Name: Rick Dramm
Age: 71
Political Party: Republican
Office Sought (District and seat, if applicable): Loudon County Commission, District 7
First, talk a little about your background, whether that be within local government or in your professional career, and how it informs your ability to be a leader in your community.
I began my business journey at age 21 with no capital, just a couple of credit cards, by launching a small wholesale floral distribution company for my dad in 1976. To cover rent and food, I washed cars at night and on weekends while steadily growing the business.
After 22 years, I employed 200 people, and a publicly held corporation acquired us. In 1998, I was honored to be the first recipient of the North Central Florist Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
I then spent 20 years in real estate, renovating and selling homes under strict budgets and with transparent reporting. Today, I serve as founder and leader of a 2000-member conservative organization advocating for fiscally responsible government.
What made you pursue this specific seat, or run for reelection in 2026? Why now?
At this point in my life, I have evaluated my experience, leadership skills and energy, and asked where they could have the greatest impact. Seeing recurring instances of disrespect toward citizens and questionable decisions within county government, I decided that running for commissioner was the best way I could make a real difference. Residents are not being informed about what is happening in our county, and citizens feel overlooked. Our current commissioner rarely holds meetings for public input or to seek feedback from concerned citizens. I pledge to hold town halls on a regular basis to openly discuss county matters, provide transparent updates and actively seek input from my constituents.
I am constantly inspired by the dedicated volunteers and veterans in our community, especially in Tellico Village, who have selflessly served and sacrificed for their neighbors. I am grateful for my continued good health and energy, and I humbly feel called to serve my neighbors and improve the quality of life for everyone in Loudon County over the next four years. I do not see my candidacy as a lifelong, permanent position. I support term limits and, if elected, I will pledge to serve only one term.
What sets you apart from the candidates you’re currently running against, or makes you the best possible candidate for the seat you are pursuing?
I am not a career politician, but a citizen who cares deeply about making government more efficient, transparent, and responsive to the people it serves. I believe our county commission works best when each member represents their constituents thoughtfully and when decisions are made through collaboration rather than dominated by a single voice or personality. Communication with citizens must improve — many residents feel uninformed about community issues. I seek this seat to promote transparency, honesty, thoughtful planning, civility and respect in county government. By fostering courteous and constructive dialogue, we can honor God by serving every citizen with dignity and ensure strong representation for Tellico Village.
In your opinion, what is the biggest issue facing the average Loudon County voter today, or the biggest issue facing your specific constituents?
The primary concern my constituents in Tellico Village express is a profound loss of trust in Loudon County government. Many residents feel like outsiders with little voice — opinions dismissed and volunteer efforts ignored. A 17% property tax increase was approved without a vote from the public. Voters should have the right to a referendum before property taxes are raised; Tennessee is one of only four states that don’t allow this. I fully support the new bill limiting increases to 2%. Tellico Village contributes roughly 25–30% of county revenue and residents expect respect, responsible spending and education funds allocated to classrooms — not football fields or referee locker rooms. Concerns about the proposed school also reflect the same issue: decisions made without a clear needs assessment.
What’s your opinion on government spending, maybe highlighted by sectors of county operations the Commission could be spending more or less money on?
Between 2022 and the 2026 budget, Loudon County’s spending has risen about 35%, with notable growth in departments subject to Maintenance of Effort (MOE) requirements such as education, public works and public safety. Overtime pay has also increased significantly. When new positions, programs or funding are added, those increases become part of the base budget, limiting flexibility and creating long-term obligations. That makes careful planning essential. Major decisions should include clear projections of long-term operational, staffing, maintenance and debt costs before approval.
The county should prioritize transparent spending, multi-year budgeting and independent financial impact analyses so potential problems are anticipated early and taxpayers clearly understand the long-term commitments being made.
How do you plan to handle growth within this community, as Loudon County continues to see a spike in its population?
Growth in Loudon County is sensitive. Many residents want to preserve our rural character while respecting property rights and ensuring attainable housing. While growth cannot be stopped entirely, it can be managed responsibly through zoning and long-term planning.
A major concern is building new school facilities without fully examining how increased capacity might affect future residential growth. Research from many areas shows that growth often follows new school construction where land and zoning permit it. Increasing school capacity can remove a major barrier to development and make an area more appealing to new families. Before making large expansions, the county should carefully evaluate the long-term growth effects to prevent unintentionally speeding up the very growth that some residents want to control.
