City & town

City Commissioner, City of Johnson City

Vote for: 2
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 10
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A city commissioner is one of the five members of the Johnson City Board of Commissioners, which sets policy, passes ordinances, approves the budget and hires the city manager. The commission picks the mayor from among its members.

Two seats, elected by the voters of the whole city on a non-partisan ballot. Johnson City voters who live in Sullivan and Carter counties vote in this race too.

Candidates Compare by issue

Dave Adams

No party listed

Senior software engineer

The gist

Pledges regular town halls and roundtables with residents
Supports zoning changes to allow accessory dwelling units
Supports ending Flock cameras and opposes data centers
Supports refocusing city spending on basic services
Opposed a proposed bitcoin mine on Buffalo Mountain

More about Dave

View sources (2)

Pledges regular town halls and roundtables with residents
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“If elected, I commit to regular town halls or roundtables, revisiting our Public Comment policies”
Supports zoning changes to allow accessory dwelling units
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Zoning changes to allow ADUs - with data-driven safeguards - to accommodate students and transient professionals.”
Supports ending Flock cameras and opposes data centers
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Honorable mention: DeFlock JC, and no Data Centers.”
Supports refocusing city spending on basic services
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Johnson City needs a return to the basics - make what we already have robust and enjoyable for those already here”
Opposed a proposed bitcoin mine on Buffalo Mountain
Dave Adams for Johnson City Commission
Campaign website · Dave Adams for Johnson City Commission · daveforjc.com
“stood with the Coalition against Bitcoin Mining to prevent the construction of a 25-45MW mining facility on Buffalo Mountain”

Sylvain Bruni

No party listed

Engineer and division director, defense research and development

The gist

Pledges to expand housing choices and scrutinize major spending
Supports stronger rules for data centers and crypto mining
Pledges transparent budgets and earlier public engagement
Supports investing in sidewalks, transit, parks and public facilities
Supports ending Flock cameras in Johnson City

More about Sylvain

View sources (2)

Pledges to expand housing choices and scrutinize major spending
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I’ll expand housing choices, support local businesses, scrutinize major spending and tax increases”
Supports stronger rules for data centers and crypto mining
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I’ll protect neighborhoods by strengthening rules for data centers, crypto mining, and other incompatible development”
Pledges transparent budgets and earlier public engagement
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“rebuild trust through transparent budgets, earlier public engagement, measurable goals, stronger financial oversight”
Supports investing in sidewalks, transit, parks and public facilities
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“invest in sidewalks, transit, parks, and public facilities”
Sylvain Bruni for Johnson City Commissioner
Campaign website · Sylvain Bruni campaign · bruni.org
“Bring passenger rail back to Johnson City”
Supports ending Flock cameras in Johnson City
Sylvain Bruni for Johnson City Commissioner
Campaign website · Sylvain Bruni campaign · bruni.org
“It’s Time to End Flock in Johnson City”

William (Bud) Hill Jr

No party listed

The gist

No documented position found.

More about William

Gary Kalogeros

No party listed

Business owner, Peerless Properties Development & Hospitality Concepts

The gist

Pledges to demand infrastructure accountability for growth
Proposes 5-, 10- and 20-year plans for the city
Supports having new growth pay for its own costs
Supports growth that creates jobs and expands housing

More about Gary

View sources (1)

Pledges to demand infrastructure accountability for growth
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I will push for responsible investment and job creation while demanding accountability for the infrastructure growth requires.”
Proposes 5-, 10- and 20-year plans for the city
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“We must lead with a 5, 10, & 20 year vision—not simply react to the next budget or election.”
Supports having new growth pay for its own costs
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Growth should help pay for growth.”
Supports growth that creates jobs and expands housing
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“We should encourage economic growth that creates jobs, strengthens our tax base, and expands housing opportunities”

Tricia Korade

No party listed

Retired corporate finance executive

The gist

Pledges public forums for real dialogue with residents
Opposes new large obligations that crowd out core services
Supports road investment to catch up with housing growth
Supports stimulating growth across all business sectors

More about Tricia

View sources (1)

Pledges public forums for real dialogue with residents
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“As a commissioner, I would create forums for those we serve to be given the respect of real conversation.”
Opposes new large obligations that crowd out core services
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Creating more large obligations will squeeze out availability for core service "needs".”
Supports road investment to catch up with housing growth
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Approval of housing development has outpaced our investment in necessary infrastructure (roads!)”
Supports stimulating growth across all business sectors
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I support investing time, effort, and resources to stimulate growth across ALL business sectors, not just industry, developers, and larger businesses.”

