| Sources |
- [S23] Atchley Funeral Home, (http://www.atchleyfuneralhome.com/), 15 Jan 2002.
Thelma King Maples obituary
- [S106] The Mountain Press, 21 Aug 2005.
Ken Maples leaves post
By: CRAIG MINTZ, Staff Writer August 21, 2005
Maples
SEVIERVILLE - Assistant Sevier County Mayor Ken Maples resigned this week from the position he has held for nearly a decade to spend more time at his personal and family business.
"Obviously it's been a very difficult decision," said Maples adding that he has loved the job and the people he has worked with.
As assistant county mayor, Maples has been County Mayor Larry Waters' right-hand man conducting county business and serving in an advisory role for the County Commission.
"He's been a super guy to work for," Maples said of Waters.
He said his personal and family businesses in real estate development have demanded a lot of time in the last three to six months.
Included in Maples' business ventures is partial ownership and operation of Whispering Pines condominiums in Pigeon Forge, owning and overseeing Comfort and Quality Inns in Pigeon Forge with his father Bill Maples, and ownership and oversight of Sleep Inn in Sevierville.
KJ Development, where he is a business partner, oversees 138 condominium units and is building 80 more.
"We have a lot of projects under way," he said. "It was just taking me in two different directions and I just wasn't doing a good job at either one to be honest with you."
Maples said he has enjoyed his job in government, but private business is his greater passion.
"I've always known that my future will be in the private and family business," he said.
Waters said he hates to see Maples go but he understands his reasons.
"Ken has done an excellent job during his time here," he said. "I certainly appreciate that and hate that he's leaving."
The position is hired by Waters, but he said he had not begun to think about hiring someone else yet.
"It's certainly a vital position in this office," said Waters.
Maples said he has offered to serve in a consulting role during the transition for eight to 10 hours a week after his resignation is effective Sept. 15.
The position of assistant county mayor, originally titled assistant county executive, was formed in 1989 with current County Clerk Joe Keener in the role. Matt Ballard, Sevier County Utility District general manager, had the position next, followed by Maples.
Before taking the position, Maples served four years as a city of Sevierville alderman.
While he doesn't see himself working in government administration again, he said is keeping an open mind about elected office in the future.
"I've learned to never say never," he said.
He said he might be open to local or state elected office.
In the meantime, Maples emphasized his love for the county and its cities.
"I love Sevier County and these four cities with all my heart," he said.
* cmintz@themountainpress.com
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