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Edward “Jody” Rhines Jr., a lifelong resident of District 11, is seeking to bring his Republican conservative approach to the County Commission.

Rhines is running for District 11 County Commission in the May 5 primary election.

“I’ve been asked by some of my neighbors and friends to put my name in the hat to run,” Rhines said. “Some of the people I’ve been talking to have been upset about the excessiveness of the taxes that have been given, (mainly) the wheel tax and road conditions.”

Rhines feels that he can bring new ideas, communication and common sense to the commission.

“We should have more discussion before we start spending a bunch of money on things,” he said. “I went to work when I was 18, I’ve made payments, I just feel that being a conservative would be very good for the commission.”

Rhines agrees that Hamblen County needed a new Justice Center, but not for the money that has been 

budgeted for it.

“We didn’t need to have a jail of that extent for that much money,” Rhines said. “That jail has left this county on a 30-year loan, up to 2052, to get that paid for. That’s a $130 million debt. If we pay it regularly, it’s going to end up costing $190-plus million.

“We need to be smarter and have more discussions on any expenditures,” he said. “I feel that it’s not being discussed enough right now with the current commission. We’re talking large amounts of money. We don’t need to be forced into it.”

Rhines is running to be a pragmatic, conservative voice for his district. His platform is built on three core pillars:

• Fiscal Accountability: Ensuring taxpayer dollars are managed with the same common sense used in a household budget.

• Community Safety: Supporting first responders and maintaining the security of county neighborhoods.

• Accessible Leadership: Remaining a “neighbor-first” representative who is always available to listen to the concerns of District 11 residents.

Rhines seeks to cut out wasteful spending and no property and wheel tax increases.

“We need to look at all of the money to be spent on projects,” he said. “There needs to be more communications. If something is tabled for 30 days, it would give the full commission an opportunity to discuss it and an opportunity for people to get involved.”

Rhines said he possesses a deep-rooted understanding of the unique values, history, and needs of the Hamblen County community. A graduate of the Tennessee College of Applied Technology, he said he has spent his life working with his hands and his head, cultivating a strong work ethic that he now intends to bring to the County Commission.

Rhines’ commitment to his community is mirrored by his devotion to his family. Married for 45 years, he said he and his wife have built a life centered on stability and traditional values. As a father of two and a grandfather of four, Rhines is personally invested in the future of Hamblen County—not just for today’s residents, but for the generations to come. He is an active member of Watkins Chapel Methodist Church, where his faith serves as the compass for his leadership and public service.

His desire to lead comes from a lifetime of “boots on the ground” service. His tenure with the South Hamblen County Volunteer Fire Department demonstrates a proven track record of showing up when his neighbors are in need. Rhines said that effective governance isn’t about grandstanding; it’s about safety, infrastructure, and fiscal responsibility.