COSBY-Dan Schreder, a former US Navy SEAL is seeking election to District 5 Post 2 on the Cocke County Legislative Body in the upcoming August election.

Making Cosby his home in June of 2008, after 20 years in the Navy, the decorated and former Senior Chief Schreder has been on the move making an impact as a local volunteer, a Cosby High School football coach, elementary and high school substitute teacher, 2009 graduate of Leadership Cocke County, American Legion member, and more.

"Cosby and Cocke County is now my home and I have great pride and passion for Cosby," he said.

The 40-year-old Schreder, who has no political office experience, explains how some of his prior military assignments have prepared him for political office.

"There is a misconception about the military and leadership within" he says. "When you climb up the leadership ladder you become aware and involved with several facets that make that unit work. Even as a SEAL, I was in several leadership positions that required me to weigh in on the management of million dollar line item budgets and expenditures dealing with everything from day to day cost effectiveness to manpower and future plans and capabilities."

"As leaders we met, communicated, found common ground or made adjustments, and did the right thing for the unit" he continued. "Future plans and development doesn't just happen on its own, and contrary to popular belief, military units are not dictatorships. As leaders, we conferred with each other, listened to the current and future needs of our men and women, gathered the facts, analyzed the future best we could, and made informed decisions.

"I am a listener first, and a speaker second. And that is how I aim to do my job on the CLB if elected. However, I am not shy to voice my opinion even if it flies in the face of conformity. Listening closely to people and issues allows me to form an accurate opinion and keep an open mind, and then speak my thoughts. I look forward to the opportunity of working for the people of Cocke County on the CLB and working together with other CLB members to ensure a positive, vibrant, sustainable future for all of us."

Dan is married to Colleen (Ottomeyer) Schreder and they have two kids that attend Cosby schools, one in high school, the other middle school. He is a college graduate, small business owner, coach, mentor of youth, and has spoken at several ceremonies as the invited keynote speaker.

Schreder's campaign is hosting a meet, ask questions, and support gathering Sunday, June 6 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Smoky Mountain Endeavors off of Middle Creek Rd.

"I have thoughts on all the issues that face Cocke County, but please note I did not say I have all the answers," he said. "Good answers/solutions will come with a solid group effort of energy channeled towards fixing the particular problem at hand. If elected, I want to listen to and represent the people of the 5th district proudly and do the right thing for Cocke County".

More campaign information can be found on the web at: www.schrederCLB.yolasite.com.