Kyriakidis says he's right man for 3rd District

Savas Kyriakidis said there's a leadership gap in the 3rd Congressional District race and said he's the man to fill it.

Kyriakidis, 44, said he sees the difference between moral and political choices and he's more conservative than a Republican candidate.

Savas KyriakidisParty: IndependentAge: 44Fundraising: $12,000Prior political experience: NoneOccupation: Owner of Acropolis Four Stars Grill at Hamilton Place; former U.S. Army Judge Advocate General Corps, currently a major serving as command judge advocate for the 20th Special Forces GroupEducation: The University of the South-Sewanee, bachelors of arts with a major in British history and political science; law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law3RD DISTRICT CANDIDATESRepublicanChuck FleischmannDemocratJohn WolfeIndependentsDon Barkman, Mark DeVol, Gregory C. Goodwin, Robert Humphries, Mo Kiah, Savas T. KyriakidisSource: Tennessee Division of ElectionsKEY DATES BOX* Oct. 4: Last day to register to vote in November election* Oct. 13-28: Early voting* Nov. 2: Election DaySource: Tennessee Division of Elections

"How many times do we get to elections and voters say, 'Is this all we have to choose from?'" he asked. "We complain a lot that we don't have leaders who stand up for what's right. ... As an Army officer, I understand what it means to work for the people of the United States."

Kyriakidis said his top issue is fiscal responsibility "dictated by the confines of the Constitution."

"The government should not be running amok in places where it has no authority," he said.

He said he is a born-again Christian and said that, as a business owner, he has more experience where "the dollar meets the cash register."

He operates an African ministry called Hope Africa that sends Bibles to "impoverished people in informal settlements in the hills of South Africa." He also serves on the board of advisers for the local Salvation Army.

Paul Wirz, one of his supporters, said the Kyriakidis family quietly has helped those less fortunate in the community for 30 years.

"They're a dedicated family of service," he said. "I recommend him completely."

Contact Dan Whisenhunt at dwhisenhunt@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6481.

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