Knoxville News Sentinel

Vines: Woodhull uses chairs in campaign
By GEORGIANA VINES
June 16, 2007


An upright chair has come to symbolize Knoxville City Councilman Chris Woodhull as an inner-city youth worker, elected official and candidate.
He's using the chair symbol in his campaign for re-election as councilman at large, Seat B, just as he did four years ago. And now he has a collection of about two dozen miniature chairs people have given him since 2003.

The chairs were on display at the table where pizza was served for the kickoff of his campaign at the Tomato Head on Monday. They're different shapes and sizes - and a conversation piece.

"The chairs tie in with my work at Tribe One (a ministry program). I believe people have the answers and wisdom to solve their own problems. I use those skills in the work in Tribe One. The chair is technology in getting people together and talking with them. They don't want to stand and talk but want to sit and discuss and work through issues," he said.

Because of the chair symbol in his previous campaign, "everybody has started giving me chairs," Woodhull said. He keeps them in the kitchen of his home in the Mechanicsville area.

So far, Woodhull has not drawn an opponent. The deadline for candidates to file for mayor, four council positions and city judge is noon Wednesday.