Aaron T. Murphy

No party listed

Pastor and nonprofit director

The gist

Opposes the city's current Flock camera program
Opposes data centers within city limits
Pledges to review spending before seeking more taxes
Supports diverse housing with services keeping pace

More about Aaron

View sources (1)

Opposes the city's current Flock camera program
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I support our police, fire and EMS, but oppose the current Flock program and would reevaluate its $8.06 million, 10-year commitment”
Opposes data centers within city limits
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“oppose data centers within city limits when they could strain water, power, infrastructure, neighborhoods or quality of life”
Pledges to review spending before seeking more taxes
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“review spending before asking taxpayers for more, seek efficiencies, and invest in neighborhoods with the greatest needs”
Supports diverse housing with services keeping pace
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“We should support local businesses, good jobs, and diverse housing opportunities while ensuring roads, utilities, public safety, and other services keep pace”

Pete Paduch

No party listed

The gist

No documented position found.

More about Pete

J.D. Bo Westmoreland

No party listed

Dentist

The gist

Supports replacing Flock cameras with more police officers
Proposes a detailed audit of every city department
Supports a starter home initiative
Supports recruiting businesses with higher-paying jobs

More about J.D.

View sources (1)

Supports replacing Flock cameras with more police officers
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I would lean toward abolishing flock, cameras, and hiring more police with that money that would be saved, which is 970k per year.”
Proposes a detailed audit of every city department
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I would want a detailed audit of every department and try to identify wasteful spending in each area”
Supports a starter home initiative
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“We need a “starter home initiative”.”
Supports recruiting businesses with higher-paying jobs
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“attract businesses with higher paying jobs”

Jenny Brock

No party listedIncumbent

Johnson City commissioner (vice mayor)

The gist

Proposes rebuilding neighborhood associations around community schools
Proposes working with local landlords to stabilize rents
Supports asking state legislators to cut the gas tax
Proposes advisory committees on Flock cameras and data centers

More about Jenny

View sources (1)

Proposes rebuilding neighborhood associations around community schools
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Create the framework to rebuild our Neighborhood Associations centered around our community schools.”
Proposes working with local landlords to stabilize rents
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“organize local landlords to create an inventory of rental property and explore ways rents can become more stable.”
Supports asking state legislators to cut the gas tax
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Discuss reduction of the state gasoline tax with our representatives”
Proposes advisory committees on Flock cameras and data centers
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“Current issues: Flock, Data Centers, Tax rate: Ensure all issues have complete stakeholder input, assess and verify new data, create advisory committees.”

Whitney Calhoun Goetz

No party listedIncumbent

Johnson City commissioner

The gist

Pledges careful review of city spending
Supports planned, affordable and sustainable development
Supports public-private partnerships to address homelessness
Supports matching new development with roads, utilities and safety
Pledges accessible, responsive service to residents

More about Whitney

View sources (2)

Pledges careful review of city spending
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I'll continue reviewing spending carefully and intentionally”
Supports planned, affordable and sustainable development
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“I'll push for development that's planned, affordable, and sustainable”
Supports public-private partnerships to address homelessness
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“collaborating with government, nonprofits, and private partners to address issues such as homelessness with kindness and long-term planning and programs”
Supports matching new development with roads, utilities and safety
VOTE411 Voter Guide: November 3rd 2026 City Commissioner (City of Johnson City)
Candidate questionnaire · League of Women Voters of Tennessee (VOTE411) · onyourballot.vote411.org
“align new development with the infrastructure to support it: roads, utilities, and public safety keeping pace with rooftops and businesses”
Pledges accessible, responsive service to residents
Whitney Calhoun Goetz – Campaign for Johnson City, TN Commission
Campaign website · Friends of Whitney · whitneygoetz.com
“That means being accessible and responsive to residents, making decisions thoughtfully, and encouraging public engagement and open communication.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 8 issues covered in this race.