Knox County Council District 1: your voice, your money
Understanding your representation on the Knox County Council and the critical decisions shaping our community and your future. We believe you deserve to know how your tax dollars are being spent and the impact these decisions have.
Your district, your decisions
This page is dedicated to informing the residents of Knox County Council District 1 about their representative and the significance of the decisions being made on their behalf. It's crucial to understand the area represented and the importance of active participation in our local government. Below is a map of District 1 outlined in yellow.
Here's Mary Crismore voting record
Since May of 2021, Mary Crismore has served as the District 1 representative on the Knox County Council. Her tenure has seen her consistently support projects committing millions of taxpayer dollars. These decisions have created generational debt for all of us in Knox County. Understanding her voting record is essential for residents of District 1. We cannot stand anymore debt since we will be paying now until 2045 with what they have already done. She also supported significant financial shifts, including the increase of the local option income tax from 1.2% to 1.7%—a 0.5% tax increase and the largest in over a decade. She stated recently she is looking forward to voting for the wheel tax in May creating more pressure on working class families.
Rethinking our priorities: smart spending for all
Are we committing the majority of our tax dollars to only one segment of the population? This is a question every District 1 resident should consider. We need to question whether current approaches truly help all people of Knox County become productive and contributing citizens. It's time to shift from reckless spending conversations to dialogues about genuinely helping others and fostering a thriving community.
Terry Vieck has thrown his hat in the ring for the Primary Election on May 5, 2026. He has farmed for JMR Farms for decades, following in his father’s footsteps. While technically retired, he still loves to farm. He raised his 2 sons and 2 daughters with his late wife Kari. Terry is an active member of Knox County serving as a Brevoort Levee Commissioner, having served on the Knox County Drainage Board for two terms, on the Farm Credit Advisory Council and is president of the St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Store. He will bring all his experience to the work of the Knox County Council.
Get informed, get involved, make a difference
The first step towards a better Knox County is to be informed. We urge all residents of District 1 to understand the issues, research the candidates, and most importantly, get out and vote! Let's work together to find new—or even revisit old—ways of helping everyone lead successful and productive lives.