Seema Singh

CITY COUNCILPERSON / DISTRICT 3

“4 years ago I ran for City Council out of a fierce anger at the state of national politics and pervasive injustice.

I have quickly learned that anger can be a motivator to work hard, but it is not the most effective tool for long term policy change.

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that, to move from the status quo to new and better policy that serves us all, requires an ability to listen, to compromise and to work well with others.

I have those abilities. I believe they have served all of us well in my first term.

Since I have been elected to represent the 3rd District, and the city of Knoxville, I have worked hard to learn all aspects of this position.

To be an effective City Council member, I serve as a bridge, connecting numerous and diverse community members to resources and city services, but most importantly, to each other.

I have advocated for neighborhoods and individuals needing everything from traffic calming to blight removal to garbage pickup.

I continue to support walkable, safer communities, with clean and healthy environments; smart, responsible climate change solutions and equity policies, and much more affordable housing.

In our next term, I will continue working as an intermediary between District 3 residents and developers to plan inclusive progress in the district. I also aim to partner with KUB and others to bring fast, affordable broadband to every home in the district. I will continue to help form, fund and promote local job training and placement programs in disadvantaged neighborhoods. I will also continue to work with all community members who have a stake in reimagining public safety in a way that gives our city an evidence-based return on our investments that address the root causes of violence.

I am most proud of the number of kitchen tables that I have sat at to discuss difficult subjects with constituents who initially felt I could not see eye to eye with them. I believe I left those conversations with folks feeling understood, knowing that I listened with an open mind.

Four years ago, I was a political newcomer and an immigrant whose name was usually mispronounced when introduced at candidate forums. The conventional wisdom was that I would not win this City Council seat.

So I kinda know what it feels like to be counted out. I bring this feeling to every decision and vote I make for our city.

Now I’m counting on you to count on me again, to make sure your voice still counts.

Let’s grow even stronger together!”

-Seema Singh