infrastructure for the continued population growth Hamblen County is experiencing. New housing developments and expanding neighborhoods create greater demand for services such as utilities, roads, and emergency infrastructure.

“We need to be concerned with infrastructure because of the extreme growth,” Lane said.

Electrical capacity is one area where he believes planning must keep pace with development. Lane pointed to the need for a substation near Dalton’s Ford and Reed’s Chapel as an example of infrastructure improvements that will support future expansion.

“That substation is something that needs to be in place,” he said.

Road maintenance is another issue Lane hears about frequently from residents. The county’s wheel tax has been designated for road work, but Lane said projects still require approval through the county commission process before funding can be allocated.

“The wheel tax is earmarked for roads,” he said. “But the commission still has to approve the money.”

Ultimately, he noted, the road superintendent and road commission determine which projects receive priority.

“The road commissioner makes those decisions,” Lane said.

Despite the complexity of those processes, Lane said effective county government requires cooperation among all officials involved.

“At the end of the day we have to work together,” he said. “You have to support each other as a team.”

While infrastructure and growth are important long term issues, Lane also believes the county must address concerns about rising taxes. He said many residents struggle when tax increases occur suddenly rather than gradually.

“We need to stop such large jumps in taxes,” Lane said.

He said spreading adjustments over time would help reduce the financial shock residents experience when increases are approved all at once.

“People can’t take a hit of such large increases at one time,” he said.

Lane believes county leaders should look for ways to offset existing debt and manage spending carefully as the county continues to grow.

“We need to find ways to offset our debt,” he said.

Maintaining roads will remain a continuing responsibility as well. Lane said simple but consistent maintenance tasks should remain a priority.

“Every spring we need to fill potholes,” he said.

Lane often frames his campaign in practical terms, emphasizing that he sees himself as someone who works for the community rather than as a career politician.

“I’m a common sense person, not a politician,” he said.

That perspective, he believes, reflects the outlook of many residents who want local government to focus on basic services, responsible budgeting, and long term planning.

Like many candidates in the race, Lane says his thoughts often turn to the future and the community that the next generation will inherit.

“What can we leave for those coming behind us?” he said.

As voters consider their choices in the upcoming election, Lane says his goal is to apply his years of experience in public service while working with fellow officials to address growth, maintain infrastructure, and keep residents informed about the decisions that shape Hamblen County’s future.