Air Force Veteran. Husband. Father. Conservative Republican.
I am running to ensure growth pays for itself and Knox County taxpayers come first.
If you wish to mail a check:
Justin D. Cofer for Knox County Commission
P.O. Box 31761
Knoxville, TN 37930
Knox County must stop forcing hardworking taxpayers to bankroll private developer profits, and we must draw a hard line against the encroachment of progressive policies that threaten our community. Growth is inevitable, but it should never be a debt sentence imposed on current residents, nor should it be used as a backdoor for reckless, big-government agendas.
When local leaders cave to progressive mandates or approve massive developments without the infrastructure to support them, they aren't helping our community, they are shifting private business costs and ideological experiments directly onto your family’s back. You suffer the traffic jams, overcrowded schools, and rising costs while special interests pocket the rewards.
My stance is non-negotiable:
Defend Our Values, Stop Progressive Policies: As a veteran who proudly served to protect our nation's freedom, I will fiercely oppose any attempt by Democrats to import tax-and-spend progressive policies into Knox County. We need common-sense, conservative governance that protects individual liberties and parental rights, not bloated government overreach.
End the Developer Subsidies: While state law restricts the use of traditional "Impact Fees," that does not mean our hands are tied. We have powerful zoning, infrastructure agreements, and growth-management tools at our disposal, and I will use them to hold developers accountable. No more taxpayer bailouts for corporate construction.
Infrastructure First: We must pave the roads and expand the schools before we add the rooftops. If the infrastructure isn't ready, the project doesn't move forward.
A Hard Line on Taxes: Hardworking families are already stretched to the limit. I will vote NO on tax increases. Period.
I am not anti-growth. I am ready and willing to work with developers who want to invest in our community and do things the right way. But I am running for County Commission to protect our pocketbooks, preserve our values, and put the interests of Knox County families ahead of special interests and progressive agendas.
Taxpayers should never be forced to bankroll private developer profits. If a new project creates a need for wider roads, intersection upgrades, or school expansions, the developer must shoulder those infrastructure costs—not the families who already live here. While state law restricts traditional impact fees, I will aggressively use our zoning laws and development agreements to ensure new growth pays its own way.
I will vote NO on tax increases. Period. Hardworking families are already stretched to the limit by inflation and rising costs. Government must learn to live within its means and cut wasteful spending, just like Knox County families do every single day.
Every single dollar the county spends belongs to you. I will fight for total fiscal transparency, ensuring the budget is clear, fully accessible, and heavily scrutinized. We need to focus on measurable results for our community, not political rhetoric or backroom deals.
New development must respect the established character and quality of life in our existing communities. Growth should enhance our county, not disrupt it or overcrowd it. I will stand up for current homeowners to ensure that new construction matches the scale, density, and spirit of our neighborhoods.
Roads, schools, and emergency services are the absolute primary functions of local government. I will ensure our tax dollars are locked into paving our roads, reducing traffic congestion, and supporting law enforcement. Core community infrastructure will always come before special interest vanity projects.
I served over a decade in an Air Force Civil Engineering Squadron, leading teams in high-stakes environments where foundational planning, strict accountability, and mission-first leadership were non-negotiable. I am running to bring that same oath of service, discipline, and structural expertise to the Knox County Commission. Integrity First, Service Before Self, and Excellence in all that we do.
As an electrical power production specialist with deep real-world experience in large-scale infrastructure execution, I know how to manage complex projects and enforce strict cost controls. I understand what it takes to cut through red tape, manage multi-million-dollar assets, and deliver projects on time and under budget, skills desperately needed to tackle our county's infrastructure backlogs.
I earned my Bachelor of Business Administration from King University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, and tested in the top 1% in the nation on the Peregrine Business Exam. This rigorous business training, combined with my technical background, forms the backbone of my approach to governance. I apply strict, data-driven fiscal discipline to every decision, ensuring taxpayer funds are managed with top-tier business acumen, not like a blank check.
As a husband and father raising two boys here in Knox County, I have a deep, personal stake in the safety, stability, and future of our community. My commitment to protecting our neighborhoods isn't just political, it’s personal. I am dedicated to ensuring Knox County remains a safe, prosperous place for your family and mine to thrive.
Driven by a passion to instill strong foundations in the next generation, I authored "Everyday Heroes," a children's book dedicated to the core values of service, sacrifice, and community. I believe leadership is about modeling the values you want to see in the world, and I strive to bring that same spirit of community-first dedication to our local government.
"Growth is inevitable, but debt is a choice. It is time for a Commission that plans for our future instead of taxing it."