Tim Boyd grabs a plastic water bottle and pretends it's a toy spaceship.
The Hamilton County Commission candidate is making a point: The hypothetical spaceship should be sturdy and turn a profit.
"They don't want to make it out of plastic, they want it out of wood," Mr. Boyd said. "Do they want to paint it or stain it? How do we make it sell?"
He's illustrating life as an engineer.
"I ask a lot of questions," he said. "I'm an investigator."
Mr. Boyd is running in the May 4 Republican primary for the District 8 seat.
If he's elected, Mr. Boyd said he plans to use the same skill set when he handles budgets, examines proposed tax increases and talks with constituents.
"I could be criticized for not making a decision fast enough," he said, "but I want to know all the ramifications."
Mr. Boyd said his methodical style prohibits him from making blanket statements. When asked if he would match a primary opponent's promise never to vote for a property tax increase, he refused.
"I will not go on record as saying 'never' on anything," Mr. Boyd said. "There's some scary words out there -- never, freeze, free, forever."
Mr. Boyd said he would "scrutinize and understand every line item" before voting on any proposed tax increase, but he acknowledged no commissioner has the expertise to tackle every problem.
To that end, he will consult with business connections on matters of health care, science and technology, social issues, education and real estate development, he said.
The East Ridge native thinks the variety of issues he'll face mirrors the differences inherent in his district, which covers his hometown and Brainerd.
Mr. Boyd wants to revitalize East Ridge, saying he'll use his influence to start filling up the area's empty buildings.
"You've got to have eye candy," he said. "We need retailers on Ringgold Road where people can buy a shirt, some pants and a tie -- new."
ABOUT TIM BOYDParty: RepublicanFamily: Married to Jan; has two daughters and one son, several grandsonsOccupation: Co-owner of Southeast Carpenters, where he serves as a project engineer; spearheaded latest Tennessee Aquarium construction renovation
One of Mr. Boyd's other goals is reducing the county's high school dropout rate. Asked how, he said he would ask businesses to sponsor professional clubs in Hamilton County middle schools.
"When kids see a cool robot welding a machine together, we tell them the operator makes $30 an hour," he said. "But then you say, 'You can't even apply for the job unless you graduate from high school.' I can get the lights turning on in their eyes."
One supporter thought Mr. Boyd could make East Ridge a better place.
"When it comes to work and doing what needs to be done, Tim will do it," said Dorothy Grisham, an Allstate insurance agent. "He's interested in education and having citizens heard."
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