SIXTH DISTRICT: James Brooks

Jonesborough
Retired journalist
Seeking first term
“I’m coming into politics from a journalism background where we ask questions and challenge responses, which I think would be valuable,” said Brooks, whose career started the week of the Kennedy assassination. “As a journalist, you see things you want to change, but you are unable to comment. I’m looking forward to being an active participant rather than sitting on the sidelines.”
1. What are two specific goals you will work toward?
“I would like to see the size of the commission reduced. I’m also a fiscal conservative, and I would want to look at all of the budgets (to identify) any unnecessary expenses.”
2. What will you do to help unite commissioners?
“When you’re the new guy on the block, you do best keeping your head down and getting the lay of the land. It would be presumptuous to behave in any other way during the first term.”