Robert Frank Aldridge has announced his candidacy for Cocke County mayor.

Aldridge, of Newport, said he "wants to solve some problems of inefficiency in the running of Cocke County."

He said he is also particularly concerned about county roads and added, "the road department needs more funding that could be derived by more efficient over all running of the county."

Among other items on his agenda, Aldridge said he wants to keep tax rates low, work to attract new industry and continue to promote tourism in Cocke County.

Aldridge has worked in the manufacturing industry and also has a background in real estate investment and storage space rentals.

He is a high school graduate and has also completed a carpentry vocational course.